The Crow first appeared in Caliber Presents #1, published by Independent in 1989. That places it in the Copper Age.
Why this issue matters
James O'Barr created The Crow while processing the death of his fiancee, and it first appeared in Caliber's anthology showcase rather than its own title. The Crow #1 that follows a month later is the second appearance, not the first, which sellers get wrong constantly.
Key facts
Caliber Presents #1
- Character: The Crow
- Publisher: Independent
- Cover year: 1989
- Era: Copper 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 1989
- Tim Drake (Robin III) Batman #436, 1989
- Sandman (Gaiman) Sandman #1, 1989
More Independent firsts from the Copper Age
- Usagi Yojimbo Albedo Anthropomorphics #2, 1984
- Tank Girl Deadline #1, 1988
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles TMNT #1, 1984
- Bone Bone #1, 1991
- Akira Akira #1, 1988
- Lone Wolf and Cub Lone Wolf and Cub #1, 1987
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.