The 1980s were a decade of change in comics, with new characters behind many superhero masks, new costumes for even the most stalwart of old-school heroes, and a focus on realism that somehow led to octogenarians climbing buildings and giant squids teleported into New York City. Still, the level of sophistication in comics writing made a few major leaps forward, and an influx of talent from other countries breathed some new life into American comics. The massive multi-character crossover became a regular occurrence in this decade as well, with the shared universe concept being stretched almost to the breaking point, which brings us to today’s totally tubular query…
The MS-QOTD (pronounced, as always, “misquoted”) reminds Faithful Spoilerites to check carefully the debut dates before voting for your fave-raves, asking: Who is the coolest superhero to debut in the 1980s?
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Just in case anyone needs it yet again…
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_superhero_debuts#1980s
The four Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Debut: May 1984), Ralph Hinkley/Hanley/Hinkley/whatever his last name is (it was changed mid 1st season, then changed back) of The Greatest American Hero (March 1981) and Booster Gold (February 1986).
And while not quite “superheroes” exactly (depends on how you look at it, some consider them to be, some don’t, and I think both viewpoints are accurate), I also have to go with Transformers. The Transformers franchise made it’s debut in 1984, and although some of the toys came from lines that started in the mid/late 70’s, they are technically separate franchises. Optimus Prime and Grimlock tie for top spot.
Not always a hero but still a damn cool character Venom has to be on the list somewhere.
For me, its a tie between She-Hulk and Kitty. Transformers are also great, but not exactly super heroes. I did like Ninja Turtles, but never was super into them, except maybe a short period at some point.
Kitty Pryde! Definitely, definitely Kitty Pryde!
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!
Heroes In A Half-Shell…TURTLE POWER!!!
I’ll muddy the waters a bit and say Tim Drake, who first appeared (in a flashback) in 1989 (Batman #436).
There were so many great characters in the 80s… Coyote, Cap’n Kwik and a Foozle, Groo the Wanderer, Reuben Flagg and Raul the Cat, that it is hard to pick a favorite, but that would have to be Galacia 9 and Brucilla the Muscle. Thirty years later I am STILL hoping that Kaluta and Lee will finally finish Starstruck!
Nexus.
Sold!