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Four Color #129

Dell ⋅ 1946

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Four Color #129
 
Low
$180
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$670
High
$1.8k

Key Facts

Anthology of stories inspired by characters from the 1946 Disney film 'Song of the South'

Song of the South is a musical that is part live-action/part animated, set on a plantation after the Civil War

Even at the time of its release, the film received criticism for racist stereotypes

Disney has never released the film on home video in the United States. Internationally, the last time it was reissued was in the year 2000 which resulted in the VHS to resell online for up to $400

Roger Rabbit #12
Non-Key

Disney ⋅ 1991

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Roger Rabbit #12
 
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$2
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$8
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$20

Key Facts

Bondage cover

Online sellers describe this as a banned issue yet there is no solid data to prove this claim

Marvel Graphic Novel #11

Marvel ⋅ 1984

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Marvel Graphic Novel #11
 
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$2
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$8
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$25

Key Facts

52-page original graphic novel that established the foundation of a story that continued in Void Indigo #1 under the Epic imprint of Marvel Comics

Controversial issue due to panels of extreme torture of a nude man and woman that was seized by Canadian customs to be reviewed for violation of pornography statues but dismissed

Void Indigo as a series had only two issues published before being cancelled by Marvel for missed deadlines and growing consumer backlash

Walt Disney's Uncle Scrooge #329

Gemstone ⋅ 2004

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Walt Disney's Uncle Scrooge #329
 
Low
$1
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$2
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$7

Key Facts

In 2023, Disney banned this issue from future reprints and collections due to the depiction of the character Bombie the Zombie

The publisher sent this email to creator, Don Rosa: As part of its ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion, The Walt Disney Company is in the process of reviewing their library of stories. As a result, some stories that do not align with their values will no longer be published. This applies to two of your classic stories, 'The Richest Duck in the World' and 'The Dream of a Lifetime'. These stories will not be part of any reprints or new collections

Walt Disney's Uncle Scrooge #295

Dell ⋅ 1995

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Walt Disney's Uncle Scrooge #295
 
Low
$5
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$20
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$75

Key Facts

In 2023, Disney banned this issue from future reprints and collections due to the depiction of characters Bombie the Zombie and Foola Zoola

The publisher sent this email to creator, Don Rosa: As part of its ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion, The Walt Disney Company is in the process of reviewing their library of stories. As a result, some stories that do not align with their values will no longer be published. This applies to two of your classic stories, 'The Richest Duck in the World' and 'The Dream of a Lifetime'. These stories will not be part of any reprints or new collections

The story is part of the Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck story arc that is sought after by many Disney comic fans

An earlier version of cover art was published in Germany in the title Onkel Dagobert #6

The earliest publication of the story appeared in Donald Duck & Co. #16 published in Norway (April 1994)

Isom #1

Rippaverse ⋅ 2022

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Isom #1
 
Low
$4
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$12
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$40

Key Facts

96-page graphic novel about a rancher who reluctantly returns to the superhero spotlight

Cover A limited to 27,000 copies

Crowdfunding campaign hosted on the writer, Eric July's independent website that surpassed the $100,000 goal with $3.7 million dollars in revenue from 43,000 supporters

The campaign received widespread coverage from major news outlets and across social media due to the creator's criticism of the comic book industry

Original cost of unsigned graphic novel: $35

Ultimate Fallout #4

Acetate ⋅ Marvel ⋅ 2022

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Ultimate Fallout #4
 
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$5
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$15
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$65

Key Facts

C2e2 store exclusive, limited to 750 copies

Unauthorized edition, augmented with an acetate cover - authorized publication without acetate cover originally went on sale September 2021

Unauthorized by Marvel but recognized by CGC and graded with the Universal (standard) blue label

Controversial due to accusations that exhibitors were given preferential opportunity to purchase unlimited copies ahead of general admission C2e2 convention attendees

According to Terapeak, ungraded copies on eBay have sold for $250 - $350

Original retail price for unauthorized edition: $85 for a majority of sales then increased to $100 as inventory dwindled

Catwoman #82

DC ⋅ 2000

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Catwoman #82
 
Low
$1
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$2
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$10

