Brent Moeshlin
When it comes to comics, the 70s was a great decade. Many iconic comics were released then, and they're still some of the most popular today. Whether you’re into superheroes, horror, or action and adventure stories, you’re sure to find something you’ll enjoy from that time period.
If you’re looking to add some of those popular 70s comic books to your collection, you’re in the right place! We’ve compiled a list of the most readily available comics from the 1970s to give you a great starting point. Let’s jump in!
Conan #29
Key Comic Facts
Issue #29 of Conan The Barbarian is called "Two Against Turan!". It has a cover date of August 1973. In this book, Conan Kills Eithriall (a.k.a. Ormraxes) and many others; Conan joins the Turanian Army of King Yildiz.
Who created it?
It was written and edited by Roy Thomas, penciled by John Buscema, inked by Ernie Chua, and colored by Glynis Wein.
What happens inside the pages?
“Two Against Turan!”
Conan enters the city of Aghrapur in time to see the delivery of the statue of Tarim from Prince Yezdigerd.
What's it worth?
The highest price ever paid for Conan The Barbarian #29 is $752 for a book rated 9.8, sold in December 2019. A unit of the same issue with a 7.5 rating was sold for just $40 two years later, in December 2021.
Marvel Team-Up #15
Key Comic Facts
Issue #15 of Marvel Team-Up Vol. 1 is called "If an Eye Offends Thee!". It has a cover date of November 1973. This issue marks the first appearance of The Orb (Drake Shannon).
Who created it?
This issue was written by Len Wein, penciled by Ross Andru, inked by Don Perlin, colored by Glynis Wein, and finally edited by Roy Thomas.
What happens inside the pages?
"If an Eye Offends Thee!"
Peter decides to go along with Mary Jane to see the stunt show, needing something to take his mind off his battle with the Kangaroo, who died fighting Spider-Man in Amazing Spider-Man #126. Crash Simpson's former partner returns, looking for sole ownership of the cycle show.
What's it worth?
The highest recorded sale of Issue #15 of Marvel Team-Up Vol. 1 is $525 for a 9.8 book, sold in May 2020. Records show that the other three units of the same issue were sold at an average price of $421 the same year (2020). A 4.5 book had a December 2019 price of $31.
Slow Death #4
Key Comic Facts
Issue #4 of Slow Death Vol. 1 is called ""Eye of the Beholder"". It has a cover date of November 1973. This is one of the more rare comics from the 70s.
Who created it?
It was written and penciled by Jack Jackson, George Metzger, Greg Irons, Tom Veitch and Richard Corben.
What happens inside the pages?
This issue contains five stories:
"Eye of the Beholder"
"Ecotopia 2001"
"The Awakening"
"Mangle, Robot Mangler"
"Homesick"
What's it worth?
Only mid to high quality copies of issue #4 of Slow Death have been sold at auction, with the highest being a 9.8 book, sold for $110 in November 2017. The lowest quality book is rated 6.0, and was valued at just $10 as of March 2020
The Defenders #14
Key Comic Facts
Issue #14 of Defenders Vol. 1 is called "And Who Shall Inherit the Earth?". Its cover release date is July 1974. In this issue, Sub-mariner leaves the Defenders team, and Nighthawk joins.
Who created it?
This issue was written by Len Wein, penciled by Sal Buscema, Inked by Dan Green, colored by Glynis Wein, and finally edited by Roy Thomas.
What happens inside the pages?
"And Who Shall Inherit the Earth?"
The Defenders stop the Squadron Sinister and Nebulon from destroying the Earth.
What's it worth?
The highest recorded sale for Issue #14 of Defenders Vol. 1 is $304 for a 9.8 book, sold in August 2007. That same book was valued at $205 in March 2018. A 5.5 book had a May 2010 price of $1. The same 5.5 rated issue had a price of $20 in June 2007.
