The best comics of the 70s are, at the top,Giant-Size X-Menand the Claremont run,Conan the Barbarian,The Tomb of DraculaetGreen Lantern / Green Arrowby O'Neil and Adams. This tier list classifies the major series of the Bronze Age according to their quality and audacity. Facts (authors, publishers, dates) checked, no invented ratings.
The 70s are the Bronze Age: comics darken, tackle drugs, racism, horror, and see the birth of more adult characters. This tier list ranks the defining series of the decade according to their importance and quality — a pivotal period full of key numbers.
Editorial Ranks, Factsverified. Each entry refers to a site file when it exists.
Tier S: the peaks of the Bronze Age
Giant-Size X-Men(1975) revived the mutant team and launched Chris Claremont's legendary run.Conantakes heroic fantasy to the top.The Tomb of Draculais the great horror classic (birthplace of Blade), andGreen Lantern / Green Arrowby O'Neil and Adams introduces the social and engaged comic.
Tier A: narrative audacity
L'Amazing Spider-Manby Gerry Conway dares the death of Gwen Stacy (ASM #121), a turning point in the medium.Swamp Thing,Master of Kung FuetHoward the Duckshow the diversity of the decade.
Tier B: the rise of horror and fantasy
Ghost Rider,Werewolf by Night(birthplace of Moon Knight),The Eternalsby Kirby andThe Defendersbenefit from the relaxation of the Comics Code.
Tier C: the heroes of the time
Jonah Hex,Warlord,KillravenetKamandiembody the western, fantasy and post-apo sci-fi of the 70s.
Tier D: the curiosities
Omega the Unknown,NovaetDevil Dinosaurclose this tier list: more confidential creations but representative of the inventiveness of the decade.
To remember
- Bronze Agedarkens the comic and broadens its themes.
- Giant-Size X-Men #1 and Werewolf by Night #32(1st from Moon Knight) are major key numbers.
- Horror explodesthanks to the relaxation of the Comics Code.
- Each entry refers to a site file when it exists.
Frequently asked questions
Giant-Size X-Menand the Claremont run that followed dominated the decade. The Tomb of Dracula and Green Lantern/Green Arrow also feature at the height of the Bronze Age.
This is the period of the 70s (around 1970-1985), marked by darker and adult stories, the rise of horror and social themes, between the Silver Age and the Modern Age.
Some key issues (Giant-Size X-Men #1, Werewolf by Night #32, Marvel Spotlight #5) are highly sought after, especially at high grades. Always check condition before purchasing.
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