Key Facts

Violent cover featuring Harley Quinn and Selina Kyle

Copies ordered by retailers: 28,663

New Teen Titans #34

DC ⋅ 1983

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New Teen Titans #34
 
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Key Facts

Controversial issue: interactions between Terra and Deathstroke, first established in this issue indicate a sexual relationship despite him being the sixteen-year-old girl's senior by decades

This relationship was revisited in the 2016 Deathstroke series with fewer subtleties and addressed when Slade apologizes to Terra aka Tara (tap cover and swipe to view)

1st full cover appearance of Deathstroke, seen in shadows on cover of New Teen Titans #2

1st cameo appearance of Adeline Wilson, in a photo

King Conan #3

Marvel ⋅ 2022

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King Conan #3
 
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Key Facts

Controversial issue: criticized for the highly sexualized portrayal of Princess Matoaka, the true name of the indigenous girl nicknamed, Pocahontas whose real life story would be characterized today as tragic, marred by underage exploitation, abuse and trafficking

Writer, Jason Aaron made to the following statement to Bleeding Cool:

"I made the ill-considered decision to give a character the name of Matoaka, a name most closely associated with the real-life Native American figure, Pocahontas. This new character is a supernatural, thousand-year-old princess of a cursed island within a world of pastiche and dark fantasy and was never intended to be based on anyone from history. I should have better understood the name's true meaning and resonance and recognized it wasn't appropriate to use it. I understand the outrage expressed by those who hold the true Matoaka's legacy dear, and for all of this and the distress it's caused, I apologize. As part of that apology, I've already taken what I was paid for the issue and donated it to the National Indigenous Women's Resource Center. The character's name and appearance will be adjusted for the rest of this mini-series and in all digital and collected editions."

Holy Terror

Hardcover ⋅ Legendary ⋅ 2011

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Holy Terror
 
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$5
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$15
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$55

Key Facts

116-page, black and white hardcover graphic novel measuring 10 in. x 13 in.

Originally written with Batman as the title character who hunts down Islamic terrorists but re-concepted to a vigilante named the Fixer

Controversial upon release in its critical reviews from journalists and industry peers who condemned the story for being absurd, offensive and Islamophobic

Original retail price: $29.99

X-Statix #13

Marvel ⋅ 2002

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X-Statix #13
 
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Key Facts

1st appearance of Henrietta Hunter, a pop star who obtains powers after returning from the dead

Controversial issue: initially the five-part story arc was titled Di Another Day and featured Princess Diana as a mutant who returned from the dead after the August 1997 car accident that took her life. The creators were forced to alter the story and art after the book's solicitations resulted in criticism from British media, the Royal Family and even Elton John

(Tap cover and swipe to view original cover art for this issue)

Captain America #28
Non-Key

Marvel ⋅ 2021

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Captain America #28
 
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Key Facts

Controversial issue that caught the attention of Canadian psychologist and author, Dr. Jordan Peterson after fans pointed out similarities between the depiction of Nazi super-villain Red Skull to topics frequently explored by Peterson

In the comic, an image shows the Red Skull's lecture topics include: Chaos and Order, The Feminist Trap and Ten Rules For Life, a title similar to Peterson's book 12 Rules For Life

Peterson commented on Twitter: Do I really live in a universe where Ta-Nehisi Coates has written a Captain America comic featuring a parody of my ideas as part of the philosophy of the arch villain Red Skull?

An Illustrated History of Heidi Saha #1

Warren ⋅ 1973

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An Illustrated History of Heidi Saha #1
 
Low
$65
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$190
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$650

Key Facts

Print run: 500 copies, obtained via mail order

36-page black and white pictorial tribute to Heidi Saha, a 14-year-old girl who competed in costume contests as Vampirella and other characters at fan conventions in the early 1970s

Controversial publication by Vampirella creator Forest Ackerman due to Saha's age and rumors that she appeared nude in pictures published in this magazine which is untrue

Ackerman's descriptions of Heidi are criticized as inappropriate including the following, 'At the present time she neatly distributes 35" 24" 36" into a 5'7" frame weighing 120 lbs. and topped by a heavenly cascade of honey-blonde hair'

