Notable events of 1959 in comics.

Publications and events

January

* January 7: In ''

Tintin Tintin usually refers to: * ''The Adventures of Tintin'', the comics series by Belgian cartoonist Hergé ** Tintin (character), the protagonist and titular character of the series Tintin or Tin Tin may also refer to: Material related to ''The A ...

'', the first chapter of the '' Michel Vaillant'' story ''Le Pilote Sans Visage'' by Jean Graton, is published. *January 11: ** After two years of publication Charles M. Schulz' ''

It's Only a Game ''It's Only a Game'' was a sports-and-game-oriented comics panel by Charles M. Schulz, creator of ''Peanuts''. Stephen D. Becker, ''Comic Art In America''. New York : Simon and Schuster, 1959, (p.159, 366) This panel feature ran for 14 months, f ...

'' comes to an end. ** The first episode of Jean Tabary's ''Totoche'' is printed in the magazine Vaillant. * January 25: Jean Tabary's ''Grabadu et Gabaliouchtou'' makes its debut. * January 31: Philip Mendoza's ''The Adventures of Katie Country Mouse'' debuts. It will run until 1964. * '' Mr. District Attorney'', with issue #67 (January/February cover date), is cancelled by

DC Comics DC Comics (originally DC Comics, Inc., and also known simply as DC) is an American comic book publisher owned by DC Entertainment, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery. DC is an initialism for "Detective Comics", an American comic book seri ...

. * In the Italian Disney magazine ''

Topolino ''Topolino'' (from the Italian language, Italian name for Mickey Mouse) is an Italian digest-sized comic series featuring Disney comics. The series has had a long running history, first appearing in 1932 as a comics magazine. Since 2013, it has ...

'', the story ''Paperiade'' (''The Ducks’

Iliad The ''Iliad'' (; , ; ) is one of two major Ancient Greek epic poems attributed to Homer. It is one of the oldest extant works of literature still widely read by modern audiences. As with the ''Odyssey'', the poem is divided into 24 books and ...

''), based on a script by

Guido Martina Guido Martina (9 February 1906 – 6 May 1991) was an Italian comic writer, documentarist and author. Martina is well known for his Disney comics stories, including the first of the "" story "L'inferno di Topolino", and the creation of Paperini ...

and drawings by Luciano Bottaro, is first published. That same year, Martina carries out Disney versions of other classics (''

Der ring des Nibelungen (''The Ring of the Nibelung''), WWV 86, is a cycle of four German-language epic music dramas composed by Richard Wagner. The works are based loosely on characters from Germanic heroic legend, namely Norse legendary sagas and the . The compo ...

'', ''

Cantar de mio Cid ''El Cantar de mio Cid'', or ''El Poema de mio Cid'' ("The Song of My Cid"; "The Poem of My Cid"), is an anonymous '' cantar de gesta'' and the oldest preserved Castilian epic poem. Based on a true story, it tells of the deeds of the Castilian h ...

'', '' The Adventures of Saturnin Farandoul'').

March

*March 10: In the Italian magazine ''Topolino'' the story ''Mickey Mouse in the Delta Dimension'', by Romano Scarpa is prepublished, which marks the debut of Atomo Bleep-Bleep and the return of Doctor Einmug, who hadn't been featured in 20 years. *March 15: After 38 years of publication Russ Westover's '' Tillie the Toiler'' is discontinued. * March 27: In Charles M. Schulz' ''

Peanuts ''Peanuts'' (briefly subtitled ''featuring Good ol' Charlie Brown'') is a print syndication, syndicated daily strip, daily and Sunday strip, Sunday American comic strip written and illustrated by Charles M. Schulz. The strip's original run ext ...

'' Lucy van Pelt opens up her psychiatric booth. * March 28: The final episode of Phiny Dick, Ton Beek, Eiso Toonder and Andries Brandt's ''Birre Beer'' is published. * March: '' Flash Comics'', a series which ended in 1949 is rebooted and marks the debut of ''

The Flash The Flash is the name of several superheroes appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Harry Lampert, the original Flash first appeared in ''Flash Comics'' #1 (cover date, cover-dated Jan ...

'' by John Broome and

Carmine Infantino Carmine Infantino (; May 24, 1925 – April 4, 2013) was an American comics artist and editing, editor, primarily for DC Comics, during the late 1950s and early 1960s period known as the Silver Age of Comic Books. Among his character creations are ...

