411 REFERENCE · Wikipedia
1973 in comics
Reference material by Wikipedia contributors. This retains its source identity and is not 411 news reporting.
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Notable events of 1973 in comics.
Events and publications
Year overall
Dell Comics, after 44 years in the comics business, ceases publication; a few of the company's former titles moved to Gold Key Comics.
Archie Comics publisher John L. Goldwater licenses Archie for evangelical Christian messages; the comics are written and illustrated by Archie regular Al Hartley and published by Spire Christian Comics.
Cartoonists Co-Op Press is founded by underground cartoonists Kim Deitch, Bill Griffith, Jerry Lane, Jay Lynch, Willy Murphy, Diane Noomin, and Art Spiegelman in San Francisco.
In Diane Noomin's book Canarsie Creeps, her character DiDi Glitz makes her debut.https://www.lambiek.net/artists/n/noomin_diane.htm Diane Noomin lambiek.net September 18, 2022
Irjax Enterprises, a comic book distributor based in Rockville, Maryland, formed. Under the name New Media/Irjax, the company later expanded its distribution business and moved into publishing as well.Gearino, Dan. Comic Shop: The Retail Mavericks Who Gave Us a New Geek Culture (Ohio University Press, 2017).
Greek artist Vangelis Saitis starts working on the comic series Pepito Gonzales. He is only 14 years old when his work is published in the magazine Mikros Cow-Boy.https://www.lambiek.net/artists/s/saitis_vangelis.htm Vangelis Saitis lambiek.net
January
January 11: F'Murr publishes the first episode of Le Génie des Alpages in Pilote.https://www.lambiek.net/artists/f/fmurr.htm F'murr lambiek.net May 20, 2020
January 3: Bamse's own comic book makes its debut.https://www.svt.se/kultur/bamsetidningen-fyller-50-ar Bamsetidningen fyller 50 år SVT Kultur Nora Makander Swedish 3 January 2023 29 March 2023
January 4: In Pilote the first chapter of the Astérix story Asterix in Corsica is published by Goscinny and Uderzo.
January 25: In Pilote, the first chapter of the Lucky Luke story Le grand duc by Goscinny and Morris is published.
Amazing Adventures #16 and Thor #207 present the Marvel portion of a metafictional unofficial crossover spanning titles from both major comics companies. The DC chapter appeared with a 1972 cover date. Each comic featured writers Steve Englehart, Gerry Conway, and Len Wein, as well as Wein's first wife Glynis, interacting with Marvel or DC characters at the Rutland Halloween Parade in Rutland, Vermont. Beginning in Amazing Adventures #16 (by Englehart with art by Bob Brown and Frank McLaughlin), the story continued in Justice League of America #103 (by Wein, Dick Dillin and Dick Giordano), and concluded in Thor #207 (by Conway and penciler John Buscema).http://www.comicsalliance.com/2010/10/30/rutland-halloween-parade-marvel-dc-crossover/ The Rutland Halloween Parade: Where Marvel and DC First Collided Larnick Eric October 30, 2010 ComicsAlliance.com https://web.archive.org/web/20120111094055/http://www.comicsalliance.com/2010/10/30/rutland-halloween-parade-marvel-dc-crossover/ January 11, 2012 dead December 5, 2011 https://www.cbr.com/comic-book-legends-revealed-280/ Comic Book Legends Revealed #280 Cronin Brian October 1, 2010 ComicBookResources.com https://web.archive.org/web/20120116162032/http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2010/10/01/comic-book-legends-revealed-280/ January 16, 2012 live December 5, 2011 Amazing Adventures #16 (Jan. 1973), Justice League of America #103 (Dec. 1972), and Thor #207 (Jan. 1973) at the Grand Comics Database
Teen Titans, with issue #43 (January /February issue), suspends publication. (DC Comics)
February
February 4: The first episode of Dik Browne's Hägar the Horrible is published.https://www.lambiek.net/artists/b/browne.htm Dik Browne lambiek.net May 20, 2020
February 24: The final episode of the biblical text comic Illustrated Sunday School Lesson is published, which ran since 1931.https://www.lambiek.net/artists/b/buescher_alfred-j.htm Alfred J. Buescher lambiek.net May 20, 2020
February 25: In Corriere dei Ragazzi, Gli aristocratici (The aristocrats) debuts, a gang of gentlemen thieves, created by Alfredo Castelli and Ferdinando Tacconi.Gli Aristocratici - Fumetto di Castelli e Tacconi http://www.slumberland.it/contenuto.php?id=172 2020-09-05 www.slumberland.it
Action Comics, with #421, Green Arrow became a backup feature, initially rotating with the Human Target and the Atom. Kingman Jim The Ballad of Ollie and Dinah Back Issue! 64 10–21 TwoMorrows Publishing May 2013
Doom Patrol vol. 1, with issue #122, is revived by DC after being cancelled in 1968.
Metal Men, with issue #42 (February /March cover date), is revived by DC after being cancelled in 1970.