Heidi's father, Art Saha is credited for coining the term Trekkie to describe fans of Star Trek

Punisher #13

Marvel ⋅ 2019

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Punisher #13
 
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Key Facts

Topical reference involving the Punisher’s emblem being used by the police and the character's in-story response to the controversy

[January 2024 - the Punisher hunting corrupt cops who assimilate his emblem is a rumored subplot for the Daredevil series]

Border Town #1
Non-Key

Variant ⋅ DC Vertigo ⋅ 2018

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Border Town #1
 
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Key Facts

Series about a rift torn open between the Mexico and U.S. border allowing the creatures from Mexican folklore into the world

Series canceled after writer was accused of sexual misconduct

Hansi The Girl Who Loved The Swastika #1

Spire ⋅ 1976

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Hansi The Girl Who Loved The Swastika #1
 
Low
$20
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$80
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$200

Key Facts

$0.49 edition (1976)

Comic book adaptation based on a true story about a Czechoslovakian girl named Maria Hirschmann who became a Nazi during WWII and eventually found her way to America and the Christian faith

Three editions exist: $0.39 (1973) / $0.39 (1976) / $0.49 (1976)

Wonder Woman #157

DC ⋅ 1965

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Wonder Woman #157
 
Low
$75
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$225
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$750

Key Facts

1st appearance of Egg Fu, a character based on racist stereotypes

Batgirl #37

DC ⋅ 2015

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Batgirl #37
 
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Key Facts

1st appearance of Dagger Type, a man impersonating Batgirl

Controversial issue: criticized for being insulting and portraying transexual or transgender individuals as insane

While performing, Dagger Type removes the Batgirl mask causing the stunned audience to refer to the character as "him" and "he" prompting Dagger Type to fire upon the crowd

Amazing Spider-Man #601

Marvel ⋅ 2009

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Amazing Spider-Man #601
 
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$12
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$40
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$120

Key Facts

Controversial cover art by J. Scott Campbell featuring Mary Jane Watson

In 2020/2021, an artist caught the attention of J. Scott Campbell after posting to Tumblr a "fixed" rendition of this cover with a less provocative Mary Jane

Campbell responded to the criticism with his own revised sketch that pointed out the weaknesses in the Tumblr artist's technique

While strongly supported by his fanbase, there was a fair amount of backlash on social media against Campbell's professional assessment of the amateur artist

Campbell's revised sketch was listed to eBay and sold for $14,700. 100% of the proceeds were donated to Fresh Artists, a charity that nurtures artistic talent in kids

Web of Spider-Man #8

Marvel ⋅ 1985

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Web of Spider-Man #8
 
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Key Facts

Controversial issue: hoodlums use anti-Semitic insults while beating up a man

Immortal Hulk #43

Recalled ⋅ Marvel ⋅ 2021

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Immortal Hulk #43
 
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Key Facts

Controversial issue: received media attention due to a window pane of a shop stenciled with the word 'jewery' instead of jewelry and a Star of David, a Jewish religious symbol

Marvel is offering comic shops replacement of the issue because of the error

Bennett is being accusations of anti-Semitism and issued an apology stating that it was an unintentional error

Justice League of America #1

Variant ⋅ DC ⋅ 2013

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Justice League of America #1
 
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$2
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$8
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$20

Key Facts

Variant cover art by David Finch featuring the retired Mississippi state flag

In 2020, Mississippi Legislature voted in favor to replace the design that included the Confederate battle flag since 1894

My Struggle Sketchbook #2007

Independent ⋅ 2007

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My Struggle Sketchbook #2007
 
Low
$5
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$18
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$60

Key Facts

2007 Ethan Van Sciver convention sketchbook limited to 1,000 copies

Controversial cover: parody of Mein Kampf, the autobiographical manifesto written by Hitler

Detractors of Van Sciver cite this cover as an example of the artist's political and social beliefs

As reported by Bleeding Cool, Van Sciver wrote about the accusations: the cover was SINESTRO, who we'd redesigned that year to resemble Hitler, and with the fact that most people knew I leaned right, this was a JOKE

Action Comics #640

DC ⋅ 1989

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Action Comics #640
 
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$1
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Key Facts

