The best comics of the 70s are, at the top,Giant-Size X-Men and the Claremont run, Conan the Barbarian , The Tomb of Dracula and Green Lantern / Green Arrow by 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, Facts verified. 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.Conan takes heroic fantasy to the top.The Tomb of Dracula is 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 Fu and Howard the Duck show 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 and The Defenders benefit from the relaxation of the Comics Code.
Tier C: the heroes of the time
Jonah Hex , Warlord , Killraven and Kamandi embody the western, fantasy and post-apo sci-fi of the 70s.
Tier D: the curiosities
Omega the Unknown , Nova and Devil Dinosaur close this tier list: more confidential creations but representative of the inventiveness of the decade.
To remember
- Bronze Age darkens 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 explodes thanks to the relaxation of the Comics Code.
- Each entry refers to a site file when it exists.
Frequently asked questions
Giant-Size X-Men and 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.
Do you own a key issue from the 70s (Giant-Size X-Men #1…)?Estimate its value for freewith our tool based on real eBay sales.