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Notable events of 2004 in comics. See also List of years in comics.

Contents 1 Events 1.1 February 1.2 March 1.3 April 1.4 May 1.5 June 1.6 August 1.7 October 1.8 November 1.9 December 2 First issues by title 3 Publications by release date 3.1 Released June 30, 2004 3.2 Released July 7, 2004 3.3 Released July 14, 2004 3.4 Released July 21, 2004 3.5 Released August 18, 2004 3.6 Released October 6, 2004 3.7 Released October 30, 2004 3.8 Released December 8, 2004 4 Conventions 5 Initial appearances by character name 6 Footnotes

  Events

  February

• February 6: Marvel Enterprises and Electronic Arts announce a multi-year agreement in which EA will develop a new generation of fighting video games pitting Marvel superheroes against a new, original set of EA heroes.
• February 8: Legendary DC Comics editor Julius Schwartz dies at age 88.
• February 16: Letterer Bill Oakley dies at age 39.
• February 20: Erik Larsen becomes the new publisher of Image Comics, replacing Jim Valentino, who stepped down.
• February 24: Rudy Lapick, long-time Archie Comics inker, passes away at age 77.

  March

• Cerebus the Aardvark ends 300-issue run.

  April

• April 11: Irv Novick, long-time DC Comics artist, passes away at age 93.
• April 21: Top Cow Productions launches its new property, Proximity Effect, with the first of two free online issues (at http://www.proximity-effect.com); the second issue was to premiere on May 26. A 96-page trade paperback collecting the series, with additional anthology stories and a new cover by Marc Silvestri, would be released June 30.

  May

• May 15:
  • Disney comics artist Jack Bradbury passes away at age 89.
  • Gill Fox passes away at age 88.

  June

• With issue #1595, Comics Buyer's Guide changes its format from a weekly tabloid to a monthly squarebound magazine. In addition, in hopes of enhancing newsstand sales, CBG adds a price guide for contemporary comics as well as other new features intended to make the magazine more appealing to those with an avid interest in comic books as an investment.
• June 3: Marvel Comics announces the creation of its first prose imprint Marvel Press. Three novels were scheduled for 2004: the young adult novel Mary Jane II would land on bookstore shelves in June, followed by an adult fantasy Wolverine title in October and a middle grade Spider-Man title in November.
• June 18: CrossGen Entertainment files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy at the US Bankruptcy Court in Tampa, Florida. (Copy of filingPDF (220 KiB)

  August

• August 22: The first episode of Bunny is posted.

  October

• October 6: Marvel Enterprises announces an agreement with Antefilms Production to produce a new animated television series based on The Fantastic Four.

  November

• November 13: Harry Lampert, co-creator of the Golden Age Flash, passes away at age 88.
• November 25: Teen Titans co-creator Bob Haney dies at c. age 78.
• November 30: Artist Michael Ryan (New X-Men: Academy X, Mystique) signs an exclusive 3-year contract with Marvel Comics.

  December

• December 1: Colorist Frankie D'Armata (Ultimate Nightmare, The New Avengers, Captain America) signs an exclusive 3-year contract with Marvel Comics.
• December 2: Artist Michael Lark (Gotham Central) and colorist Morry Hollowell (Ultimate Secret, Marvel Knights 4, Meridian) sign exclusive contracts with Marvel Comics.
• December 3: Artist Mark Brooks (Amazing Fantasy, Marvel Age Spider-Man) signs a 3-year exclusive contract with Marvel Comics.

  First issues by title

These comic books were the first issued in each series.

Guardians #1

Release: July 14, 2004 by Marvel Comics. Writer: Marc Sumerak. Cover and pencils by: Casey Jones. Summary: A group of neighborhood kids pretending to be intergalactic super-heroes and calling themselves the Guardians offer help to a real alien. Fourteen years later the alien returns to seek the help of the Guardians once again, placing the fate of the universe in their hands. Rating¹: PSR

JSA Strange Adventures #1 (of 6)

Cover dated: October 2004 by DC Comics (monthly).

