Red Skull first appeared in Captain America Comics #1, published by Marvel in 1941. That places it in the Gold Age.
Why this issue matters
Debuted alongside Captain America himself. This first version was George Maxon rather than Johann Shmidt, who took over the identity shortly after and became the definitive Skull.
Captain America Comics #1 is also the first appearance of Captain America, Bucky Barnes, which is part of why the book carries the weight it does.
Key facts
Captain America Comics #1
- Character: Red Skull
- Publisher: Marvel
- Cover year: 1941
- Era: Gold 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.
Other first appearances from 1941
- Scarecrow World's Finest Comics #3, 1941
- Wonder Woman All Star Comics #8, 1941
- Aquaman More Fun Comics #73, 1941
- Green Arrow More Fun Comics #73, 1941
- Penguin Detective Comics #58, 1941
More Marvel firsts from the Gold Age
- Namor the Sub-Mariner Marvel Comics #1, 1939
- Human Torch (original android) Marvel Comics #1, 1939
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.