Borderline Mega Keys?

[KirbyJack]

Considering their Avengers and X-Men work, I'd nominate X-Men #4 with the 1st appearance of Quicksilver and The Scarlet Witch. My votes for the top 20...

 

MEGA Keys:

Fantastic Four #1

Amazing Fantasy #15

 

Keys:

Hulk #1

X-Men #1

Amazing Spider-Man #1

Journey into Mystery #83

Tales of Suspense #39

Tales to Astonish #27

Avengers #1

Avengers #4

Daredevil #1

 

2nd tier Keys:

Fantastic Four #4

Strange Tales #110

Sgt. Fury #1

Tales to Astonish #35

Strange Tales #101

X-Men #4

Fantastic Four #5

Amazing Spider-Man #2

Fantastic Four #2

 

 

 

[ComicConnoisseur]

FF#5

All the way!

[oakman29]

I am amazed, no love for Doc Ock,Sandman,Doom, In my opinion these are major keys.

MEGA Keys:

Fantastic Four #1

Amazing Fantasy #15

 

Keys:

Hulk #1

X-Men #1

Amazing Spider-Man #1

Journey into Mystery #83

Tales of Suspense #39

Tales to Astonish #27

Avengers #1

Avengers #4

Daredevil #1

I would lump all these into the mega key section (thumbs u

[Foolkiller]

1koko's list is pretty comprehensive, let me dissect it:

 

Tier 1 keys:

AF #15 (agree)

FF #1 (agree)

X-Men #1 (agree -- forget the order, but belongs here)

Hulk #1 (agree)

TOS #39 (agree)

JIM #83 (agree)

Avengers #1 (agree)

ASM #1 (yes)

Daredevil #1 (agree)

Sgt Fury #1 (agree)

TTA #27 (tier 2 -- Hank Pym important, but not that important for today's Marvel U, can't rank him as important)

 

Avengers 4 belongs on this list -- folks, if you don't think the re-introduction of Captain America, who goes on to become one of the cornerstones of the Marvel U, belongs in tier one, you need to re-read the marvel U. He's bigger than DD, bigger than Iron Man, bigger (at least I would say) than the Hulk. Sorry folks, go back and read the Marvel U. Tell me the characters with bigger influence over it than Cap. You'll be hard pressed to find more than a handful even in the same discussion as him.

 

 

Tier 2 keys:

 

ASM #3 (1st Doc Ock -- enh. tier 3)

ASM #14 (yes)

ASM #50 (no, doesn't even belong on the list of keys generally, this is the quintessential minor key, it's got a classic cover, that's about it)

FF#5 (tier 1. Doc Doom the biggest villain in the Marvel U. Name a more important one)

Avengers #4 (tier one, see rant above)

FF #48 (yes)

Hulk #2 (no, why not put all #2s as minor keys?)

X-Men ? (#2 -- x-men 2 blows as a book)

 

 

 

Tier 3:

 

ASM #2 (no)

ASM #4 (no)

ASM #15 (no)

FF #4 (yes)

FF#2 (1st Skrulls) (yes, the only #2 deserving to be on any kind of key list)

Strange Tales #101 (no)

Strange Tales #110 (yes, should be a second tier key)

Strange Tales #135 (1st Shield) (yes)

TTA #35 (1st Ant Man in costume)(yes)

JIM #85 (should be tier 2, Loki is an incredibly important player in the Marvel U)

TOS #57 (Hawkeye) (okay, but then you could and should put TOS 52 on this list)

[Silver Surfer]

just wondering what peoples opinions on the line between Mega key and just key.

I think the SA has a lotta books that are on that line

 

Avengers 4 1ST SA CAP

FF4 1ST SA NAMOR

FF5 1ST DOOM

 

 

As far as I'm concerned these are landmark issues, especially FF#4 and Avengers #4.