. *

Carl Barks Carl Barks (March 27, 1901 – August 25, 2000) was an American cartoonist, author, and painter. He is best known for his work in Disney comics, Disney comic books, as the writer and artist of the first Donald Duck stories and as the creator of ...

' ''

Uncle Scrooge ''Uncle Scrooge'' (stylized as ''Uncle $crooge'') is a Disney comic book series starring Scrooge McDuck ("the richest duck in the world"), his nephew Donald Duck, and grandnephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie, and revolving around their adventures in ...

'' story ''The Flying Dutchman'' is first published. * In Italy, Renzo Barbieri debuts as writer and editor with the western series ''Timbergek''.

April

* April 16: in '' Spirou'', first chapter of '' Z comme Zorglub'', by Greg and Franquin.

May

* May 20: The final episode of

René Goscinny René Goscinny (; ; 14 August 1926 – 5 November 1977) was a French comic editor and writer, who created the ''Asterix, Astérix'' comic book series with illustrator Albert Uderzo. Born in France to a Jewish family from Poland, he spent his chil ...

and Sempé's ''

Le Petit Nicolas ''Le Petit Nicolas'' (''Little Nicholas'') is a series of French children's books created by René Goscinny and illustrated by Jean-Jacques Sempé; its first installment was originally published on 29 March 1959. The books depict an idealized ...

'' is serialized, still in comic strip format. In 1959 the series returns as illustrated short stories. * May 24: After two and a half years Frank Giacoia's '' Johnny Reb and Billy Yank'' comes to an end. * May 26: In Charles M. Schulz' ''

Sally Brown Sally Brown is a fictional character in the comic strip ''Peanuts'' by Charles Schulz. She is the younger sister of main character Charlie Brown. She was first mentioned in May 1959 and throughout a long series of strips before her first appea ...

makes her debut. * May 30: John Dixon's ''

Air Hawk and the Flying Doctors ''Air Hawk and the Flying Doctors'' was an Australian comic strip created by John Dixon (cartoonist), John Dixon. The strip began publication on 30 May 1959, premiering in the Saturday issue of Perth's ''Weekend Mail''. It was subsequently publis ...

'' makes its debut. * '' Hopalong Cassidy'', with issue #135 (May/June cover date), cancelled by DC. *

's ''Donald Duck'' story ''The Beachcombers' Picnic'' is published in '' Walt Disney’s comics and stories''.

June

* June 6: Leo Baxendale's '' The Three Bears'' makes its debut in ''

The Beano ''The Beano'' (formerly ''The Beano Comic'') is a British anthology comic magazine created by Scottish publishing company DC Thomson. Its first issue was published on 30 July 1938, and it published its 4000th issue in August 2019. Popular and ...

''. * June 21: The first issue of the Belgian children's magazine ''Zonnekind'', a sister publication of '' Zonneland'', is published. In the first issue Nonkel Fons and Gray Croucher's ''Rikske en Fikske'' makes its debut.

July

* July 2: In '' Spirou'' the first chapter of '' Les Schtroumpfs noirs'' by

Peyo Pierre Culliford (; 25 June 1928 – 24 December 1992) was a Belgian comics writer and artist who worked under the pseudonym Peyo (). His best-known works are the comic book series ''The Smurfs'' and '' Johan and Peewit'', in the latter of ...

is prepublished, which is the first long narrative starring the Smurfs after they debuted as side characters in '' Johan and Peewit'' a year earlier. * July 30: In ''Spirou'' the first chapter of the ''

Lucky Luke ''Lucky Luke'' is a Western (genre), Western bande dessinée, comic album series created by Belgian cartoonist Morris (cartoonist), Morris in 1946. Morris wrote and drew the series single-handedly until 1955, after which he started collaborati ...

'' story '' En remontant le Mississippi'', script by Goscinny, drawn by Morris is prepublished.

August

* August 10: In the Italian magazine ''Topolino,'' the first episode of ''Paperino e l’isola del Tesoro'' (

Donald Donald is a Scottish masculine given name. It is derived from the Gaelic name ''Dòmhnall''.. This comes from the Proto-Celtic *''Dumno-ualos'' ("world-ruler" or "world-wielder"). The final -''d'' in ''Donald'' is partly derived from a misinter ...

and the Treasure Island) by Luciano Bottaro, inaugurating the cycle of the ''"pirate ducks"'' narratives, and ''The man from Oola-Oola'', by Romano Scarpa, are published. *August 19: In '' Tintin magazine'', The '' Michel Vaillant'' story '' Le circuit de la peur (The fear's circuit)'' by Jean Graton is first published. *In the Argentina magazine ''Supetotem'',

Hugo Pratt Ugo Eugenio Prat (15 June 1927 – 20 August 1995), better known as Hugo Pratt, was an Italian comic book creator who was known for combining strong storytelling with extensive historical research on works such as '' Corto Maltese''. He was indu ...

debuts as complete author (writer and illustrator) with the first episode of ''Ana y Dan'', an adventure series set in the colonial Africa.