Loki #1 (of 4)

Release: July 7, 2004 by Marvel Comics (bi-weekly). Writer: Robert Rodi (Elektra). Cover and artwork by: Esad Ribic (Wolverine covers). Summary: In this 4-issue limited series the Asgardian lore is told from Loki's perspective, exploring his relationship with his half-brother Thor. Rating: PSR+

Man-Thing #1 (of 3)

Release: July 21, 2004 by Marvel Comics. Writer: Hans Rodionoff (screenwriter for the Man-Thing film). Covers and artwork by: Kyle Hotz (The Hood). Summary: Set in the Bywater Swamp as a 3-issue movie "prequel" to the theatrical film release by Lion's Gate Films, this new self-contained story is written by the film's screenwriter Hans Rodionoff. Rating: PSR+

Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe: Avengers 2004 #1

Release: July 7, 2004 by Marvel Comics. Cover by: Salvador Larroca. Summary: Features in-depth profiles on more than twenty Avengers past and present, a new cover by Larroca, and digitally painted by Richard Isanove. Rating: G

Starjammers #1

Release: July 7, 2004 by Marvel Comics. Writer: Kevin J. Anderson (science fiction author). Cover and pencils by: Francisco Ruiz Velasco. Inks: Sean P. Parsons. Summary: "The Cadet and the Corsairs", part 1 (of 6). Tolo Hawk, a young cadet in the Union Corps, comes face to face with the lawless, rough and ready Starjammers. This new ongoing series features art by Alé Garza (Young Justice: Graduation Day). Rating: PSR

Witches #1 (of 4)

Release: June, 2004 by Marvel Comics (bi-weekly). Writer: Brian Walsh. Covers by: Mike Deodato. Art by: Will Conrad. Summary: In this 4-issue limited series Doctor Strange gathers three of Earth's mightiest witches—Jennifer Kale, Topaz, and Satana—to help find an ancient tomb and protect his dark secrets. Rating: PSR

Publications by release date

  Released June 30, 2004

Graphic novels

• • Proximity Effect — Top Cow
    • This 96-page graphic novel tells the story of Caleb, who has the ability to give superhuman powers to those who are compatible and standing in close proximity, and Lisa, whose power comes from him. Written by Scott Tucker with artwork by David Nakayama and Beth Sotelo. Cover is by Marc Silvestri.

  Released July 7, 2004

Comic books

• • Alpha Flight (2004 series) #5 — Marvel Comics (Rating: PSR)
  • Captain America and the Falcon (2004 series) #5 — Marvel Comics (Rating: PSR)
  • Exiles #49 — Marvel Comics (Rating: PSR)
  • (New) Invaders — Marvel Comics (Rating: PSR)
  • Loki #1 (of 4) — Marvel Comics (Rating: PSR+)
    • A new limited series by Robert Rodi with artwork by Esad Ribic.
  • Marvel Age Fantastic Four #4 — Marvel Comics (Rating: G)
  • Marvel Age Fantastic Four Vol. 1: All For One Digest #1 — Marvel Comics (Rating: G)
  • Marvel Age Spider-Man #7 — Marvel Comics (Rating: G)
  • Marvel Age Spider-Man Vol. 2: Everyday Hero Digest #1 — Marvel Comics (Rating: G)
  • Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe: Avengers 2004 #1 — Marvel Comics (Rating: G)
    • Features a new cover by Salvador Larroca and digital painting by Richard Isanove.
  • Spider-Girl #76 — Marvel Comics (Rating: G)
  • Spider-Man Unlimited (2004 series) #4 — Marvel Comics (Rating: PSR)
    • Separate stories by Robert Kirkman (Captain America), with Cory Walker (Invincible), and the creative team of Allan Jacobsen and C. P. Smith (from the upcoming New Invaders series). Cover is by Erik Larsen.
  • Starjammers (2004 series) #1 — Marvel Comics (Rating: PSR)
    • A new ongoing series by sci-fi author Kevin J. Anderson with art by Alé Garza.
  • Thanos (2003 series) #12 — Marvel Comics (Rating: PSR)
  • Thor #82 — Marvel Comics (Rating: PSR)
  • Ultimate Spider-Man #62 — Marvel Comics (Rating: G)
  • Uncanny X-Men #446 — Marvel Comics (Rating: PSR)
  • Witches #3 (of 4) — Marvel Comics (Rating: PSR+)

  Released July 14, 2004

Comic books

• • Guardians (2004 series) #1 — Marvel Comics (Rating: PSR)
    • A new ongoing series by Marc Sumerak with artwork by Casey Jones.