Marvel Team-Up #1
Key Comic Facts
Issue #1 of Marvel Team-Up Vol. 1 is called "Have Yourself a Sandman Little Christmas!". It has a cover release date of June 1975. Sandman emerges from the ocean where he was dumped by the Hulk in "Incredible Hulk #138".
Who created it?
It was written by Roy Thomas, penciled by Ross Andru, inked by Mike Esposito, and finally edited by Stan Lee.
What happens inside the pages?
"Have Yourself a Sandman Little Christmas!"
Spidey and the Torch tangle with the Sandman on Christmas Eve but show a little mercy when they find he is trying to deliver a gift to his ailing mother.
What's it worth?
The highest recorded sale for Issue #1 of Marvel Team-Up Vol. 1 is $5000 for a 9.8 book in the golden state, sold in April 2008. The same issue with a 9.4 rating was valued at $1,250 in June 2021. A 3.0 book had a reported price of $40 in March 2021.
Fantastic Four #112
Key Comic Facts
Fantastic Four #112 is called "Battle of the Behemoths!". It was released in July 1971.
During their battle in Central Park, the Hulk and the Thing destroy a statue of "General Forbush." Irving Forbush had been a comical and iconic creation of the Marvel Bullpen.
Who created it?
This issue was penciled by John Buscema, inked by Joe Sinnott, and lastly, it was written and edited by Stan Lee.
What happens inside the pages?
"Battle of the Behemoths!"
The Hulk battles the Thing to the finish - and we mean the finish! It's a mind-boggler!
What's it worth?
The highest recorded sale for Fantastic Four #112 Vol. 1 is $24,017 for a 9.8 book sold in August 2009. An issue with the same rating was valued at $5,341 in February 2020. A book with a 3.5 rating had a value of $188 in February 2022.
Green Lantern #85
Key Comic Facts
Issue #85 of Green Lantern Vol. 2 is called "Snowbirds Don't Fly". It was released in August 1971. Green Lantern and Green Arrow join forces on this adventure.
Who created it?
This Issue was penciled and inked by Neal Adams, written by Dennis O´Neil, colored by Cory Adams, and edited by Julius Schwartz.
What happens inside the pages?
"Snowbirds Don't Fly"
When Oliver is jumped by a group of junkies, he is shocked when one of them shoots him with one of his arrows, which he suspects is connected to the fact that he hasn't seen his ward, Roy Harper, in a month. Green Arrow, now teamed with Green Lantern, follows the leads to the junkies' dealer and eventually back to the junkies themselves, where the heroes find the missing Roy Harper.
Roy lets GA assume he has been working undercover to find out who is at the top of the narcotics racket. Later, the junkies lead the heroes to an airplane hangar but help the dealers knock out GL and GA and inject them with drugs. Roy arrives in time to distract the cops and get the messed-up duo home. There he tries to explain the attraction of doing drugs to his mentor and his partner, but Green Arrow continues to remain baffled by their appeal and is shocked to soon find Roy getting ready to shoot up.
What's it worth?
Issue #85 of Green Lantern Vol. 2 had a reported price of $826 for a 9.8 book back in January 2017. The same issue was sold for $2160 in October 2021, so the price of this book has increased notably in the almost 5-year gap between transactions. The same book with a 3.5 rating was purchased in January 2021 at just $52.
Amazing Spider-Man #100
Key Comic Facts
The book Amazing Spider-Man #100 Vol. 1 is called "The Spider or the Man?". It has a cover date of September 1971.
Peter's dream covers several key moments in the life of Spider-Man, including:
-
The death of his Uncle Ben at the hands of a burglar in Amazing Fantasy #15.
-
Uncle Ben's funeral in Spectacular Spider-Man Magazine #1.
-
Peter getting a job as a freelance photographer for the Daily Bugle in Amazing Spider-Man #2.
Who created it?
This issue was penciled by Gil Kane, inked by Frank Giacoia, and both written and edited by Stan Lee.
What happens inside the pages?
"The Spider or the Man?"
Peter Parker concocts a potion to take away his powers forever. He passes out and wakes up with six arms.