Homophobic slurs printed on protest signs

The Dead #2

Variant ⋅ Arrow Comics ⋅ 1993

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The Dead #2
 
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$15
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$50
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$150

Key Facts

Variant cover art by Jason Moore

Image censored due to extreme gore and sexual violence

She-Hulk #6

Marvel ⋅ 2006

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She-Hulk #6
 
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$3
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$9
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$30

Key Facts

Controversial issue: Starfox is on trial for sexual assault after he is accused of using his powers to seduce a married woman

Amazing Spider-Man #512

Marvel ⋅ 2004

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Amazing Spider-Man #512
 
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Key Facts

Controversial issue: Gabriel and Sarah Stacy are the result of an affair between Norman Osborn and Gwen Stacy, later retconned, removed, from continuity in The Amazing Spider-Man #73 (2021)

FOOM Magazine #2

Marvel ⋅ 1973

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FOOM Magazine #2
 
Low
$40
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$120
High
$400

Key Facts

Prototype of Wolverine, published 1.5 years prior to Wolverine's first appearance

Andy Olsen, a comic fan, created an original character concept of The Wolverine who had regenerative abilities, a metal exoskeleton and was the product of experimentation

There is some question as to whether the Wolverine briefly introduced in Hulk #180 was inspired by this concept though Andy Olsen was never credited or compensated

Cyberfrog: Reservoir Frog #2

Variant ⋅ Harris ⋅ 1996

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Cyberfrog: Reservoir Frog #2
 
Low
$12
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$40
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$130

Key Facts

Variant cover art by Ethan Van Sciver, limited to 1,000 copies

Controversial cover depicting Kurt Cobain, the frontman for Nirvana who died in 1994 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound

Spider-Man and Power Pack #1

Marvel ⋅ 1984

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Spider-Man and Power Pack #1
 
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$1
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Key Facts

1st and only appearance of Skip Westcott, a teenage neighbor who inappropriately touched Peter Parker when he was a young boy

16-page giveaway co-published by Marvel Comics and the National Committee for Prevention of Child Abuse

Reprinted many times until the year 2000 - original has the word FREE printed on the cover and no sponsor logo in the upper-right corner

It was never confirmed or denied that this origin story is actually a part of Spider-Man's canon (official history)

Spectre, The #9

DC ⋅ 1987

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Spectre, The #9
 
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Key Facts

Moderately explicit art where Madame Xanadu appears naked while engaged in relations with The Spectre in his ethereal form

Cerebus the Aardvark #186
Non-Key

Aardvark-Vanaheim ⋅ 1994

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Cerebus the Aardvark #186
 
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Key Facts

Controversial issue in which Dave Sim alienates readers by suggesting a philosophy that men are at risk of an unhappy life if he commits to long-term cohabitation with a woman

Issue resulted in a significant drop in monthly sales

New Mutants #45

Marvel ⋅ 1986

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New Mutants #45
 
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$1
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$7

Key Facts

Cover art by Barry Windsor-Smith featuring Magik

Specialty border printed on select covers published in November 1986 celebrating Marvel's 25th Anniversary or more precisely, the 25th year since Fantastic Four #1 was published in November 1961

Kitty Pryde, speaking at a memorial service uses multiple offensive words related to ethnicity and sexual orientation

Amazing Spider-Man #96

Marvel ⋅ 1971

View Details  ⋅  View Variants (1)
Amazing Spider-Man #96
 
Low
$9
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$25
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$125

Key Facts

Published without approval from the Comics Code Authority due to a sub-plot about drug use

The depiction of drugs in a negative light was well-received by readers which led to the Comics Code Authority easing-up on creative restrictions

Supergirl #13
Non-Key

Variant ⋅ DC ⋅ 2017

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Supergirl #13
 
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$1
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Key Facts

Variant cover art by Artgerm

According to Artgerm, debate arose as to the strong sexual imagery in the way Supergirl's fingers were positioned close to her skirt and the symbolism represented by her cat

Swamp Thing #11

Recalled ⋅ DC ⋅ 2012

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Swamp Thing #11
 
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$1
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$10