FOOM #1, Marvel's in-house fanzine
March
March 19: The first episode of Toon van Driel's long-running comic strip F.C. Knudde de is Fótboltafélagið Falur nl is published.https://www.lambiek.net/artists/t/toon_van_driel.htm Toon van Driel lambiek.net May 20, 2020
Robert Crumb and Aline Kominsky publish the first of many crossover comics, where they write and draw themselves and their supposed married lives.https://www.lambiek.net/artists/k/kominsky.htm Aline Kominsky lambiek.net 30 November 2022
April
April 5: In Pilote, the Blueberry story Le hors-la-loi (The Outlaw), by Jean-Michel Charlier and Jean Giraud is published.
April 8: In Topolino, Paperinika e il filo di Arianna (Super Daisy and the Ariadne's thread), by Guido Martina and Giorgio Cavazzano is published, which marks the debut of Super Daisy (secret identity of Daisy Duck) and her helper Genialina Edy Son.
April 9: First issue of I quaderni del fumetto (Fratelli Spada), reprints of Italian and American classic comics.
April 12 : in Pilote, first chapter of Le hors la loi, by Jean-Michel Charlier and Jean Giraud, introducing the Blueberry saga "The plot against Grant".
April 17: The final episode of Andries Brandt nl, Robert Hamilton and Richard Klokkers's Aafje Anders is published.https://www.lambiek.net/artists/b/brandt.htm Andries Brandt lambiek.net May 20, 2020https://www.lambiek.net/artists/h/hamilton_robert.htm Robert Hamilton lambiek.net May 20, 2020https://www.lambiek.net/artists/k/klokkers_richard.htm Richard Klokkers lambiek.net May 20, 2020
In Pif Gadget, Leopardi (Leopards) by Hugo Pratt is published, the final episode of the Corto Maltese's "Ethiopic cicle".
Specific date in April unknown: Dutch illustrator and comic artist Eppo Doeve is knighted in the Order of Orange-Nassau.https://www.lambiek.net/artists/d/doeve_eppo.htm Eppo Doeve lambiek.net April 27, 2023
May
May 8 : in Le journal de Tintin, first chapter of Enquête dans le passé by André-Paul Duchâteau and Tibet.
May 23: Oğuz Aral's Avanak Avni makes its debut.https://www.lambiek.net/artists/a/aral-oguz.htm Oğuz Aral lambiek.net May 20, 2020
Night Nurse, with issue #4, is cancelled by Marvel.
In Brazil. Peninha em: Morcego Vermelho, by Ivan Saidenberg and Carlos Edgard Herrero; debut of Red Bat, super-heroic identity of Fethry Duck.
June
June 11: The first episode of Glupy by Juan Díaz Rodriguez is published.https://www.lambiek.net/artists/d/diaz_rodriguez_juan.htm Juan Díaz Rodriguez lambiek.net May 20, 2020
June 14: In Pilote, the first chapter of the Valérian and Laureline story Birds of the master, by Pierre Christin and Jean-Claude Mézières is publisheduBC https://www.ubcfumetti.com/val/5.htm 2020-09-06 www.ubcfumetti.com
June 25: The final episode of Quino's Mafalda is published.https://www.lambiek.net/artists/q/quino.htm Quino lambiek.net May 20, 2020
June 29: The final issue of the Spanish comics magazine En Patufet is published.
Detective Comics, with issue #435 (June/July cover date) begins a bimonthly schedule. (DC Comics)
Doom Patrol vol 1., with issue #125 (June–July), canceled by DC.
"The Night Gwen Stacy Died" story arc begins in The Amazing Spider-Man #121, written by Gerry Conway, with art by Gil Kane. (Concludes in Amazing Spider-Man #122, July cover-date.)
Crazy, with issue #3, canceled by Marvel.
Number 0 of Undercomics (Editrice Dardo), with the first episode of Cronache del dopobomba (Chronicles after the bomb), dystopic comics by Bonvi, on texts by the songwriter Francesco Guccini. For the new magazine (which does not go beyond the test issue) Silver realizes the first strips of Lupo Alberto (appeared the next year in Corriere dei ragazzi).Cronache del dopobomba - Fumetto di Bonvi sul futuro post-nucleare http://www.slumberland.it/contenuto.php?id=3088 2020-09-06 www.slumberland.it
In Eureka, first chapter of Fouchè, un uomo nella rivoluzione (Fouchè, a man in the revolution) by Max Bunker and Paolo Piffarerio.
July
July 20: The first episode of Howard Rands' newspaper gag comic Twitch appears in print. The series will run until 1997.https://www.lambiek.net/artists/r/rands_howard.htm Howard Rands
World's Finest Comics #218: Metamorpho becomes the backup feature after a brief run in Action Comics Stroud Bryan Metamorpho in Action Comics Back Issue! 64 22–27 TwoMorrows Publishing May 2013
First issue of the SF series UFO, by Renzo Barbieri and Vladimiro Missaglia (Edifumetto), a virtual plagiarism of the TV series of the same name.