September

* September 14: The new ''

The Adventures of Nero ''The Adventures of Nero'' or ''Nero'' was a Belgium, Belgian comic strip drawn by Marc Sleen and the name of Nero (comic book character), its main character. The original title ranged from ''De Avonturen van Detective Van Zwam, Detectief Van Z ...

'' story ''De Zoon van Nero'' starts in '' Het Volk'', which marks the birth of

Nero Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus ( ; born Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus; 15 December AD 37 – 9 June AD 68) was a Roman emperor and the final emperor of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, reigning from AD 54 until his ...

's son Adhemar. * September 24:The final issue of the Belgian

Disney comics Disney comics are comic books and comic strips featuring characters created by the Walt Disney Company, including Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Scrooge McDuck. The first Disney comics were newspaper strips appearing from 1930 on, starting with t ...

magazine ''Mickey Magazine'' is published. * September:

Harvey Kurtzman Harvey Kurtzman (; October 3, 1924 – February 21, 1993) was an American cartoonist and editor. His best-known work includes writing and editing the parodic comic book ''Mad (magazine), Mad'' from 1952 until 1956, and writing the ...

's graphic novel '' Harvey Kurtzman's Jungle Book'' is first published. *''La griffe noire'' by Jacques Martin (

Le Lombard Le Lombard (), known as Les Éditions du Lombard () until 1989, is a Belgian comic book publisher established in 1946 when '' Tintin'' magazine was launched. Le Lombard became part of Média-Participations since 1986, alongside publishers Darg ...

), fifth album of the series '' Alix'', prepublished as a serial in ''

''.

October

* October 6: In Charles M. Schulz' ''

'' Linus van Pelt first expresses his love for Miss Othmar. * October 10: After 27 years of publication Norman Pett's '' Jane'' comes to an end. * October 17: After 23 years of continuous publication Bill Connor and Steve Dowling's '' Belinda'' comes to an end. * October 17: The British comics magazine '' The Comet'' ceases to exist and merges into the new magazine ''

Tiger The tiger (''Panthera tigris'') is a large Felidae, cat and a member of the genus ''Panthera'' native to Asia. It has a powerful, muscular body with a large head and paws, a long tail and orange fur with black, mostly vertical stripes. It is ...

''. * October 17: After 42 years of publication Sidney Smith's '' The Gumps'' comes to an end. * October 19: Dennis Collins' '' The Perishers'' makes its debut. * October 24: The British boys' story paper ''

The Hotspur ''The Hotspur'' was a British boys' paper published by D. C. Thomson & Co. From 1933 to 1959, it was a boys' story paper; it was relaunched as a comic in October 1959, initially called ''The New Hotspur'', and ceased publication in January 19 ...

'' is transformed into a comics magazine: ''The New Hotspur''. It will run until 24 January 1981. * October 26: In Charles M. Schulz' ''

'' Linus van Pelt first talks about the Great Pumpkin. * October 29: The first issue of the French comics magazine ''

Pilote ''Pilote'' (), for a while subtitled ''the magazine of Asterix and Obelix'' (French: ''Le Journal D’Astérix et D’Obélix'' ) was a French comics magazine published from 1959 to 1989. Showcasing most of the major Franco-Belgian comics, French ...

'' is published, which will become one of the best-selling magazines ever in only a few years. In its first issue '' Astérix'' by

and

Albert Uderzo Alberto Aleandro Uderzo (; 25 April 1927 – 24 March 2020), better known as Albert Uderzo (), was a French comic book artist and scriptwriter. He is best known as the co-creator and illustrator of the '' Astérix'' series in collaboration wit ...

(introducing

Asterix ''Asterix'' ( or , "Asterix the Gauls, Gaul"; also known as ''Asterix and Obelix'' in some adaptations or ''The Adventures of Asterix'') is a Franco-Belgian comics, French comic album book series, series about a Gaulish village which, thanks ...