[1koko]

Purely focusing on Marvel SA my view:

 

Tier 1 keys:

AF #15

FF #1

X-Men #1

Hulk #1

TOS #39

JIM #83

Avengers #1

ASM #1

Daredevil #1

Sgt Fury #1

TTA #27

 

 

Tier 2 keys:

 

ASM #3

ASM #14

ASM #50

FF#5

Avengers #4

FF #48

Hulk #2

X-Men

 

 

 

Tier 3:

 

ASM #2

ASM #4

ASM #15

FF #4

FF#2 (1st Skrulls)

Strange Tales #101

Strange Tales #110

Strange Tales #135 (1st Shield)

TTA #35 (1st Ant Man in costume)

JIM #85

TOS #57 (Hawkeye)

 

 

others?

 

I'm sure I've missed many

 

 

 

which issue? just curious

 

none - just a typo - decided to split list into 3 tiers at time I was typing X-Men #1

[1koko]

1koko's list is pretty comprehensive, let me dissect it:

 

Tier 1 keys:

Avengers 4 belongs on this list -- folks, if you don't think the re-introduction of Captain America, who goes on to become one of the cornerstones of the Marvel U, belongs in tier one, you need to re-read the marvel U. He's bigger than DD, bigger than Iron Man, bigger (at least I would say) than the Hulk. Sorry folks, go back and read the Marvel U. Tell me the characters with bigger influence over it than Cap. You'll be hard pressed to find more than a handful even in the same discussion as him.

 

 

Being a GA guy I look less favourably on the reintroduction of characters. The Mega Key to me is Captain America Comics #1 not Avengers #4.

 

I put Avegers 4 therefore in the 2nd tier and FF#4 in the 3rd tier due to their GA first apperances being mega keys.

 

But for all the above I can see your arguments for Cap's importance in the modern MU

[ChasingKingKirby]

1koko's list is pretty comprehensive, let me dissect it:

 

Tier 1 keys:

AF #15 (agree)

FF #1 (agree)

X-Men #1 (agree -- forget the order, but belongs here)

Hulk #1 (agree)

TOS #39 (agree)

JIM #83 (agree)

Avengers #1 (agree)

ASM #1 (yes)

Daredevil #1 (agree)

Sgt Fury #1 (agree)

TTA #27 (tier 2 -- Hank Pym important, but not that important for today's Marvel U, can't rank him as important)

 

Avengers 4 belongs on this list -- folks, if you don't think the re-introduction of Captain America, who goes on to become one of the cornerstones of the Marvel U, belongs in tier one, you need to re-read the marvel U. He's bigger than DD, bigger than Iron Man, bigger (at least I would say) than the Hulk. Sorry folks, go back and read the Marvel U. Tell me the characters with bigger influence over it than Cap. You'll be hard pressed to find more than a handful even in the same discussion as him.

 

 

Tier 2 keys:

 

ASM #3 (1st Doc Ock -- enh. tier 3)

ASM #14 (yes)

ASM #50 (no, doesn't even belong on the list of keys generally, this is the quintessential minor key, it's got a classic cover, that's about it)

FF#5 (tier 1. Doc Doom the biggest villain in the Marvel U. Name a more important one)

Avengers #4 (tier one, see rant above)

FF #48 (yes)

Hulk #2 (no, why not put all #2s as minor keys?)

X-Men ? (#2 -- x-men 2 blows as a book)

 

 

 

Tier 3:

 

ASM #2 (no)

ASM #4 (no)

ASM #15 (no)

FF #4 (yes)

FF#2 (1st Skrulls) (yes, the only #2 deserving to be on any kind of key list)

Strange Tales #101 (no)

Strange Tales #110 (yes, should be a second tier key)

Strange Tales #135 (1st Shield) (yes)

TTA #35 (1st Ant Man in costume)(yes)

JIM #85 (should be tier 2, Loki is an incredibly important player in the Marvel U)

TOS #57 (Hawkeye) (okay, but then you could and should put TOS 52 on this list)

 

Disagree with the comment regarding ASM50. The Kingpin is an incredibly important villain in DD and Spidey continuity. I think it's a tier three book. I also think Strange Tales 114 and Tales of Suspense 65 should be Tier 3 books. Strange Tales 114 is the true reintroduction of the CHARACTER Captain America to the silver-age. If it wasn't well-received, Avengers 4 doesn't happen. I agree that Cap is one of the major cornerstones of the MU, saying that his biggest foil should be a tier 3 book. TOS 65, introduction to the Marvel Universe and Silver Age.