August
August 2: In Pilote, the first chapter of the Lucky Luke story L'Héritage de Rantanplan, by Goscinny and Morris is published.
August 16: The final episode of René Goscinny and Jean Tabary's Valentin Le Vagabond is published in Pilote.https://www.lambiek.net/artists/t/tabary_jean.htm Jean Tabary lambiek.net August 1, 2022
Metal Men, with issue #44 (August /September cover date) goes on hiatus, to be revived in 1976. (DC Comics)
Shanna the She-Devil, with issue #5, is cancelled by Marvel.
September
September 16: In the Italian Disney magazine Topolino, Paperino spia (Donald Duck the spy), by Jerry Siegel and Romano Scarpa is published, in which Gyro Gearloose temporarily becomes a criminal.
September 19: In Journal de Tintin, the first chapter of the Michel Vaillant story Cauchemar by Jean Graton is published.
In Grim Wit Den by Richard Corben makes its debut.
The final issue of the underground comix magazine Yellow Dog is published.Fox, M. Steven. "Zap Comix," ComixJoint. Accessed Sept. 30, 2016.
October
October 7: In Il Giornalino, Massimo Mattioli's Pinky makes its debut.Pinky - Il coniglio rosa creato da Massimo Mattioli http://www.slumberland.it/contenuto.php?id=2966 2020-09-06 www.slumberland.it
October 15: In Le Nouvel Observateur, the first episode of Claire Bretécher's Les Frustrés is published. It will run until 1981.https://www.lambiek.net/artists/b/bretecher.htm Claire Bretécher lambiek.net
October 22: In Pif Gadget Milo Marat by Bonvi and Mario Gomboli make their debut, a parody of dime novel heroes.Milo Marat - Un folle investigatore del fumetto di Bonvi e Gomboli http://www.slumberland.it/contenuto.php?id=478 2020-09-06 www.slumberland.it
Detective Comics, with issue #437 (October /November issue), is edited by Archie Goodwin, who in a back-up feature introduces a revival of the "Manhunter" feature with artist Walt Simonson.McAvennie Michael Dolan Hannah 1970s DC Comics Year By Year A Visual Chronicle Dorling Kindersley 2010 978-0-7566-6742-9 157 Together with exciting new artist Walt Simonson, [Archie] Goodwin executed seven flawless tales that chronicled Paul Kirk's hunt for the world's deadliest game." " Manhunter's award-winning revival earned undying acclaim for its talented storytellers. Boney Alex Hunting the Hunters: Manhunter and the Most Dangerous Game Back Issue! 64 44–50 TwoMorrows Publishing May 2013
Strange Adventures, with issue #244 (October /November issue), canceled by DC Comics.
Archie Comics revives its Red Circle Comics superhero imprint, as Red Circle takes over Chilling Adventures in Sorcery as told by Sabrina with issue #3, changing its name to Chilling Adventures in Sorcery.http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?383610-Archie-s-foray-into-the-Horror-genre Archie's Foray Into the Horror Genre Brian Gravity September 7, 2011 Comic Book Resources https://web.archive.org/web/20180803014056/http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?383610-Archie-s-foray-into-the-Horror-genre August 3, 2018 dead March 25, 2011
Savage Tales, after a 17-month hiatus, resumes publishing with issue #2. (Curtis Magazines)
Vampire Tales #2: The first appearance of Satana, drawn by John Romita (Marvel Comics)
Diavolinus, supplement to Linus, focused on the devil's theme; it contains, inter alia, the erotic fantasy Annalisa e il diavolo by Guido BuzzelliAnnalisa e il diavolo - Fumetto di Guido Buzzelli http://www.slumberland.it/contenuto.php?id=4267 2020-09-06 www.slumberland.it
November
Kull the Conqueror, with issue #11, changes its name to Kull the Destroyer. (Marvel Comics)
Marvel Feature, with issue #12, is canceled by Marvel.
First issue of Cosmine (Ediperiodci), Italian sexy SF series, written by Silverio Pisu.
December
Millie the Model, with issue #207, canceled by Marvel.
From Beyond the Unknown, with issue #25, canceled by DC.
In Tintin selection, Le Trio maléfique by André-Paul Duchâteau and Tibet.
Births
January 25: Geoff Johns, American comic book writer and executive (DC Comics).