Key Facts

Recalled issue due to a tentacle resembling male genitalia

The interior panel of concern depicts Abigail Arcane in the foreground screaming in terror and Anton Arcane in the background, mostly in shadows, with red blazing eyes - the first printing depicts a tentacle between the two characters

Said to be scarce but there are copies available on mycomicshop.com for under $3.00, nothing on-sale or sold on eBay

Avengers, The #213

Marvel ⋅ 1981

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Avengers, The #213
 
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Key Facts

Controversial issue: Hank Pym aka Yellowjacket, is suspended from the Avengers after physically assaulting his wife Janet aka Wasp

Signs of a character shift begin in Avengers #212 where Hank destroys one of Janet's costumes

Uncanny X-Men #196

Marvel ⋅ 1985

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Uncanny X-Men #196
 
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Key Facts

Controversial issue: in an effort to make a point about the offensiveness of the word 'mutie', Kitty Pryde uses an extremely offensive racial slur, uncensored

Fantastic Four #278

Marvel ⋅ 1985

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Fantastic Four #278
 
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$1
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Key Facts

Origin of Doctor Doom - his educational years, facial disfigurement and procurement of the Doctor Doom armor

Controversial issue where Johnny Storm confronts an individual who is defacing racial equality posters with racist propaganda

Multiple, uncensored panels clearly display an extremely offensive racist word and phrase

Dark Knight Returns: The Golden Child #1
Non-Key

Variant ⋅ DC ⋅ 2019

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Dark Knight Returns: The Golden Child #1
 
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$1
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$6

Key Facts

Variant cover art by Rafael Grampa

Cover art used on social media to promote the release of the comic has been criticized for supporting pro-democracy riots in Hong Kong

Squadron Supreme

Marvel ⋅ 1997

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Squadron Supreme
 
Low
$18
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$60
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$175

Key Facts

In accordance with the writer Mark Gruenwald's wishes, his cremated ashes were mixed with the ink in the first printing edition of this trade paperback

Spider-Man: Reign #1

Marvel ⋅ 2007

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Spider-Man: Reign #1
 
Low
$3
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$9
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$30

Key Facts

Recalled due to a depiction of a naked Peter Parker's 'web-shooter' aka penis

Alternate reality story where Peter Parker is an older, retired man

Batman #246

DC ⋅ 1972

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Batman #246
 
Low
$5
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$18
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$75

Key Facts

Controversial cover that depicts Robin's hanging

Story titled 'How Many Ways Can Robin Die?'

Avengers: The Children's Crusade #9

Marvel ⋅ 2012

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Avengers: The Children's Crusade #9
 
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$2
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Key Facts

Young Avengers Hulkling and Wiccan first kiss

The cause of controversy in September 2019 after the mayor of Rio de Janeiro called for all copies of the TPB to be collected and destroyed

Grindhouse: Drive In, Bleed Out #8

Dark Horse ⋅ 2015

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Grindhouse: Drive In, Bleed Out #8
 
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Key Facts

Adult-oriented material, banned in Canada

Static #25

Milestone ⋅ 1995

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Static #25
 
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Key Facts

Original cover art was censored by DC without the creator's knowledge and can be viewed by tapping the cover and swiping

Deadly Hands of Kung-Fu #33

Marvel ⋅ 1977

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Deadly Hands of Kung-Fu #33
 
Low
$8
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$25
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$90

Key Facts

Final issue of Deadly Hands of Kung-Fu

Mature content: Colleen Wing's breasts are fully exposed as her and Misty Knight are forced into becoming heroin addicts

Batman #50

DC ⋅ 2018

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Batman #50
 
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$1
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$4

Key Facts

Marriage of Bruce Wayne and Selina Kyle

Selina called-off the wedding which was revealed to readers by The New York Times prior to the issue coming out causing significant backlash against DC and the newspaper

Captain America #375

Marvel ⋅ 1990

View Details  ⋅  View Variants (1)
Captain America #375
 
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Key Facts

Controversial issue due to drug use

Following a drug lab explosion, Captain America inhales the fumes of a drug called "Ice" which has a pronounced effect due to the Super Soldier Serum in his blood

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