What's it worth?
The Amazing Spider-Man #100 Vol. 1 had a reported price of $1587 for a 9.8 book in January 2020. This issue has been increasing in value since then, with a copy of the same rating jumping up to $16,800 by November 2021. The same issue with a 2.5 rating was purchased in January 2022 for $100.
Marvel Preview #4
Key Comic Facts
Marvel Preview #4 Vol. 1 features two stories "Starlord First House: Earth!" and "The Sword in the Star! Stave 1: Alas, the Seeds of Man". It has a cover date of January 1976. This book shows the first appearance of Prince Wayfinder, who dies in the book Micronauts #35.
Who created it?
This book was written by Steve Englehart, with pencil and ink by Steven Gan and Bob Mcleod.
What happens inside the pages?
"Starlord First House: Earth!"
The story of Peter Quill, from being born to a father who realized he wasn’t his, right through to him eventually becoming Starlord.
"The Sword in the Star!: Stave 1: Alas, the Seeds of Man!"
After the Ithacans and their King are wiped out by the Black Fleet in battle, his son Prince Wayfinder flees with Delphos the ‘wizard’ as the only survivors. Delphos explains that his ‘magic’ is purely science from thousands of years ago, and he was chosen as a ‘Methuselah’ to live for around 10,000 years. As the scientist bled out, he showed the Prince a robot named Alkinoos that would pilot them away from the battle to safety.
What's it worth?
The Marvel Preview #4 Vol. 1 had a reported price of $1101 for a 9.8 book sold in January 2020. The price of this book has been increasing since then. A volume with the same rating was sold for an impressive $28,800 in March 2022. The same book with a 3.5 rating was purchased in March 2022 for $125.
Strange Tales #180
Key Comic Facts
Issue #180 of Strange Tales Vol. 1 is called "The Judgement!". It has a cover date of June 1975. This issue marks the first appearance of Gamora, daughter of the Mad Titan, Thanos.
Who created it?
It was written, penciled, inked, and colored by Jim Starlin, with ink by Alan Weiss, and lettering by Tom Orzechowski. It was edited by Len Wein.
What happens inside the pages?
"The Judgement!"
Warlock discovers he needs to destroy the Soul Gem but realizes he can't do it because he can no longer exist without it. The Matriarch invites him to the Sacred Palace and reveals that the Magus is a future version of him, not a conjuring of the gem.
Warlock falls through a trap-door and stands trial before Kray-Tor. He is sentenced to death. Meanwhile, Gamora finds Pip and tells him that if Magus is not defeated by Warlock, she will kill him. Warlock uses the Soul Gem to kill Kray-Tor and realizes he's the villain now.
What's it worth?
The highest recorded sale for Strange Tales #180 is $3,600 for a 9.8 book, sold in September 2021. That same book was valued at just $1,500 the previous year. A 5.5 book had a May 2021 price of $84, increasing its 2020 price of $52, and a 2.0 sold for $21 in October 2020, being the only recorded price.
Marvel Team-Up #55
Key Comic Facts
Issue #55 of Marvel Team. Up Vol. 1 is called "Spider, Spider on the Moon!". It has a cover release date of March 1977.
This issue marks the first appearance of The Gardner, a virtually immortal being that employs an infinity stone to travel through space without a spaceship. The book also shows the first appearance of the Time and Power infinity stones.
Who created it?
It was written by Bill Mantlo, penciled by John Byrne, inked by Dave Hunt, colored by George Roussos, and edited by Archie Goodwin.
What happens inside the pages?
"Spider, Spider on the Moon!"
Adam Warlock stops the rocket carrying Spider-Man and sends it to the moon. The Stranger tries to steal Adam's Soul gem.
What's it worth?
This comic book had a reported value of $230 for a 9.8 graded copy purchased in July 2021. That same book was valued at $550 in February 2022, more than doubling its price from less than a year earlier. A 5.5 book had a price of just $23 as of September 2018.