Deaths
January
January 10: Charles Flanders, American comics artist (Robin Hood, assisted on Tim Tyler's Luck and Bringing Up Father, continued Secret Agent X-9, King of the Royal Mounted, and The Lone Ranger), dies at age 65.https://www.lambiek.net/artists/f/flanders_c.htm Charles Flanders lambiek.net May 20, 2020
February
February 10: Chester Sullivan, American comics artist (Men Who Made The World), dies at age 74.https://www.lambiek.net/artists/s/sullivan_chester.htm Chester Sullivan lambiek.net January 29, 2023
February 27: Bill Everett, American comics artist (Namor the Sub-Mariner), dies at age 55.https://www.lambiek.net/artists/e/everett_bill.htm Bill Everett lambiek.net May 20, 2020
March
March 1: Elpidio Torres, Filipino comics artist (Dyesebel), dies at age 47.https://www.lambiek.net/artists/t/torres_elpidio.htm Elpidio Torres lambiek.net May 20, 2020
March 4: Walt Ditzen, American comics artist (Fan Fare), dies at age 58.https://www.lambiek.net/artists/d/ditzen_walt.htm Walt Ditzen lambiek.net May 20, 2020
March 14: Chic Young, American comics artist (Dumb Dora, Blondie), dies at age 72.https://www.lambiek.net/artists/y/young_c.htm Chic Young lambiek.net May 20, 2020
April
April 8: Pablo Picasso, Spanish painter and sculptor (made the comic strip The Dream and Lie of Franco and The Bull), dies at age 91.https://www.lambiek.net/artists/p/picasso_pablo.htm Pablo Picasso lambiek.net December 16, 2020
April 10: Robert Collard, aka Lortac, French writer, caricaturist, comics writer and artist, illustrator, novelist, painter, art critic, animator, animated film director (wrote Les Pieds Nickelés, Tétar-Zan, Vigor, Tom Tempest, Tim et Tom, Mademoiselle Swing), dies at age 88.https://www.lambiek.net/artists/l/lortac_robert.htm Robert Lortac lambiek.net May 20, 2020
May
May 3: Jean Bosc, A.K.A. Bosc, French editorial cartoonist and animator, commits suicide at age 48.https://www.lambiek.net/artists/b/bosc_jean.htm Jean Bosc lambiek.net January 12, 2025
May 13: Hans Brasch, German painter, illustrator and comics artist, dies at age 91.https://www.lambiek.net/artists/b/brasch_hans.htm Hans Brasch lambiek.net May 20, 2020
May 21: Yuliy Ganf, Ukrainian cartoonist, painter and illustrator (worked for Krokodil), dies at age 74.https://www.lambiek.net/artists/g/ganf_yuliy.htm Yuliy Ganf lambiek.net May 20, 2020
May 26: Coulton Waugh, American comics artist (Hank, continued Dickie Dare), dies at age 77.https://www.lambiek.net/artists/w/waugh_coulton.htm Coulton Waugh lambiek.net September 7, 2021
June
June 3: Syd Shores, American comics artist (continued Captain America), dies at age 59 from a heart attack.https://www.lambiek.net/artists/s/shores_syd.htm Syd Shores lambiek.net May 20, 2020
June 17: Peter Lutz, Dutch illustrator and comics artist (De Lotgevallen van Witje en Gitje, De Avonturen van Prikkebeen Junior), dies at age 73.https://www.lambiek.net/artists/l/lutz-peter.htm Peter Lutz lambiek.net May 20, 2020
Specific date unknown: Werner Roth, American comics artist (Lorna the Jungle Girl, continued Uncanny X-Men), dies at age 52.https://www.lambiek.net/artists/r/roth_werner.htm Werner Roth lambiek.net May 20, 2020
July
July 16: Feg Murray, American athlete, radio presenter and cartoonist (Seein' Stars), dies at age 79.https://www.lambiek.net/artists/m/murray_feg.htm Feg Murray lambiek.net May 20, 2020
July 23: Eddie Rickenbacker, American military pilot and comics writer (Ace Drummond), dies at age 82.
July 25: Marcel Jeanjean, French illustrator and comics artist (Les Aventures de Tique et Toque), dies at age 80.https://www.lambiek.net/artists/j/jeanjean_marcel.htm Marcel Jeanjean lambiek.net May 20, 2020
Specific date unknown: Clifton Meek, American comics artist (Johnny Mouse, Grindstone George), dies at age 95.https://www.lambiek.net/artists/m/meek_clifton.htm Clifton Meek lambiek.net May 20, 2020
August
August 20: Wam Heskes, Dutch painter, comics artist, illustrator and performer, dies at age 82.https://www.lambiek.net/artists/h/heskes_wam.htm Wam Heskes lambiek.net May 20, 2020
September
September 5: Ron Vivian, Australian comics artist (continued Ginger Meggs), dies at age 59.https://www.lambiek.net/artists/v/vivian_ron.htm Ron Vivian lambiek.net May 20, 2020