[jjonahjameson1]

just wondering what peoples opinions on the line between Mega key and just key.

I think the SA has a lotta books that are on that line

 

Avengers 4 1ST SA CAP

FF4 1ST SA NAMOR

FF5 1ST DOOM

HULK # 2 1ST GREEN HULK

TTA 27 1ST HANK PYM

JIM 85 1ST LOKI

ASM 14

 

.. I'm sure thre are a ton more...

 

imo FF5 ,and HULK2 are top teir books, the rest are just below the line imo

 

criteria for this is NOT value of book, but importance of the book.

feel free to add any books, or ur opinions on the books I listed

 

 

I wanted to get back to the original post and its intent to differentiate between Mega Key and "just a key" book. So, if the criteria is importance of the book, I don't think any of the books suggested above should be considered in the same class as the usual Mega Key suspects (AF15, FF1, Hulk 1, etc) because they are not in the same league. Period.

 

So now the only question is which of those books listed above is most important to the Marvel Universe, I would list them in the following order:

 

Avengers 4

FF5

JIM85

FF4

ASM14

Hulk 2

TTA 27 (although I would replace with TTA35)

[Dick Pontoon]

I agree with Foolkiller that Hulk #2 doesn't belong, and don't see why it's important to the Marvel Universe. It doesn't introduce any major characters and the Toad Men are nobodies. It's the first green Hulk but so what? Stan Lee (and probably Stan G.) decided green was the way to go because the printer couldn't maintain the same grey tone throughout #1. Being green wasn't even part of the plot, he just was.

[AtlasFan]

I agree with Foolkiller that Hulk #2 doesn't belong, and don't see why it's important to the Marvel Universe. It doesn't introduce any major characters and the Toad Men are nobodies. It's the first green Hulk but so what? Stan Lee (and probably Stan G.) decided green was the way to go because the printer couldn't maintain the same grey tone throughout #1. Being green wasn't even part of the plot, he just was.

 

I think HULK #2 is a pseudo-key...and not just becuase I have a nice copy.

 

Its the first green HULK - who, as someone said before, is a major pop culture icon. Its also the first Kirby/Ditko HULK. The HULK really has a different look than he did in #1, much more gruesome and menacing than any of the Kirby issues.

[Trey Cannon]

here would be my list focusing on Marvel I base the books as mega keys because they either introduced a major superhero or super villian or reintro of a major GA hero no particular order

 

Mega Keys

Amazing Fantasy #15

Avengers #1

Avengers #4

Daredevil #1

Fantastic Four #1

Fantastic Four #5

Incredible Hulk #1

Journey Into Mystery #83

Sgt Fury #1

Strange Tales #110

Tales of Suspense #39

Tales to Astonish #27

X-Men #1

 

Semi-Mega Keys

Amazing Spider-Man #1 1st solo book 2nd appearance

Amazing Spider-Man #2

Amazing Spider-Man #3

Amazing Spider-Man #4

Amazing Spider-Man #6

Amazing Spider-Man #9

Amazing Spider-Man #13

Amazing Spider-Man #14

Fantastic Four #2

Fantastic Four #4 sorry Subby just doesnt carry the weight Cap does

Journey Into Mystery #85

 

Keys

Amazing Spider-Man #15

Amazing Spider-Man #20

Amazing Spider-Man #28

Amazing Spider-Man #31

Amazing Spider-Man #50

Avengers #6

Avengers #57

Captain America #100

Fantastic Four #48

Incredible Hulk #102

Sgt Fury #13

Strange Tales #114

Tales of Suspense #57

Tales of Suspense #58

Tales of Suspense #59

Tales of Suspense #65

Tales to Astonish #35

Tales to Astonish #44

Tales to Astonish #59

X-men #3

X-men #4

X-Men #12

 