Amazing Spider-Man #88
Key Comic Facts
The comic book Amazing Spider-Man #88 Vol. 1 is called "The Arms of Doctor Octopus!". It has a cover release date of September 1970.
Who created it?
This Issue was penciled by John Romita Sr., inked by Jim Mooney, and both written and edited by Stan Lee.
What happens inside the pages?
"The Arms of Doctor Octopus!"
The mechanical arms of Dr. Octopus are put on display at New York's Museum of Natural Science, but Otto Octavius uses his mental link to them to command them to bust him out of prison. Spider-Man tries to stop them, but they cause damage to a building so he has to let them go in order to prevent the building from collapsing with innocent people inside.
Dr. Octopus flees the prison and takes a plane hostage that’s carrying an important military leader, demanding a ransom of $10 million. Peter Parker (who is there covering the story for the Bugle) boards the plane as Spider-Man and manages to free everyone on board.
During the Doctor’s fight with Spider-Man, he manages to activate the plane's engines with one of his arms. Spider-Man flees the jet, and it crashes, with everyone believing that Dr. Octopus died in the crash, however, Spider-Man is not convinced.
What's it worth?
This comic book had a reported value of $1440 for a 9.8 graded book purchased in December 2021. A 5.0 book had a price of $56 in January 2021.
Hero For Hire (1972) #1
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Key Comic Facts
Issue #1 of Hero for Hire Vol. 1 is called "Out of Hell -- A Hero!". It has a cover date of June 1972. This issue marks the first appearance of Luke Cage, and it features his origin story as a hero from a failed experiment.
Who created it?
It was written by Archie Goodwin, with pencil by George Tuska, ink by Billy Graham, and lettering by Skip Kohloff. It was edited by Stan Lee.
What happens inside the pages?
"Out of Hell -- A Hero!"
Lucas Cage is imprisoned at Seagate Prison. He explains to prison physician Noah Burstein that he was framed for cocaine possession by his friend Willis Stryker. Burstein offers Lucas a chance for parole if he helps with an experiment.
A racist prison guard tampers with the experiment and Lucas is granted enhanced strength and bulletproof skin. He escapes the prison and finds his way to New York, where he starts working as a Hero for Hire with a costume and takes up the name Luke Cage. His activities make him popular in Harlem, but also attract the attention of local crime syndicate leader, Diamondback, who turns out to be Luke's old friend, Willis Stryker.
What's it worth?
The highest quality book registered for Hero for Hire Vol #1 is a 9.8 copy, which sold for $16,250 in April 2020, although that's a decrease from its 2016 price of $24,000. A 5.5 rated copy had a January 2022 value of $406, after being valued at $322 nine months before, and a 2.0 copy had a value of $131 as of December 2021, slightly decreasing its $150 price from the end of 2020.
Iron Man #55
Key Comic Facts
Issue #55 of Iron Man Vol 1 is called "Beware the... Blood Brothers!". The cover release date for this book is February 1973. This issue marks the first appearance of Thanos, Drax The Destroyer, and The Blood Brothers.
Who created it?
It was written by Jim Starlin and Mike Friedrich, penciled by Jim Starlin, inked by Mike Esposito, with lettering by John Costanza. The edition of this book was made by Roy Thomas.
What happens inside the pages?
"Beware the... Blood Brothers!"
Drax the Destroyer and Iron Man fight the Blood Brothers and Thanos at Thanos’ base. They get the better of the Blood Brothers, with a little help from their friends on Titan. Thanos prepares to destroy his base, but as he fights with Iron Man, his head is shattered, revealing that Thanos has actually gone and he’s left a robot in his place.
Drax and Iron Man quickly depart, suspecting the place is booby trapped, and Thanos’ base is destroyed shortly after they leave. However, Drax is certain that Thanos is still alive and that he will face him again.
What's it worth?
The highest quality book registered for Issue #55 of Iron Man Vol #1 is rated at 9.8, which sold for $9000 in November 2021, but its value had increased to $12,500 by the time it was sold again March 2022. The same issue with a rating of 2.0 was purchased for $635 in January 2022.