September 7: Gaston Ebinger, aka Mop, Belgian illustrator, greeting card designer, advertising artist and comics artist (Rik en Zijn Veiligheidschef, Intermezzo voor Detectives which filled in for Pom's Piet Pienter en Bert Bibber for a few weeks in 1958), dies at age 71.https://www.lambiek.net/artists/e/ebinger_gaston.htm Gaston Ebinger lambiek.net May 20, 2020
September 27: André Rigal, French animator and comic artist (Cap'taine Sabord, Mizo e Friquet, assisted on Zig et Puce), dies at age 75.https://www.lambiek.net/artists/r/rigal_andre.htm André Rigal lambiek.net May 4, 2025
Specific date unknown: Joe Doyle, Irish comics artist (Lonesome Lew, continued Scary William, The Fineheimer Twins, Little Possum Gang, That Irresistible Rag, Excuse Me), dies at age 85.https://www.lambiek.net/artists/d/doyle_joe.htm Joe Doyle lambiek.net May 20, 2020
October
October 10: Austin Briggs, American comics artist (continued Flash Gordon and Secret Agent X-9), dies of leukemia at age 65.https://www.lambiek.net/artists/b/briggs_austin.htm Austin Briggs lambiek.net May 20, 2020
October 18: Walt Kelly, American comics artist (Pogo), dies at age 60.https://www.lambiek.net/artists/k/kelly.htm Walt Kelly lambiek.net May 20, 2020
October 25: Sebastiano Craveri, Italian comics artist (Zoolandia, Formachino), dies at age 84.https://www.lambiek.net/artists/c/craveri_sebastiano.htm Sebastiano Craveri lambiek.net May 20, 2020
October 28: Sergio Tòfano, Italian actor, playwright and comics artist (Signor Bonaventura), dies at age 87.https://www.lambiek.net/artists/s/sto.htm Sto lambiek.net May 20, 2020
November
November 18: Frank Hutchinson, American comics artist (Know-It-All Jake, Superstitious Sam, Willie Hawkshaw the Amateur Detective, Mrs. Economy), dies at age 101.https://www.lambiek.net/artists/h/hutchinson_frank.htm Frank Hutchinson lambiek.net May 20, 2020
November 25: Rex Maxon, American comics artist (Turok, assisted on Tarzan), dies at age 81.https://www.lambiek.net/artists/m/maxon_rex.htm Rex Maxon lambiek.net February 3, 2022
December
December 20: George Debels, aka Joe Stan, Belgian-Dutch animator, illustrator and comics artist (Loekie Langoor), dies at age 83.https://www.lambiek.net/artists/s/stan_j.htm Joe Stan lambiek.net May 20, 2020
Specific date unknown
Pierre Billon, French illustrator, translator and comics artist (educational comics for the magazine Vaillant), dies at age 73 or 74.https://www.lambiek.net/artists/b/billon_pierre.htm Pierre Billon lambiek.net February 28, 2021
Ion Deak-Cluj, Romanian comics artist (Stefan Cel Mare, Posada), dies at age 35 or 36.https://www.lambiek.net/artists/d/deak_ion.htm Ion Deak-Cluj lambiek.net May 20, 2020
Phil DeLara, American animator and comics artist (Looney Tunes comics, Walter Lantz comics, Hanna-Barbera comics, Pink Panther comics), dies at age 59.https://www.lambiek.net/artists/d/de-lara_phil.htm Phil De Lara lambiek.net May 20, 2020
Charles Donelan, American comics artist (Ernest N. Dever, Russett Appul, Sid Sprigley), dies at age 83 or 84.https://www.lambiek.net/artists/d/donelan_chas.htm Charles Donelan lambiek.net October 21, 2020
Jack Glass, Scottish comics artist (Wilson the Wonder Athlete), dies at an unknown age.
Philip Mendoza, aka Flam or Flambo, British comics artist, illustrator and political cartoonist (The Man You'd Like to Kick, Princess Petal, Gulliver Guinea-Pig, Katie Country Mouse, Winifred and Stephanie), dies at age 74 or 75.https://www.lambiek.net/artists/m/mendoza_philip.htm Philip Mendoza lambiek.net May 20, 2020
Gajo Sakamoto, Japanese manga artist (Tank Tankuro), dies at age 77 or 78.https://www.lambiek.net/artists/s/sakamoto_gajo.htm Gajo Sakamoto lambiek.net May 20, 2020
Alfred Sindall, British comic artist (Paul Temple, Tug Transom, worked on Biggles), dies at age 72 or 73.https://www.lambiek.net/artists/s/sindall_alfred.htm Alfred Sindall lambiek.net September 21, 2022
Liu Xijong, Chinese comics artist, dies at age 58 or 59.https://www.lambiek.net/artists/l/liu_xijong.htm Liu Xijong lambiek.net September 8, 2020
Conventions
Europe
February 24: Comic Mart (Lyndhurst Hall, London, England) — second such event, organized by Rob Barrow and Nick LandauSkinn, Dez. "Early days of UK comics conventions and marts," https://web.archive.org/web/20120201083457/http://dezskinn.com/fanzines-3/ 2012-02-01 DezSkinn.com. Accessed Mar. 3, 2013.
April 21–23: German Comicon (West Berlin, Germany) — organized by German fan organization INCOS, est. 1970The Comic Reader #94 (Feb. 1973).
