Hellboy first appeared in San Diego Comic Con Comics #2, published by Independent in 1993. That places it in the Modern Age.
Why this issue matters
Mike Mignola's demon-turned-paranormal-investigator made his first published appearance in this convention exclusive ahead of his own ongoing series.
Key facts
San Diego Comic Con Comics #2
- Character: Hellboy
- Publisher: Independent
- Cover year: 1993
- Era: Modern Age
Before you buy or sell one
- Check it is a first print, not a facsimile or reprint. Newsstand and direct editions are priced differently too.
- Condition decides most of the value. Whether grading is worth it depends on the copy.
Go deeper
Other first appearances from 1993
- Harley Quinn Batman Adventures #12, 1993
- Azrael as Batman Batman #500, 1993
More Independent firsts from the Modern Age
- Preacher Preacher #1, 1995
- Transmetropolitan Transmetropolitan #1, 1997
- Y: The Last Man Y: The Last Man #1, 2002
- Battle Angel Alita Battle Angel Alita #1, 1992
- Ghost in the Shell Ghost in the Shell #1, 1995
- Pokemon Pokemon: The Electric Tale of Pikachu #1, 1998
- Naruto and Luffy Shonen Jump #1, 2003
- Son Goku Dragon Ball #1, 1998
Got a copy?
I buy key issues and whole collections across the UK, and I will tell you honestly whether what you have is the real first or a later printing. Send me photos of the cover and the indicia and I will come back with a straight answer, and a proper valuation if you want one.