, Obelix, Getafix the druid, Vitalstatistix the chieftain and Cacofonix the bard ), '' Tanguy et Laverdure'' by

Jean-Michel Charlier Jean-Michel Charlier (; 30 October 1924 – 10 July 1989) was a Belgian comics writer. He was a co-founder of the famed Franco-Belgian comics magazine '' Pilote''. Life Charlier was born in Liège, Belgium, in 1924.De Weyer, Geert (2005) ...

and

and Victor Hubinon's '' Redbeard'' make their debut. * Specific date in October unknown: The first episode of André LeBlanc's ''Our Bible in Pictures'' is published. The series will run until 1964 and become a global bestseller.

November

* November 5:

Willy Vandersteen Willebrord Jan Frans Maria "Willy" Vandersteen (15 February 1913 – 28 August 1990) was a Belgian creator of comic books. In a career spanning 50 years, he created a large studio and published more than 1,000 comic albums in over 25 series, sel ...

's '' De Rode Ridder'', based on the novels by Leopold Vermeiren, makes its debut. *November 10: In the Italian magazine ''Topolino'' ''The Sacred Spring of Seasons'', by Romano Scarpa is prepublished.

December

* December 10: In the 1130th issue of the Belgian magazine '' Spirou'' a small supplement '' Smurfs'' comic book is added named ''Le Voleur de Schtroumpfs'', in which Gargamel and Azrael make their debut. * December 16:

Raymond Macherot Raymond Macherot (30 March 1924 – 26 September 2008) was a Belgian comics artist, most famous for his satirical funny animal series ''Chlorophylle'' and '' Sibylline''. Although not nearly as famous as fellow Belgian cartoonists such as Hergé ...

's '' Clifton'' makes its debut. * December 24: Jean Roba and Maurice Rosy's ''

Boule et Bill ''Boule et Bill'' (known in English as ''Billy & Buddy'') is a popular comics, comic, created in 1959 by Franco-Belgian comics, Belgian Comic book creator, writer-artist Jean Roba in collaboration with Maurice Rosy. In 2003, the artistic responsib ...

'' makes its debut in '' Spirou''. *

' ''

Donald Duck Donald Fauntleroy Duck is a cartoon character created by the Walt Disney Company. Donald is an Anthropomorphism, anthropomorphic white duck with a yellow-orange bill, legs, and feet. He typically wears a sailor suit, sailor shirt and cap with ...

'' story ''The Wax Museum'' is prepublished in ''Walt Disney's Comics and Stories''.

Specific date unknown

* Dick Millington's ''Mighty Moth'' makes its debut in TV Comic, where it will run until 1984. * In the newspaper Folha da Manha

Mauricio de Sousa Mauricio Araújo de Sousa (; born October 27, 1935), known artistically as Mauricio de Sousa or mononymously just as Mauricio, is a Brazilian cartoonist and businessman who has created over 200 characters for his popular series of children's co ...

's comic strip ''Dudu'' makes its debut, which later, under the name '' Monica’s gang'', will become the most popular Brazilian comic. * In '' Le parisien liberè'', '' Tembo Tabou'', by Greg, Andrè Franquin and Jean Roba, is prepublished.

Births

January

* January 7: Karl Kesel, American comic book writer and artist (''

Superman Superman is a superhero created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, which first appeared in the comic book ''Action Comics'' Action Comics 1, #1, published in the United States on April 18, 1938.The copyright date of ''Action Comics ...

'', '' Hawk and Dove'', ''

Fantastic Four The Fantastic Four, often abbreviated as FF, is a superhero team appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The team debuted in '' The Fantastic Four'' #1 ( cover-dated November 1961), helping usher in a new level of realism i ...

'').

March

* March 14: Michelangelo La Neve, Italian comics writer (''

Dylan Dog ''Dylan Dog'' is an Italian horror comics series created by Tiziano Sclavi and published by Sergio Bonelli Editore since 1986. The series features the eponymous character, a paranormal investigator who takes on cases involving supernatural el ...

'', ''

Martin Mystère ''Martin Mystère'' is an Italian comic book whose protagonist is Martin Mystère. Created by writer Alfredo Castelli and artist Giancarlo Alessandrini, it was first published in Italy by Sergio Bonelli Editore in 1982. Dark Horse Comics has ...

''), (d.

2022 The year began with another wave in the COVID-19 pandemic, with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant, Omicron spreading rapidly and becoming the dominant variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus worldwide. Tracking a decrease in cases and deaths, 2022 saw ...

