Anniversaries

Few writers are as inextricably linked to one comics property as Chris Claremont with X-Men. It's understandable why, since he also wrote more X-Men comics than anyone else has even come close to. In addition to a mindblowing 16-year run on Uncanny X-Men, he also wrote New Mutants, Excalibur, Wolverine, and other ancillary X-books. He not only defined the X-Men, pretty much forever, he changed comics with his emphasis on character development, melodrama, and long-game storytelling.

Born November 22, 1969, Marjane Satrapi is a multitalented artist --- a writer, graphic novelist, and filmmaker --- but she is best known for her renowned autobiographical graphic novels exploring life after the Iranian Revolution. Her work is centered on her family, but explores greater themes in the relationship between the East and the West.

Dedicated fan, influential creator, esteemed editor, respected historian; the legendary Roy Thomas, born November 22, 1940, has assembled one of the comics medium's most diverse and wide-ranging resumes over the course of his six-decade-plus career. From helping to establish the groundwork for organized comic fandom in the early '60s, to his much-loved stints writing many of Marvel and DC's best-beloved characters, to his modern-day work as editor and author of numerous reference works, he's long been one of the most knowledgeable and passionate voices in the industry.

On this day in 1985, DC Comics introduced us to a new type of hero. A bold, new, narcissistic and self-aggrandizing type of hero, named Booster Gold. For over three decades, Booster Gold has gone from self-important a-hole to comic relief to the greatest hero you’ve never heard of, and one of the biggest fan-favorite characters in the DC Universe.

On November 20th, 2002, Image Comics released the first issue of a new comic called Invincible by Robert Kirkman and Cory Walker, about a teenage superhero whose father was one of the most popular heroes on the planet. Over a decade later, Invincible himself became something of a phenomenon, as the series became one of the most popular creator-owned superheroes of all time in a run of comics that refused to settle for status quo.

Born November 17, 1966, Ed Brubaker has worked on iconic characters such as Batman, Catwoman, Daredevil, and Captain America, typically resulting in long, fan-favorite and highly-acclaimed runs. His creator-owned works, particularly his many collaborations with artist Sean Phillips, are held in even higher regard, usually reaping in awards by the handful. Having lent his voice to a modern resurgence of crime, noir, and espionage stories, Ed Brubaker has always let his dark heart lead the way.

Before anyone had ever argued over whether Wally West was better than Barry Allen, let alone whether Wally West was better than the other Wally West, there was a simpler time when there was only one Flash, Jay Garrick, debuting in the first issue of Flash Comics, published on November 10, 1939.

On this date in 1940, All-American Publications published Flash Comics #1, which featured the first appearance of the titular hero The Flash, but also featured the very first appearance of the winged warrior Hawkman in a story by Gardner Fox and Dennis Neville. Throughout the years, Hawkman has become a sometimes confusing aspect of the DC Universe, but there’s a reason he has endured for the better part of a century; there's something compelling about him that keeps readers and creators coming back to the character.

On November 9, 1951, one of the purest superhero comics writers of all time was born: William ‘Bill’ Mantlo. Best known for his work at Marvel, Mantlo was a talent whose persistence, hard work, and knack for character saw him rise up the ranks to take on a succession of Marvel’s most iconic superheroes --- and co-create several new icons in the process.

On October 30th 1973, Marvel Comics published The Amazing Spider-Man #129, and introduced readers to Frank Castle, The Punisher. Although originally portrayed as an antagonist, The Punisher proved a breakout character for the publisher like few others, and helped launch the enduring popularity of anti-heroes in superhero comics.