Marvel Spotlight #5
Key Comic Facts
Marvel Spotlight #5 Vol 1 is called "Ghost Rider". It has a cover date of February 1973. This issue shows the origin story of Ghost Rider from Vol. 2 of the series, Johnny Blaze.
Who created it?
It was written by Jim Starlin and Mike Friedrich, penciled by Jim Starlin, inked by Mike Esposito, with lettering by John Costanza. The edition of this book was made by Roy Thomas.
What happens inside the pages?
"Ghost Rider"
To save the life of his mentor and the man who has become like a father to him, Johnny Blaze makes a deal with the devil and is transformed into the spirit of vengeance, Ghost Rider.
What's it worth?
The highest quality book registered for Marvel Spotlight #5 Vol 1 is rated a 9.8, which sold for $264,000 in June 2021. It sold for just $48,500 back in 2016, so it’s safe to say copies of this comic book have seen a steep incline in value! A 5.5 graded book sold for $2400 in March 2022, and the same book with a rating of 2.0 was purchased for $905 in January 2022.
Special Marvel Edition (1971) #15
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Key Comic Facts
The comic book SPECIAL MARVEL EDITION #15 Vol. 1 is called "Shang-Chi, Master of Kung Fu!". It has a cover date of December 1973.
Who created it?
This issue was penciled by Jim Starlin, inked by Al Milgrom, edited by Roy Thomas, and both written and colored by Steve Englehart.
What happens inside the pages?
"Shang-Chi, Master of Kung Fu!"
Shang-Chi battles five fighters on his way to Fu Manchu's lair, while Fu Manchu watches on a video monitor.
He remembers the first mission his father, Fu Manchu, sent him on when he was 19 years old. He was to assassinate Doctor Petrie, a Westerner who opposed Fu's plans, whom Fu had labeled ‘the most evil man alive’. He found Petrie sleeping, and wondered how such an old man could contain such malice. Petrie awoke, so Shang-Chi struck and turned to go.
Denis Nayland Smith, in a wheelchair, faced him with a gun drawn. Shang-Chi knocked the gun out of his hand and turned to leave, but Smith started to weep for Petrie. Smith explained the true nature of evil: Fu Manchu. Fu captured Smith in Burma and gave him to Tak, a sumo wrestler who beat him, leaving him in a wheelchair.
In the present, Shang-Chi defeats the five fighters. Fu Manchu lays out his vision for Shang-Chi and invites him to join him. He steps out of his father's China and into a New York City street. "I have lost a father," he thinks, "and in all the world, I can never find another."
What's it worth?
This comic book's highest value copy was purchased for $18,000. It was rated as 9.8 and the sale took place in September 2021. Since then, its price has been plummeting - the same book was sold for $9,600 in January 2022. A 6.0 graded book sold for $340 in March 2022, and 2.0 rated copy of this book had a value of $213 as of January 2022.
Ms. Marvel (1977) #1
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Key Comic Facts
The book Ms. Marvel Vol 1 #1 is called "This Woman, This Warrior!". Its cover date was January 1977. This awesome issue introduces the Ms. Marvel character to the Marvel Universe.
Who created it?
This book was penciled by John Buscema, inked by Joe Sinnott, colored by Marie Severin, and both edited and written by Gerry Conway.
What happens inside the pages?
"This Woman, This Warrior!"
A new superhero has appeared in New York City, Ms. Marvel, at the same time as Carol Danvers, former NASA chief of security, who has been plagued with a series of black-outs, and unknown to her, she is Ms. Marvel. She is the editor of the Daily Bugle's Woman Magazine, a magazine that publisher J. Jonah Jameson doesn't care for much.
Jonah is kidnapped by the Scorpion, who has come to get revenge against the publisher for his role in the creation of the Scorpion. Ms Marvel arrives and rescues Jameson from his captor.
What's it worth?