July 22: Comicon '73 (Waverley Hotel, London, England) — Comic Mart organizers Nick Landau and Rob Barrow salvage convention canceled at the last minute by Bram Stokes and John Mansfield and originally scheduled to take place over two days at the Regent Centre Hotel
October 28–November 3: Salone Internazionale dei Comics (Lucca, Italy) a.k.a. "Lucca 9"Tanto per Ricordare il Salone Just to Remember the Salon https://www.afnews.info/deposito/TrainiLucca/ AFNews.info Rinaldo Traini it July 30, 2007Lucca 9 Bang! 11 1974 55
North America
January 19–21: Infinity '73 (Commodore Hotel, New York City) — science fiction/comics conventionThe Comic Reader #90 (October 1972).
January 25–26: Cosmicon II (York University Winters College, Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
April 20–22: Berkeleycon 73, (Pauley Ballroom, ASUC Building, University of California, Berkeley) — first convention that really highlighted underground comix;Beerbohm, Robert. "Update to Comics Dealer Extraordinaire Robert Beerbohm: In His Own Words," Comic-Convention Memories (June 24, 2010). guests included Spain Rodriguez, Shary Flenniken, Dennis Kitchen, Jaxon, Guy Colwell, Trina Robbins, Dave Sheridan, Patricia Moodian fr, George DiCaprio, Michelle Brand, and Bobby London.Benhari. "First Comix Con Right On?", Berkeley Barb (April 27—May 3, 1973). Bud Plant's retail business Comics & Comix acquires over 4,000 Golden Age comic books owned by Tom Reilly.Beerbohm, Robert. "Please Consider Buying Some Comics From Industry Icon Robert Beerbohm," The Comics Reporter (March 14, 2008).
May 18–20: Chicago Comic Con (Midland Hotel, Chicago, IL) — (not affiliated with Nostalgia '73, which later became the Chicago Comicon); produced by Mark Lully of Atlantis Bookstore; guests include Stan Lee, Jim Steranko, and Mike Hinge; admission $5 for all 3 daysThe Buyer's Guide to Comic Fandom #32 (March 15, 1973).
May 25–28 (Memorial Day weekend): Detroit Triple Fan Fair I, (Detroit Hilton, Detroit, MI) — guests include Jerry BailsRozanski, Chuck. "The Summer of 1973 - Part II: Detroit Triple Fan Fair," Tales From the Database. Accessed July 8, 2010.
June 21–24: Houstoncon '73 (Marriott Hotel, Houston, Texas) — c. 2,000 attendees; guests include Kirk Alyn, Frank Coghlan, Jr., William Benedict, William Witney, Dave Sharpe, Al Williamson, and Don Newton; convention notorious for a major van crash involving Robert Beerbohm, Bud Plant, and others as they were leaving the conventionDuin, Steve, and Richardson, Mike. Comics Between the Panels (Dark Horse Comics, 1998), p. 334.
June 27–July 1:Schedule D-Con '73 program Joe Bob Williams 1973 D-Con '73 (Sheraton Hotel, Dallas, Texas)Schleef, Steve. "D-Con '73," Foreign Comic Reviews #3 (1973), p. 12. — guests include Harlan Ellison, William Gaines, Burne Hogarth, Andrew J. Offutt, and Jerry Bails; tickets $7.50 at the door
July 4–8: Comic Art Convention (Hotel Commodore, New York City)Shepard, Richard. F. "Going Out," New York Times (July 4, 1973). — guests include Dr. Fredric Wertham,"Biographies: Fredric Wertham, M.D.". Comic Art & Graffix Gallery. Archived from the original on July 16, 2011. John Putnam, Jerry DeFuccio, Paul Gulacy, Bob Brown, Marie Severin, Tony Isabella, Elliot S. Maggin, Julius Schwartz, Guy H. Lillian III, C. C. Beck, Dave Cockrum, Gil Kane, Rick Durell, Gray Morrow, Dwight Decker, and Russell MyersEvanier, Mark. "The 1973 New York Comic Art Convention," Wonderworld vol. 3, #2 (whole #10) (Nov. 1973), pp. 15-17.
August: Metro Con (Washington, D.C. area) — organized and produced by Gary Groth and Warren Bernard; guests include Michael Kaluta, Jeff Jones,https://www.poopsheetfoundation.com/index.php/pf-database/fanzines/convention-programs/metro-con-1973-program-book?highlight=WyJtZXRybyIsImNvbiIsImNvbidzIiwibWV0cm8gY29uIl0= Metro Con 1973 Program Book Poopsheet Foundation: Mini-Comics History Archive March 1, 2023 Dennis O'Neil, Bernie Wrightson, Walt Simonson, Howard Chaykin, and Archie Goodwin. Showing of the film 1932 horror film Freaks. Final edition of this convention.Joel Pollack Our History Big Planet Comics https://www.bigplanetcomics.com/big-planet-a-history March 1, 2023 I helped with the third Metro Con in 1973. The first two, organized by Gary Groth, had been in ‘70 and ‘71 respectively. For the one to be held in 1973, my friend, Warren Bernard was working with Groth. At this Con, Warren was able to secure a rare (for the time) showing of the film Freaks. Attending the convention that year was Bernie Wrightson. It was the first time he had seen the movie and it proved to be a major influence on his work over the next few years. The guest list for that 1973 Con was impressive.... Despite the major talent we had, attendance was low and the Con lost money.