Semi-Keys

anything I missed

 

[ChasingKingKirby]

here would be my list focusing on Marvel I base the books as mega keys because they either introduced a major superhero or super villian or reintro of a major GA hero no particular order

 

Mega Keys

Amazing Fantasy #15

Avengers #1

Avengers #4

Daredevil #1

Fantastic Four #1

Fantastic Four #5

Incredible Hulk #1

Journey Into Mystery #83

Sgt Fury #1

Strange Tales #110

Tales of Suspense #39

Tales to Astonish #27

X-Men #1

 

Semi-Mega Keys

Amazing Spider-Man #1 1st solo book 2nd appearance

Amazing Spider-Man #2

Amazing Spider-Man #3

Amazing Spider-Man #4

Amazing Spider-Man #6

Amazing Spider-Man #9

Amazing Spider-Man #13

Amazing Spider-Man #14

Fantastic Four #2

Fantastic Four #4 sorry Subby just doesnt carry the weight Cap does

Journey Into Mystery #85

 

Keys

Amazing Spider-Man #15

Amazing Spider-Man #20

Amazing Spider-Man #28

Amazing Spider-Man #31

Amazing Spider-Man #50

Avengers #6

Avengers #57

Captain America #100

Fantastic Four #48

Incredible Hulk #102

Sgt Fury #13

Tales of Suspense #57

Tales of Suspense #58

Tales of Suspense #59

Tales of Suspense #65

Tales to Astonish #35

Tales to Astonish #44

Tales to Astonish #59

X-men #3

X-men #4

X-Men #12

 

Semi-Keys

anything I missed

No STrange Tales 114, but you do list Sgt Fury 13? Why's that?

[Trey Cannon]

here would be my list focusing on Marvel I base the books as mega keys because they either introduced a major superhero or super villian or reintro of a major GA hero no particular order

 

Mega Keys

Amazing Fantasy #15

Avengers #1

Avengers #4

Daredevil #1

Fantastic Four #1

Fantastic Four #5

Incredible Hulk #1

Journey Into Mystery #83

Sgt Fury #1

Strange Tales #110

Tales of Suspense #39

Tales to Astonish #27

X-Men #1

 

Semi-Mega Keys

Amazing Spider-Man #1 1st solo book 2nd appearance

Amazing Spider-Man #2

Amazing Spider-Man #3

Amazing Spider-Man #4

Amazing Spider-Man #6

Amazing Spider-Man #9

Amazing Spider-Man #13

Amazing Spider-Man #14

Fantastic Four #2

Fantastic Four #4 sorry Subby just doesnt carry the weight Cap does

Journey Into Mystery #85

 

Keys

Amazing Spider-Man #15

Amazing Spider-Man #20

Amazing Spider-Man #28

Amazing Spider-Man #31

Amazing Spider-Man #50

Avengers #6

Avengers #57

Captain America #100

Fantastic Four #48

Incredible Hulk #102

Sgt Fury #13

Tales of Suspense #57

Tales of Suspense #58

Tales of Suspense #59

Tales of Suspense #65

Tales to Astonish #35

Tales to Astonish #44

Tales to Astonish #59

X-men #3

X-men #4

X-Men #12

 

Semi-Keys

anything I missed

No STrange Tales 114, but you do list Sgt Fury 13? Why's that?

I forgot to add it to the keys it would quailfy I fixed it

[Hammerhead]

I agree with those that would remove Hulk #2 from the list, otherwise the list looks good. Except everyone forgot the first appearance of The Forbush Man: Not Brand Eech #1!!

[Gopher John]

DC.... anyone?

 

I'm primarily a DC silver-age guy, but there are others here more qualified to make a list like this.