April

* April 11:

Oscar González Loyo Oscar González Loyo (11 April 1959 in Mexico City"Oscar González Loyo"
Kees Kousem ...

, Mexican animator and comics artist ('' Karmatrón y Los Transformables''), (d.

2021 Like the year 2020, 2021 was also heavily defined by the COVID-19 pandemic, due to the emergence of multiple Variants of SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19 variants. The major global rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, which began at the end of 2020, continued ...

May

* May 4: Henriette Valium, Canadian painter and comics artist, (d.

June

* June 27:

Dan Jurgens Dan Jurgens (; born June 27, 1959) is an American comic book writer and artist. He is known for his work on the DC Comics, DC comic book storyline "The Death of Superman" and for creating characters such as Doomsday (DC Comics), Doomsday, Hank H ...

, American comic book artist and writer (''

'', ''

Booster Gold Booster Gold (Michael Jon "Booster" Carter) is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Dan Jurgens, the character first appeared in ''Booster Gold (comic book), Booster Gold'' #1 (February 1986) and has be ...

'', ''

Batman Beyond ''Batman Beyond'' (also known as ''Batman of the Future'' in Europe) is an American superhero animated television series based on the DC Comics superhero Batman, and serving as the sequel to both '' Batman: The Animated Series'' and '' The New Ba ...

'', ''

Thor Thor (from ) is a prominent list of thunder gods, god in Germanic paganism. In Norse mythology, he is a hammer-wielding æsir, god associated with lightning, thunder, storms, sacred trees and groves in Germanic paganism and mythology, sacred g ...

'').

July

* July 10: Marc Daniëls, Belgian comics writer and artist (''Stam & Pilou'', various

celebrity comics Celebrity comics are comics based on the fame and popularity of a celebrity.De Weyer, Geert, "België gestript",Standaard Uitgeverij, 2014. They are a byproduct of merchandising around a certain media star or franchise and have existed since the ma ...

) and co-founder of Studio Max!, (d.

September

* September 17: Frank Cummings, Venezuelan-American comics artist (''Brain Squirts'', assisted on '' Blondie'', published in '' Cracked''), (d.

2014 The year 2014 was marked by the surge of the Western African Ebola epidemic, West African Ebola epidemic, which began in 2013, becoming the List of Ebola outbreaks, most widespread outbreak of the Ebola, Ebola virus in human history, resul ...

November

* November 19: Steve Lightle, American comics artist (''

Doom Patrol Doom Patrol is a superhero team from DC Comics. The original Doom Patrol first appeared in ''My Greatest Adventure'' #80 (June 1963), and was created by writers Arnold Drake and Bob Haney, along with artist Bruno Premiani. Doom Patrol has appear ...

'', continued ''

Legion of Super-Heroes The Legion of Super-Heroes is a superhero team appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by writer Otto Binder and artist Al Plastino, the Legion is a group of superpowered beings living in the 30th and 31st centuries of t ...

''), (d.

Deaths

January

* January 30: , German caricaturist and comics artist (''Jackel und Bastel''), dies at age 60.

March

* March 12: F. Verdugo, Spanish journalist and comics artist, dies at age 84.

April

* April 14: Marcel Antoine, French caricaturist, radio presenter, comedian, singer and comic artist (''Slache''), dies at age 62. * April 15: Harry B. Martin, American comics artist (''

Weatherbird The Weatherbird is a cartoon character and a single-panel comic. It is printed on the front of the ''St. Louis Post-Dispatch'' and has been in the paper continuously since 1901, making it the longest-running American newspaper cartoon and a mascot ...

'', ''It Happened in Birdland''), dies from cerebral thrombosis at age 85.

May

* May 1: Reginald Arkell, British novelist, playwright and comics writer (scripted ''Bosch the Soldier'' by Alfred Leete), dies at age 76.

July

* July 2: R. F. Schabelitz, American illustrator and comics artist, dies at age 72. * July 6:

George Grosz George Grosz (; ; born Georg Ehrenfried Groß; July 26, 1893 – July 6, 1959) was a German artist known especially for his caricatural drawings and paintings of Berlin life in the 1920s. He was a prominent member of the Berlin Dada and New Obj ...

, German painter, caricaturist, and illustrator, dies at age 65. * July 31: Nikolai Kogout, Russian painter, illustrator and poster designer (some of his posters make use of sequential narratives), dies at age 67.

