the 716-migration

The problem is that since there was never any established guidelines in place as to what is required to constitute a 1st full appearance as opposed to a cameo, there is always going to be inconstancies across different issues that for one reason or another, the market has determined that in one instance its a 1st appearance but in another similar instance, its a cameo. My suggestion would be for Overstreet to publish a set criteria for what is required for a 1st full appearance. It would have to be applied, however, as of a certain date and then all issues would follow this criteria going forward. It probably would be far too difficult for it to be applied retroactively for the any books older than copper. ( the market would never accept 180 as the true 1st Wolverine regardless of what Overstreet states). All books published prior to this designated date ( for example 1990), the market could dictate what the 1st appearance is- as it has always done. I would suggest the following as the criteria needed for a 1st full appearance 1) at least one panel where the character has a majority of his/her body shown. No shadows, arms, face shots, etc... Web 19 and CAP 359 violate this rule 2) Covers count, as do previews contained in a different issue, but ads do not count. The appearance has to be a self contained story or related to the story- i.e. cover to the story. ex)Omega men 3 and X-men 282 3)The character name must be established at the time of the appearance- either by character, other characters, or writer- .i.e.-AMS 299- states Venom in block text at bottom of page. Strange tales 180 would not count as Gamora's name is not revealed until next issue. 4)Costume appearances are different than non-costume. There is distinction. Norman Osborn 1st appearance is not the same as Green Goblin. They are 2 diff characters. Same with Cable and baby Nathan- i.e NM 87 and x-men 201. 5) Group appearances- whole team must be present in same panel not just in story shown in separate actions- prior rules 1-4 apply as well. Ex.- AF is X-men 121 and GOG is gog 1 2007 series. The goal is to be able to identify the character(s) without ever needing another source to aid in identifying the character. It should be apparent from this appearance and this appearance alone. The only exception that I can think of is G.I. Joe 21. since it is a silent issue, rule 3 never comes into play. Thoughts?

T