  Released July 21, 2004

Comic books

• • Loki #2 (of 4) — Marvel Comics (Rating: PSR+)
  • Man-Thing #1 (of 3) — Marvel Comics (Rating: PSR+)
    • A new limited series movie "prequel" by screenwriter Hans Rodionoff with artwork by Kyle Hotz.
  • Starjammers (2004 series) #2 — Marvel Comics (Rating: PSR)
    • Featuring a cover by Tommy Ohtsuka and art by Jorge Lucas.
  • Witches #4 (of 4) — Marvel Comics (Rating: PSR+)

  Released August 18, 2004

Comic books

• • Loki #3 (of 4) — Marvel Comics (Rating: PSR+)

  Released October 6, 2004

Comic books

• • Loki #4 (of 4) — Marvel Comics (Rating: PSR+)

  Released October 30, 2004

Comic books

• • Superman: True Brit — DC Comics

  Released December 8, 2004

Comic books

• • Hunter-Killer (2005 series) #0 — Top Cow Productions
    • A 16-page prequel to a new ongoing series in 2005 written by Mark Waid with artwork by Marc Silvestri.

  Conventions

• January 10–11: Florida Extravaganza (Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida)
• February 21–22: Alternative Press Expo (Concourse Exhibition Center, San Francisco)
• February 29: Emerald City ComiCon (Qwest Field, West Field Plaza, Seattle, Washington) — guests: Stan Sakai, J.G. Jones, Howard Chaykin, Dave Johnson, Todd Nauck, Jeff Johnson, Tomm Coker, Stefano Gaudiano, Brian Michael Bendis, Phil Noto, Matt Wagner, Ford Gilmore, Bob Schreck, Kurt Busiek, Jay Faerber, Greg Rucka, Darick Robertson, John Layman, David Hahn, Karl Kesel, Paul Guinan, Matt Haley, Steve Lieber, Dan Norton, Jason Pearson, and Michael T. Gilbert
• February 29: Toronto ComiCON I (Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
• March 5–7: MegaCon (Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida) — guests include Kaare Andrews, Brian Michael Bendis, John Cassaday, Amanda Conner, Phil Jimenez, Andy Lee^{[disambiguation needed]}, Tony Lorenz, David W. Mack, James O'Barr, Jimmy Palmiotti, Walter Simonson, Craig Thompson, Skottie Young, Luis Amado, Tony Bedard, Jose Caraballo, Patrick Carlucci, Jim Cheung, Laura DePuy, Chuck Dixon, Steve Epting, Glenda Finkelstein, Jeff Johnson, Greg Land, Ron Marz, Stanley Morrison, Mike Perkins, Brandon Peterson, Justin Ponsor, Ariel Rivero, Tone Rodriguez, Steven Sanchez, Bart Sears, Josh Sullivan, Kevin Smith, Jason Mewes, Allison Mack, Walter Koenig, Ken Foree, Brad Dourif, Noah Hathaway, Herbert Jefferson, Jr., Brian Thompson, Glenn Shadix, Marc Singer, Angela Cartwright, Bill Mumy, Virginia Hey, and Sid Haig
• March 6–7: London Film and Comic Con I (Wembley Exhibition Centre, London, England, UK) — inaugural event
• March 13–14: Chicago ComicFest (Ramada Plaza Hotel O'Hare, Rosemont, Illinois)
• March 19–21: Wizard World Los Angeles (Long Beach Convention Center, Long Beach, California) — guests include Eric Basaldua, Brian Michael Bendis, and Alex Ross
• April: Phoenix Comicon (Glendale, Arizona)
• April 1–3: National Comic Book, Art, and Sci-Fi Expo I (Penn Plaza Pavilion, New York City) — guest of honor Jerry Robinson; other guests include Sergio Aragonés, Jim Lee, Mark Bagley, Bill Sienkiewicz, Roy Thomas, Alex Maleev, and Kevin Eastman
• April 3: Small Press and Alternative Comics Expo (S.P.A.C.E.) (Ohio Expo Center, Rhodes Center, Columbus, Ohio) — special guests: Dave Sim and Gerhard. Sim awarded the SPACE Lifetime Achievement Award
• April 16–18: Atlanta Comicon (Gwinnett Civic Center, Gwinnett, Georgia) — 2,000–6,000 attendees
• April 30–May 2: Pittsburgh Comicon (Monroeville, Pennsylvania)
• May 2: Toronto ComiCON Fan Appreciation Event (Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
• May 1–2: WonderCon (Moscone Center, San Francisco, California)
