1st Super-Villain book?

[Timely]

What is the 1st comic devoted to a Super-villain? I have a specific title/issue in mind but I am not sure if it is the earliest. Any thoughts on what it would be?

 

West

[Silver Surfer]

Sub-Mariner?

[Timely]

He's more of a hero/anti-hero.

 

West

[buttock]

You want an entire book devoted to a villain? I'd argue that Silver Streak was predicated on the success of The Claw.

 

If not that, then I can't think of anything prior to Yellow Claw off the top of my head.

[Timely]

You want an entire book devoted to a villain? I'd argue that Silver Streak was predicated on the success of The Claw.

 

If not that, then I can't think of anything prior to Yellow Claw off the top of my head.

 

An entire book, like Superman #1 is for Superheroes.

 

West

[ft88]

How about working backwards somewhat.

 

Joker #1 from the 1970's

There was the Dr Doom solo book from Marvel Super Special in the 60s

Do we count a book like "If the Devil Would Talk"?

Or how about Reggie #1 (Archie's Rival)

Do any Horror books count, like the 1st Crypt Keeper?

 

But if you go with dedicated to a supervillain and titled as such, I'd go with Joker #1

 

 

[buttock]

Yellow Claw predates that by over 20 years. I'm not sure if you'd consider any of the Avon one shots truly dedicated to the villain, but it would be worth looking at those as well.

 

Mad Ming was another feature villain from 1940, but never had his own book.

 

Or maybe some of the Feature Books or a Four Color?

[ft88]

Unless the issue came out before 1956, I'd think the CCA would have disapproved a comic devoted to a supervillain.

[Timely]

The title I am thinking of is from 1941 called The Face. It was a 2 issue run published by Columbia. He 1st appeared in Big Shot Comics #1 (5/40).

 

http://www.comics.org/details.lasso?id=2609

 

West

 

[shiverbones]

The face was a good guy though at least in his big shot appearances.

[BangZoom]

The face was a good guy though at least in his big shot appearances.

And in his own magazine.

 

[capt_comics]

Yellow Claw predates that by over 20 years. I'm not sure if you'd consider any of the Avon one shots truly dedicated to the villain, but it would be worth looking at those as well.

 

Mad Ming was another feature villain from 1940, but never had his own book.

 

Or maybe some of the Feature Books or a Four Color?

 

I'd have to agree with Dan

 

Has to be the Yellow Claw

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Timely]

You're right...for some reason I was thinking he was a villain in those stories.

 

West

[adamstrange]

Yellow Claw predates that by over 20 years. I'm not sure if you'd consider any of the Avon one shots truly dedicated to the villain, but it would be worth looking at those as well.

 

How "super" does the super-villain need to be.

 

Mask of Fu Manchu is earlier than Yellow Claw 1 (which was derivative of Fu Manchu).

[rjpb]

If one-shots count - how about Comics Novel: Anarcho Dictator of Death?

[Crowzilla]

Obadiah Oldbuck?

 

[adamstrange]

If one-shots count - how about Comics Novel: Anarcho Dictator of Death?

 

Good suggestion.

 

If the criteria does not include an eponymous title than Classics Illustrated 13 Dr. Jekyll/Mr Hyde (August 1943) is even earlier.

[buttock]

Yellow Claw predates that by over 20 years. I'm not sure if you'd consider any of the Avon one shots truly dedicated to the villain, but it would be worth looking at those as well.

 

How "super" does the super-villain need to be.

 

Mask of Fu Manchu is earlier than Yellow Claw 1 (which was derivative of Fu Manchu).

 

I wondered about that one, or even the sweet Phantom Witch Doctor you posted, or even Robotmen. But although I've never read those, I would imagine the story arc revolves around a generic protagonist rather than the villain - am I correct? Sort of like an old gumshoe detective story with an enticing villain to draw in a reader.

[G.A.tor]

my vote is for the 2008 OU Media guide

[BangZoom]

 

I'm rooting for the Phantom Blot.