August 3–5: Nostalgia '73, 2nd Annual Chicago Comic and Nostalgia Convention (Pick-Congress Hotel, Chicago, Illinois) — produced by Nancy Warner
August 16–19 — San Diego Comic-Con (Sheraton Hotel, Harbor Island, California) — 1,000+ attendees. Official guests: Neal Adams, D.C. Fontana, June Foray, Mike Friedrich, Carmine Infantino
August 24–26: Cleveland Comic Convention (Sheraton Cleveland Hotel, Cleveland, Ohio) — produced by Vladimir Swyrinsky and sponsored by WMMS; guests include Val Mayerik, Dan Adkins, Paul Gulacy, Tony Isabella, and P. Craig Russell
October: Buffalo Marvelous Con (Statler Hilton Hotel, Buffalo, NY) — guests include Gil Kane and Phil SeulingSim, Dave. Interview with Gil Kane, Comic Art News and Reviews #18-19 (double issue) (Feb-Mar 1974).
October 18–21: Detroit Triple Fan Fair II, (Detroit Hilton, Detroit, MI) — guests include Barry Windsor-Smith, Michael Kaluta, George A. Romero, and Russ HeathSim, Dave. Interview with Russ Heath, Comic Art News and Reviews #14 (October 1973).
December 2: Oak Con I (Gold Room, Oakland University, Rochester Hills, MI) — produced by Steve Sundahl
Awards
Comic Fan Art Awards
(Formerly the Goethe Awards) For comics published in 1973. Presented at the 1974 Comic Art Convention, held July 4–8, 1974, at the Commodore Hotel, New York City; and published in The Buyer's Guide to Comics Fandom #63 (Aug. 1, 1974).Miller, John Jackson. "GOETHE/COMIC FAN ART AWARD WINNERS, 1971-74," Comics Buyer's Guide (July 19, 2005). https://web.archive.org/web/20100920035152/http://www.cbgxtra.com/knowledge-base/for-your-reference/goethecomic-fan-art-award-winners-1971-74 September 20, 2010
Favorite Pro Artist: Bernie Wrightson
Favorite Pro Writer: Len Wein
Favorite Pro Editor: Roy ThomasThomas entry, Who's Who in Comic Books: 1928–1999. Accessed Feb. 3, 2016.
Favorite Pro Comic Book: Swamp Thing (DC)
Favorite Comic-Book Story: "Night of the Bat," by Len Wein, Bernie Wrightson, and Joe Orlando in Swamp Thing #7 (DC)
Favorite Comic-Book Character: Conan
Favorite Fanzine: The Comic Reader (edited by Paul Levitz)Levitz entry, Who's Who of American Comic Books, 1928–1999. Accessed Feb. 4, 2016.
Favorite Fan Writer: Don & Maggie ThompsonDon Thompson entry, Who's Who of American Comic Books, 1928–1999. Accessed Feb. 4, 2016.
Favorite Fan Artist: Don NewtonNewton entry, Who's Who of American Comic Books, 1928–1999. Accessed Feb. 4, 2016.
Howard Bender (third place)Bender entry, Who's Who of American Comic Books, 1928–1999. Accessed Feb. 4, 2016.
Shazam Awards
Presented in 1974 for comics published in 1973:
Best Continuing Feature: Swamp Thing (DC Comics)
Best Individual Story: "Song of Red Sonja", by Roy Thomas and Barry Smith, Conan the Barbarian #24 (Marvel Comics)
Best Individual Short Story (Dramatic): "The Himalayan Incident" (Manhunter), by Archie Goodwin and Walt Simonson, Detective Comics #437 (DC)
Best Writer (Dramatic Division): Archie Goodwin
Best Penciller (Dramatic Division): Berni Wrightson
Best Inker (Dramatic Division): Dick Giordano
Best Humor Story: "The Gourmet", Plop! #1 (DC)
Best Writer (Humor Division) (tie):
Stu Schwartzberg fr
Steve Skeates
Best Penciller (Humor Division): Marie Severin
Best Inker (Humor Division): Ralph Reese
Best Letterer: Gaspar Saladino
Best Colorist: Glynis Wein
Best Foreign Comic Series: Lieutenant Blueberry
Outstanding New Talent (tie):
Walt Simonson
Jim Starlin
Superior Achievement by an Individual: Richard Corben
Hall of Fame: Carl Barks
First issues by title
DC Comics
Black Magic: selected reprints of 1950 Prize Comics series.
Release: October /November Writer: Joe Simon. Artist: Jack Kirby.
Plop!
Release: September /October Editor: Joe Orlando.
Prez
Release: September. Writer: Joe Simon. Artist: Jerry Grandenetti.
Shazam!
Release: February. Artist: C.C. Beck. Editor: Julius Schwartz.
Marvel Comics
Crazy: precursor to Crazy Magazine
Release: January.
Crazy Magazine
Release: October. Editor: Marv Wolfman.
