That 80s sideshow

In a fit of nostalgia, we look back at some of the 1980s’ most underrated comics.

TO comics fans, the 1980s are synonymous with legendary stories and books like Crisis On Infinite Earths, Watchmen, The Dark Knight Returns, Man Of Steel, and Secret Wars.

While there is no doubt that those books defined that exciting decade and are definitely must- reads, they were not the only great books to come out of that decade. Here are 10 others, “under the radar” gems that were also significant milestones.

Camelot 3000 ( 1982)

Often declared as THE first “limited series” in comics, though that honour actually belongs to 1979’ s three- part World Of Krypton. However, DC’s Camelot 3000 did succeed in expanding the concept into a “maxi- series” of 12 issues.

In this futuristic/ medieval tale, King Arthur and his reincarnated Knights of the Round Table are cast into an unfamiliar setting where they have to save Earth from an alien invasion orchestrated by Morgan Le Fay.

Merlin’s sorcery, future technology, intergalactic violence and gender identity issues offer Arthur a whole new challenge beyond his sword- and- sorcery roots. Co- created by Mike W. Barr and Brian Bolland, this series a fine showcase of Bolland’s art – which still stands out among his 2000 AD masterpieces till today.

Marvel Super Hero Contest Of Champions ( 1982)

Contest of Champions ( COC) is Marvel’s response to DC’s foray into the limited- series realm. Unlike the dimension and drama offered by Camelot 3000, the House of Ideas went straight for the jugular with this straightforward Street Fighter- esque tale involving a bet between the Grandmaster and Death, for the Collector’s life.

Obviously, not even a mud- wrestling battle between the Grandmaster and Death would have boosted sales, so instead, they both “selected” a group of heroes to participate in four separate challenges, each involving the recovery of a piece of the “Golden Globe of Life”.

Despite the absence of most A- list heroes, COC doubled as a springboard for a United Nations- type group. The outcome of COC isn’t important – what’s notable is the beginning of the “gathering of heroes” concept, which eventually led to events like Secret Wars, Infinity Gauntlet and Avengers Vs X- Men.

Machine Man ( 1984)

Although he was created by Jack “King” Kirby seven years earlier in 2001: A Space Oddysey # 8, Machine Man aka Aaron Stack aka X- 51 generated minimal appeal in a 21st century occupied by mutants and Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.

This four- parter takes him to the future, namely the year 2020, where Machine Man is revived in a cyberpunk setting ruled by his arch nemesis Madame Menace aka Sunset Bain, and supported by Arno Stark, aka Iron Man 2020!

It’s not the Stark bloodlines that makes this story tick, but Barry Windsor- Smith’s pencils, inks and colours!

the Punisher ( 1986)

The Punisher may have made his debut in 1974’ s Amazing Spider- Man # 129, but this is where he finally found his raison d’etre, and establishing Frank Castiglione ( his real name was FINALLY revealed here) as the benchmark for all anti- heroes.

If you’ve been wondering why they keep making Punisher movies despite all the failures, well, this fiveparter by Steven Grant and Mike Zeck will banish all doubts. The airbrushed covers by Zeck are true comic- book heritage.

We’re knights of the round table, we sing whenever we’re able...

Squadron Supreme ( 1985)

If you think that Kingdom Come or Jupiter’s Legacy seem original and refreshing, think again. It was Squadron Supreme that first developed the “heroes tak take over the world” plot, wa way back in the 1980s.

Written by the late Mark Gruenwald and illustrated by Paul Ryan, this 12- parter focuses on the Squadron’ Squadron’s attempt at creating Utopia, beginning with the United States, of course. Obviously this sparks a rift between heroes and villians, prompting heroes to go beyond their “holier than thou” persona in pursuit of a very subjective world peace!

Longshot ( 1985)

While most mutants are either super- strong or mind readers, this “genetically engineered slave” was gifted with the power of good luck, which grants him favourable outcomes and protects him when his intentions are pure.

This Longshot miniseries is a dimension- hopping tale involving Earth and the Mojoverse – a pocket reality ruled by Mojo and empowered by television! ( Talk about foresight.)

What makes this tick is Arthur “Art”

Adams’, er, art. Despite being his maiden comic book work – the man aced it like a pro and even bagged the 1986 Russ Manning Award for it.

Two major influences came out of this series – Longshot’s eventual induction into the X- Men ( Uncanny X- Men Annual # 10), and, unfortunately, his penchant for belt pouches, which became a must- have accessory in the Image Universe.

Remember, remember ... Alan Moore’s best work ever! While Moore’s Swamp Thing run, Superman tales, and Watchmen are all excellent, I believe that V for Vendetta is one unbeatable class act. You could submerge yourself into every panel, try to spot every use possible of the letter “V”, and even try playing the musical chords Moore incorporated into this dystopian take of Britain. Just don’t bother with the movie.

Wolverine ( 1982)

After he fought the Hulk ( and Wendigo) ( Incredible Hulk ( vol 1) # 181) and joined the X- Men, Mr- Best- ThereIs- At- What- He- Does took some time off to visit Japan in his first major solo series.

Chris Claremont and Frank Miller add an Oriental infusing

and

Sentinels

Magik: and ( 1983)

This series Claremont personal pick, spot Rasputin sister). had worst ever Belasco trained ruler of the had

the Darkness ( 1988)

Imagine of Avatar War The Darkness

and

Jones Vietnam not in the four in arms. of depression, a second

dimension, of Outer