• May 21–23: Wizard World East (Philadelphia Convention Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
• June 5–6: Adventure Con 3 (Knoxville Expo Center, Knoxville, Tennessee) — 3,000 attendees
• June 6: Stumptown Comics Fest (Portland, Oregon) — first inaugural event, hosted by the Old Church, a non-profit organization whose goal was to preserve an old church. 22 exhibitor tables, 150 attendees
• June 11-13: Heroes Convention (Charlotte, North Carolina)
• June 18-20: Toronto Comic Con (National Trade Centre, Queen Elizabeth Building, Toronto, Ontario, Canada) — guests of honor: Will Eisner and Dave Sim
• June 26–27: MoCCA Festival (Puck Building, New York City)
• July 22–25: Comic-Con International (San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, California) — 95,000 attendees; official guests: Jack Adler, Roger Dean, Dave Gibbons, Tom Gill, Harry Harrison, Sid Jacobson, Geoff Johns, Batton Lash, Chuck McCann, Aaron McGruder, Brad Meltzer, Mike Mignola, Rebecca Moesta, Bill Plympton, Eduardo Risso, Jean Schulz, Frank Springer, Tim Thomerson, Craig Thompson, and John Totleben. Comic-Con expands into Hall H of the San Diego Convention Center and now occupies the entire exhibit space.
• August 8: National Comic Book, Art, and Sci-Fi Expo II (Penn Plaza Pavilion, New York City)
• August 13–15: Wizard World Chicago (Rosemont Convention Center, Rosemont, Illinois) — guest of honor: Joss Whedon; special guests: Kelly Hu and Amber Benson; other guests: Brian Michael Bendis, Josh Blaylock, J. Scott Campbell, John Cassaday, Jim Cheung, Marie Croall, Tony Daniel, Lou Ferrigno, Gene Ha, Greg Horn, Geoff Johns, Dan Jolley, Jim Lee, Jeph Loeb, Sean McKeever, Angel Medina, Mark Millar, Mike Norton, Joe Quesada, Alex Ross, Alex Saviuk, Marc Silvestri, Kevin Smith, Michael Turner, Brian K. Vaughn, and Skottie Young
• August 14–15: "CAPTION is History" (Wolfson College, Oxford, England) — guests include Al Davison and Pat Mills
• August 27–29: Fan Expo Canada (Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada) — 27,684 attendees; guests include George Takei, Julie Benz, Peter Mayhew, Mercedes McNab, Anthony Montgomery, Aron Eisenberg, Cirroc Lofton, George A. Romero, Tom Savini, Alejandro Jodorowsky, Doug Bradley, Yoshitoshi ABe, Yasuyuki Ueda, George Pérez, Brian Azzarello, Mike Deodato, Rags Morales, Skottie Young, Adam Hughes, David W. Mack, and Jill Thompson
• September 3–6: Dragon Con (Hyatt Regency Atlanta/Marriott Marquis, Atlanta, Georgia) — 20,000+ attendees
• September 18–19: National Comic Book, Art, and Sci-Fi Expo III (Penn Plaza Pavilion, New York City) — guests include Jim Steranko, Sal Buscema, Glen Fabry, Los Bros Hernandez, and Angel Medina
• October 2–3: Small Press Expo (Bethesda, Maryland)
• October 23–24: Dallas Comic Con (Plano Centre, Plano, Texas) — guests include Adam Hughes, Michael Lark, Greg Horn, Dan Brereton, Cal Slayton, and Michael Jantze
• November 5–7: Wizard World Texas (Arlington Convention Center, Dallas, Texas) — guests include Jim Lee, Brian Pulido, Marc Silvestri, Michael Turner, Mark Waid, and Skottie Young
• November 6–7: London Film and Comic Con II (Wembley Exhibition Centre, London, England, UK)
• November 27–28: Mid-Ohio Con (Columbus Hilton Easton, Columbus, Ohio) — guests include Sergio Aragonés, John Byrne, Talent Caldwell, Stan Goldberg, Marc Hempel, David Mack, Michael Avon Oeming, Jeff Smith, and Tom Batiuk

  Initial appearances by character name

This section is empty. You can help by adding to it. (July 2010)

  Footnotes

¹ Ratings are provided by the publisher: Marvel Comics ratings.