In September 2021 a 9.8 rated copy of this issue was purchased for $1,995. Just a few months later in March 2022, another copy of the same grading was purchased for $2,280. In August 2021, a 3.5 rated copy of this book was sold for $70.
Superman #301
Key Comic Facts
Superman Vol 1 issue #301 is called "Solomon Grundy Wins on a Monday!". It was released in July 1976. The story is continued in Superman #319.
Who created it?
This book was penciled by John Buscema, inked by Joe Sinnott, colored by Marie Severin, and both edited and written by Gerry Conway.
What happens inside the pages?
"Solomon Grundy Wins on a Monday!"
An Epic Battle has taken place between Superman and Solomon Grundy! Superman may realize too late that he has been trying to fight him with brawn instead of brains.
What's it worth?
A 9.8 rated copy of Superman #301 was last reported to be sold for $113 in June 2021. The lowest rated copy of this issue reportedly sold is an 8.0 graded book, which was sold in June 2020 for $100.
Amazing Adventures #11
Key Comic Facts
Issue #11 Amazing Adventures Vol 2 is called "The Beast!". Its cover date was March 1972. As its name suggests, it is the first time Beast (Dr. Hank McCoy) appears in his furry form in a comic.
Who created it?
This book was penciled by Tom Sutton, inked by Syd Shores, colored by Marie Severin, edited by Stan Lee, and written by Gerry Conway.
What happens inside the pages?
"The Beast!"
The Beast leaves the X-Men to take a job at the Brand Corporation. While experimenting with his mutation, he is permanently changed into a furry monster.
What's it worth?
In August 2009 a copy of Amazing Adventures Vol 2 #11 was sold for $8,000. The latest copy, with the same rating, reportedly sold for $3,755 in March 2020.
All-Star Western #10
Key Comic Facts
Issue #10 All-Star Western Vol 2 is called "Jonah Hex: "Welcome to Paradise". It has a cover date of March 1972.
This issue of All-Star Western features two stories:
Jonah Hex: "Welcome to Paradise"
El Diablo: "The Devil's Secret"
Who created it?
This book was penciled and inked by Tony DeZuniaga, written by John Albano, and edited by Mark Hanerfeld and Joe Orlando.
What happens inside the pages?
Jonah Hex: "Welcome to Paradise"
After helping a town rid themselves of a gang of thieves, Jonah befriends a small boy.
El Diablo: "The Devil's Secret"
A story featuring the secrets of the Devil in the Wild West.
What's it worth?
The last reported 9.8 rated copy of this issue was sold in April 2021 for $9,000. A 3.0 rated copy was sold in May 2020 for $169.
The Demon #1
Key Comic Facts
Issue #1 The Demon Vol 1 is called "Unleash the One Who Waits". It has a cover date of September 1972.
Who created it?
This book was written, penciled, and edited by Jack Kirby. Mike Royer was in charge of the ink and lettering.
What happens inside the pages?
"Unleash the One Who Waits"
The unnatural forces of Morgaine le Fey laid siege to Camelot, aiming to capture Merlin and his Eternity Book. Though she managed to breach the castle walls, her troops were held back by Merlin's champion, The Demon.
When the battle was coming to an end, Merlin gave The Demon a page from his Eternity Book and told him to flee until his return. The Demon watched from a distance as Merlin burned Camelot to the ground, forcing Morgaine to flee. His body began to change against his will until he took human form, enabling him to walk the Earth until Merlin summoned him once more.
What's it worth?
In November 2019 a 9.8 rated copy of The Demon Vol 1 #1 was sold for $4,263, that being the only time it was sold. A 5.5 graded book was sold for $139 and a 3.5 rated copy was sold for just $79, both in January 2022.
If you want to read some classic comics without having to go digging through boxes at your local comic book store or scouring the internet for rare issues, then check out some of these 1970s comics that are still easy to find. With stories that are both timeless and entertaining, you’ll be sure to enjoy reading these comics again and again.