[jjonahjameson1]

here would be my list focusing on Marvel I base the books as mega keys because they either introduced a major superhero or super villian or reintro of a major GA hero no particular order

 

Mega Keys

Amazing Fantasy #15

Avengers #1

Avengers #4

Daredevil #1

Fantastic Four #1

Fantastic Four #5

Incredible Hulk #1

Journey Into Mystery #83

Sgt Fury #1

Strange Tales #110

Tales of Suspense #39

Tales to Astonish #27

X-Men #1

 

Semi-Mega Keys

Amazing Spider-Man #1 1st solo book 2nd appearance

Amazing Spider-Man #2

Amazing Spider-Man #3

Amazing Spider-Man #4

Amazing Spider-Man #6

Amazing Spider-Man #9

Amazing Spider-Man #13

Amazing Spider-Man #14

Fantastic Four #2

Fantastic Four #4 sorry Subby just doesnt carry the weight Cap does

Journey Into Mystery #85

 

Keys

Amazing Spider-Man #15

Amazing Spider-Man #20

Amazing Spider-Man #28

Amazing Spider-Man #31

Amazing Spider-Man #50

Avengers #6

Avengers #57

Captain America #100

Fantastic Four #48

Incredible Hulk #102

Sgt Fury #13

Strange Tales #114

Tales of Suspense #57

Tales of Suspense #58

Tales of Suspense #59

Tales of Suspense #65

Tales to Astonish #35

Tales to Astonish #44

Tales to Astonish #59

X-men #3

X-men #4

X-Men #12

 

Semi-Keys

anything I missed

 

Maybe some of the early Marvel Annuals? Strange Tales Annual #2, FF Annual #1 & 2 (Doom origin is kinda important), ASM Annual #1?

[Boboset]

Avengers #6 is not a key in terms of this list. You have to put ASM annual#1 FAR above that book. I could think of thirty more important SA books over Avengers#6 that are not on this list...

 

Why give Incredible Hulk #102 the nod over Iron Man#1? Iron Man is currently the more popular character anyways.

 

First appearance of Mysterio over the first Kingpin?

 

If the list is that comprehensive then FF#52 deserves to be on that list. It's a much bigger book than say Captain America #100 or Hulk #102.

 

ASM#1 is a mega key. I won't even debate that point behind this. Come on...

[Boboset]

Fantastic Four #12 is a semi mega key too and Strange Tales #101 has to be on that list somewhere.

[ComicConnoisseur]

here would be my list focusing on Marvel I base the books as mega keys because they either introduced a major superhero or super villian or reintro of a major GA hero no particular order

 

Mega Keys

Amazing Fantasy #15

Avengers #1

Avengers #4

Daredevil #1

Fantastic Four #1

Fantastic Four #5

Incredible Hulk #1

Journey Into Mystery #83

Sgt Fury #1

Strange Tales #110

Tales of Suspense #39

Tales to Astonish #27

X-Men #1

 

Semi-Mega Keys

Amazing Spider-Man #1 1st solo book 2nd appearance

Amazing Spider-Man #2

Amazing Spider-Man #3

Amazing Spider-Man #4

Amazing Spider-Man #6

Amazing Spider-Man #9

Amazing Spider-Man #13

Amazing Spider-Man #14

Fantastic Four #2

Fantastic Four #4 sorry Subby just doesnt carry the weight Cap does

Journey Into Mystery #85

 

Keys

Amazing Spider-Man #15

Amazing Spider-Man #20

Amazing Spider-Man #28

Amazing Spider-Man #31

Amazing Spider-Man #50

Avengers #6

Avengers #57

Captain America #100

Fantastic Four #48

Incredible Hulk #102

Sgt Fury #13

Strange Tales #114

Tales of Suspense #57

Tales of Suspense #58

Tales of Suspense #59

Tales of Suspense #65

Tales to Astonish #35

Tales to Astonish #44

Tales to Astonish #59

X-men #3

X-men #4

X-Men #12

 

Semi-Keys

anything I missed

maybe this?