August

* August 4: Eric Ericson, American comics artist and cartoonist (''The Grounded Gremlin'', ''Herkimer Fuddle''), dies at age 45. * August 5: Frank Godwin, American comics artist and illustrator ('' Connie'', '' Rusty Riley'', continued ''Roy Powers, Eagle Scout''), dies at age 69 from a heart attack. * August 11:

Matt Baker Matthew James Baker (born 23 December 1977) is a British television presenter. He co-presented the children's television show ''Blue Peter'' from 1999 until 2006, BBC One's '' Countryfile'' since 2009 and ''The One Show'' from 2011 to 2020, wi ...

, American comics artist ('' Phantom Lady'', ''Flamingo'') dies at age 37. * August 11: Bert Wymer, British comics artist and archeologist (continued '' Tiger Tim''), dies at age 68.

September

* September 1: Joseph Wirt Tillotson, American illustrator and comic artist, (''Our Bible in Pictures''), dies at age 54. * September 10: René Kulbach, Canadian comic artist (''Tang'', ''Out of the Woods''), dies at age 51. * September 28: Gerard Hoffnung, German-British cartoonist and musician, dies at age 34 from a cerebral haemorrhage. * September 29:

Bruce Bairnsfather Captain Charles Bruce Bairnsfather (9 July 188729 September 1959) was a prominent British humour, humorist and cartoonist. His best-known cartoon character is Old Bill (comics), Old Bill. Bill and his pals Bert and Alf featured in Bairnsfather's ...

, British comics artist and cartoonist ('' Old Bill''), dies at age 72 from bladder cancer.

October

* October 10: Carl Ed, American comics artist (''

Harold Teen ''Harold Teen'' is a discontinued, long-running American comic strip written and drawn by Carl Ed (pronounced "eed"). Publisher Joseph Medill Patterson may have suggested and certainly approved the strip's concept, loosely based on Booth Tarkin ...

''), dies at age 69.

November

* November 21: Hal Forrest, American comics artist (''Artie the Ace'', '' Tailspin Tommy''), dies at age 64.

December

* December 7: Peter Beekman, Dutch comics artist (''Hansje, Ansje en de Meeuw'', ''Rare, Maar Ware Commentaren''), dies at age 48. * December 9: Gene Carr, American comics artist ('' Lady Bountiful'', ''The Bad Dream That Made Bill A Better Boy''), dies at age 78. * December 14: Ingrid Vang Nyman, Danish illustrator and comic artist (comics based on ''

Pippi Longstocking Pippi Longstocking () is the fictional main character in a series of children's books by Swedish author Astrid Lindgren. Pippi was named by Lindgren's daughter Karin, who asked her mother for a get-well story when she was off school. Pippi is ...

''), commits suicide at age 43.

Specific date unknown

* Wasdale Brown, British illustrator comics artist (drew the off-model replacement comic for ''

Rupert Bear Rupert Bear is an English children's comic strip character and franchise created by Herbert Tourtel and illustrated by his wife, the artist Mary Tourtel, first appearing in the ''Daily Express'' newspaper on 8 November 1920. Rupert's initi ...

'' in 1933), dies at age 56 or 57. * Will Donald, Australian comics artist (''Fashion Plate Fanny''), dies at age 85 or 86. * Norman Yendell Ward, British comic artist (comics for ''

Film Fun ''Film Fun'' was a British celebrity comics comic book that ran from (issues dates) 17 January 1920 to 15 September 1962, when it merged with '' Buster'', a total of 2,225 issues. There were also annuals in the forties and fifties. As the title ...

'' magazine), dies at age 53.

First issues by title

*''Kathy'' -

Marvel Comics Marvel Comics is a New York City–based comic book publishing, publisher, a property of the Walt Disney Company since December 31, 2009, and a subsidiary of Disney Publishing Worldwide since March 2023. Marvel was founded in 1939 by Martin G ...

*'' A Date with Millie'' - Marvel Comics * ''

'' magazine, featuring debuts of the series '' Astérix'' by

and

, and '' Michel Tanguy'' by Uderzo and

. (October 29) *''Giubba rossa'' – Edizioni Araldo (June); Italian version of the English series dedicated to the

RCMP The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP; , GRC) is the Law enforcement in Canada, national police service of Canada. The RCMP is an agency of the Government of Canada; it also provides police services under contract to 11 Provinces and terri ...

sergeant Dick Daring. *''

Tales of Suspense ''Tales of Suspense'' is the name of an American comic book anthology series, and two one-shot comics, all published by Marvel Comics. The first, which ran from 1959 to 1968, began as a science-fiction anthology that served as a showcase for s ...