Dead of Night
Release: January.
Dracula Lives!
Release: by Curtis Magazines. Editor: Roy Thomas.
Ghost Rider vol. 2
Release: September. Writer: Gary Friedrich. Artist: Tom Sutton and Syd Shores.
Monster of Frankenstein
Release: January. Writer: Gary Friedrich. Artist: Mike Ploog.
Monsters Unleashed
Release: July by Curtis Magazines. Editor: Roy Thomas.
Spider-Man Comics Weekly
Release: February 10 by Marvel UK. Editor: Tony Isabella.
Tales of the Zombie
Release: July by Curtis Magazines. Editor: Roy Thomas.
Vampire Tales
Release: July by Curtis Magazines. Editor: Roy Thomas.
War is Hell
Release: January. Editor: Roy Thomas.
Worlds Unknown
Release: May. Editor: Stan Lee.
Independent titles
Bobo
Release by Semic Press. Writer and Artist: Lars Mortimer
Cutie Honey
Release: October 1 by Akita Shoten. Writer/Artist: Go Nagai.
E-Man
Release: October by Charlton Comics. Writer: Nicola Cuti. Artist: Joe Staton.
The Occult Files of Dr. Spektor
Release: May by Gold Key Comics. Writer: Don Glut. Artist: Jesse Santos.
Initial appearances by character name
DC Comics
Abigail Arcane, in Swamp Thing #3 (February -March)McAvennie "1970s" in Dolan, p. 154: "Scribe Len Wein and artist Bernie Wrightson left Swamp Thing some company...the woman who would become Swamp Thing's soul mate, Abigail Arcane."
Anton Arcane, in Swamp Thing #01 (November)
Black Orchid, in Adventure Comics #428 (July)
Freedom Fighters, in Justice League of America #107 (October)
Uncle Sam, in Justice League of America #107 (October)
Phantom Lady, in Justice League of America #107 (October)
Ray, in Justice League of America #107 (October)
Human Bomb, in Justice League of America #107 (October)
Black Condor, in Justice League of America #107 (October)
Hunter, in Superboy #199 (November)
Klarion the Witch Boy, in The Demon #7 (March)
Steve Lombard, in Superman #264 (June)
Mister Miracle (Shilo Norman), in Mister Miracle #15 (August)
Prez, in Prez #01 (September)
Spook, in Detective Comics #434 (April)
The Shadow, in Shadow #01 (November)
Tyr, in Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes #197 (September)
Wildfire, in Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes #195 (June)
Marvel Comics
Angar the Screamer, in Daredevil #100 (June)
Bi-Beast, in The Incredible Hulk #169 (November)
Blade, in The Tomb of Dracula #10 (July)
Lucas Brand, in The Tomb of Dracula #9 (June)
Brother Voodoo, in Strange Tales #169 (September)
Drax the Destroyer, in Iron Man #55 (February)
Deacon Frost, in The Tomb of Dracula #13 (October)
Gremlin, in The Incredible Hulk #163 (May)
Quincy Harker, in The Tomb of Dracula #7 (March)
Daimon Hellstrom, in Ghost Rider (vol. 2) #1 (September)
Helmut Zemo, in Captain America #168 (December)
Howard the Duck, in Adventure into Fear #19 (December)
The Hydro-Men, in Sub-Mariner #61 (May)
The Infra-Worlders, in The Incredible Hulk #164 (June)
Solomon Kane, in Monsters Unleashed #1 (August)
Erik Killmonger, in Jungle Action #6 (September)
Killraven, in Amazing Adventures #18 (May)
Kronos, in Iron Man #55 (February)
A'lars, in Iron Man #55 (February)
Moondragon, in Iron Man #54 (January)
Nimrod, in Dracula Lives! #3 (October)
Orb, in Marvel Team-Up #15 (November)
Satana, in Vampire Tales #2 (October)
Shang-Chi, in Special Marvel Edition #15 (December) Cooke Jon B. Comic Book Artist Collection: Volume 3 TwoMorrows Publishing 2005 6–7 Everybody was Kung Fu Watchin'! The Not-So-Secret Origin of Shang-Chi, Kung-Fu Master! https://books.google.com/books?id=F9bAN1DE7igC&q=Shang+Chi+Englehart+Starlin&pg=PA6 1-893905-42-X
Sui-San, in Captain Marvel #29 (November)
Starfox, in Iron Man #55 (February)
Thanos, in Iron Man #55 (February)
Ultimus, in The Mighty Thor #209 (March)
Uranos, in Captain Marvel #29 (November)
Venomm, in Jungle Action #6 (September)
Wendigo, in The Incredible Hulk #162 (April)
Wundarr the Aquarian, in Adventure into Fear #17 (October)
Baron Zemo II, in Captain America #168 (December)
Zzzax, in The Incredible Hulk #166 (August)
Independent titles
Black Jack, in Weekly Shōnen Champion (November 19)
Rerun van Pelt, in Peanuts (March 26)
Superlopez, by Juan Lopez Fernandez (November)
References