'' - Marvel Comics *''

Tales to Astonish ''Tales to Astonish'' is the name of two American comic book series, and a One-shot (comics), one-shot comic, all published by Marvel Comics. The primary title bearing that name was published from January 1959 to March 1968. It began as a scie ...

'' - Marvel Comics

Initial appearance by character name

* Pugacioff (May) in '' Cucciolo'', created by Giorgio Rebuffi. * Whisky & Gogo in ''Cucciolo'', created by Luciano Bottaro. *

and

Obélix Obelix ( ; ) is a cartoon character in the French comic book series ''Asterix''. He works as a menhir sculptor and deliveryman as well as one of the primary defenders of the Gaulish village, and is Asterix's best friend. Obelix is noted for his ...

make their debut on 29 October 1959 in the first issue of ''

''. * '' Tanguy et Laverdure'' make their debut in the first issue of ''

''.

DC Comics

Abin Sur Abin Sur is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. He was a member of the Green Lantern Corps and is best known as the predecessor of Green Lantern Hal Jordan, whom Abin Sur's power ring chose as his replacement. Af ...

in '' Showcase'' #22 (October) created by John Broome and

Gil Kane Gil Kane (; born Eli Katz , ; April 6, 1926 – January 31, 2000) was a Latvian-born American comics artist whose career spanned the 1940s to the 1990s and virtually every major comics company and character. Kane co-created the modern-day vers ...

Bat-Mite Bat-Mite is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Bat-Mite is an imp similar to the Superman villain Mister Mxyzptlk. Depicted as a small, childlike man in an ill-fitting copy of Batman, Batman's costume, ...

in ''

Detective Comics ''Detective Comics'' (later retitled as ''Batman Detective Comics'') is an American comic book series published by Detective Comics, later shortened to DC Comics. The first volume, published from 1937 to 2011 (and later continued in 2016), is ...

'' #267 (May), created by

Bill Finger Milton "Bill" Finger (February 8, 1914 – ) was an American comic book writer who co-created the DC Comics character Batman with Bob Kane. Despite making major (sometimes, signature) contributions as an innovative writer, visionary mythos/world ...

and

Sheldon Moldoff Sheldon "Shelly" Moldoff (; April 14, 1920 – February 29, 2012) was an Americans, American comics artist best known for his early work on the DC Comics characters Hawkman and Hawkgirl, and as one of Bob Kane's primary "ghost artists" (unc ...

* Carol Ferris in '' Showcase'' #22 (September), created by John Broome and

Circe In Greek mythology, Circe (; ) is an enchantress, sometimes considered a goddess or a nymph. In most accounts, Circe is described as the daughter of the sun god Helios and the Oceanid Perse (mythology), Perse. Circe was renowned for her vast kn ...

in '' Showcase'' #21 (July), created by Jack Miller and

Mike Sekowsky Michael Sekowsky (; November 19, 1923 – March 30, 1989) was an American comics artist known as the penciler for DC Comics' '' Justice League of America'' during most of the 1960s, and as the regular writer and artist on ''Wonder Woman'' durin ...

Congorilla Congorilla (originally in human: William "Congo Bill" Glenmorgan) is a superhero appearing in comic books published by DC Comics and Vertigo Comics. Originally co-created by writer Whitney Ellsworth and artist George Papp, he was later transform ...

in ''

Action Comics ''Action Comics'' is an American comic book/Comic anthology, magazine series that introduced Superman, one of the first major superhero characters. The publisher was originally known as Detective Comics Inc., which later merged into National ...

'' #248 (January) created by Robert Bernstein and Howard Sherman -

* Gorilla Grodd in ''

'' #106 (May), created by John Broome and

Hal Jordan Harold "Hal" Jordan, one of the characters known as Green Lantern, is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created in 1959 by writer John Broome (writer), John Broome and artist Gil Kane, and f ...

in '' Showcase'' #22 (October) created by John Broome and

* Human Flame in ''

'' #274 (December), created by Jack Miller and Joe Certa -

* Karin Grace in ''

The Brave and the Bold ''The Brave and the Bold'' is a comic book series published by DC Comics as an ongoing series from 1955 to 1983. It was followed by a reprint miniseries in 1988, two original miniseries in 1991 and 1999, and was revived as an ongoing anthology ...

'' #25 (September), created by

Robert Kanigher Robert Kanigher (; June 18, 1915 – May 7, 2002)Social Security Death Index, social security #116-07-5117. was an American comic book writer and editor whose career spanned five decades. He was involved with the Wonder Woman franchise for over ...

and

Ross Andru Ross Andru (; born Rostislav Androuchkevitch, June 15, 1927 – November 9, 1993) Part 1: Animation: We Leave the Army", p. 21. In 1948, Andru's first professional work as a comic strip illustrator was drawing layouts for the ''Tarzan (comics), T ...

Lady Blackhawk Lady Blackhawk is an alias used by three fictional comic book characters appearing in American comic books. The first, Zinda Blake, was introduced in a DC Comics publication in 1959 (''Blackhawk (DC Comics), Blackhawk'' #133); the second, Natalie R ...

in '' Blackhawk'' #133(February), created by Jack Schiff and

Dick Dillin Richard Allen Dillin (December 17, 1928 – March 1, 1980)Richard Dillin
at the United States Social Securi ...

* Lori Lemaris in ''

'' #129 (May), created by

and

Wayne Boring Wayne Boring (June 5, 1905 – February 20, 1987) was an Americans, American Comics artist, comic book artist best known for his work on Superman from the late 1940s to 1950s. He occasionally used the pseudonym Jack Harmon. Biography Early life a ...

* Lucy Lane in '' Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen'' #36 (April), created by

Otto Binder Otto Oscar Binder (; August 26, 1911 – October 13, 1974) was an American author of science fiction and non-fiction books and stories, and comic books. He is best known as the co-creator of Supergirl and for his many scripts for '' Captain Ma ...

and

Curt Swan Douglas Curtis Swan (February 17, 1920 – June 17, 1996) was an American comics artist. The artist most associated with Superman during the period fans call the Bronze Age of Comic Books, Swan produced hundreds of covers and stories from the 195 ...

Metallo Metallo () is the name of different supervillains appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly as an List of Superman enemies, adversary of Superman. All versions of the character are powered by kryptonite and are partially ...

in ''

'' #252 (May), created by Robert Bernstein and Al Plastino -

Mirror Master Mirror Master is the name of several supervillains appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. He is a recurring foe of the Flash (comics), Flash with considerable technical expertise and skills involving the use of mirrors. Three ...

in ''

'' #105 (March), created by John Broome and

* Mister Freeze in ''

Batman Batman is a superhero who appears in American comic books published by DC Comics. Batman was created by the artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, and debuted in Detective Comics 27, the 27th issue of the comic book ''Detective Comics'' on M ...

'' #121(February), created by Dave Wood and

* Pied Piper in ''

'' #106 (May), created by John Broome and

* Rick Flag in ''

'' #25 (August), created by

and

Rip Hunter Rip Hunter (Michael Jon Carter Jr.) is a time-traveling superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by writer Jack Miller and artist Ruben Moreira, the character first appeared in ''Showcase (comics), Showcase'' #20 ...

in '' Showcase'' #20 (June), created by Jack Miller and Ruben Moreira -

* Sgt. Rock in '' Our Army at War'' #81 (April), created by

and

Joe Kubert Joseph Kubert (; September 18, 1926 – August 12, 2012) was a Poland, Polish-born Americans, American comic book artist, art teacher, and founder of The Kubert School. He is best known for his work on the DC Comics characters Sgt. Rock and Hawk ...

* Solovar in ''

'' #106 (April), created by John Broome and

Suicide Squad The Suicide Squad is an antihero/supervillain team appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The first version of the Suicide Squad debuted in ''The Brave and the Bold'' #25 (September 1959) and the second and modern version, cre ...

in '' Brave and Bold'' #25, created by

and

Supergirl Supergirl is the name of several fictional superheroines appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The original, current, and most well known Supergirl is Supergirl (Kara Zor-El), Kara Zor-El, the cousin of superhero Superman. Th ...

in ''

'' #252 (May), created by

and Al Plastino -

* The Clock in ''

'' #265 (March), created by

and

Weather Wizard Weather Wizard (Mark Mardon) is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Weather Wizard made his first live-action appearance in the television specials '' Legends of the Superheroes'' (1979), played by Jeff Altma ...

, in ''

Flash Flash, flashes, or FLASH may refer to: Arts, entertainment, and media Fictional aliases * The Flash, several DC Comics superheroes with super speed: ** Flash (Jay Garrick) ** Barry Allen ** Wally West, the first Kid Flash and third adult Flash ...

'' #110 (December 1959/January 1960)

References

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