Howard the Duck #1 (January 1976, Marvel Comics) — FN 6.0 (Signed by Frank Brunner on Front Cover)
“Howard the Barbarian!” — The Duck That Changed Marvel
Steve Gerber’s existential satire takes flight with this iconic first issue — the official launch of Howard the Duck’s solo series. Co-created with artist Frank Brunner, this debut issue blends parody, social commentary, and pulp absurdity in a way that helped define 1970s counterculture comics.
Story Title: Howard the Barbarian!
Writer: Steve Gerber
Pencils: Frank Brunner
Inks: Steve Leialoha
Cover Art: Frank Brunner
Summary:
Continuing from Giant-Size Man-Thing #5, Howard contemplates suicide before finding himself swept into an adventure involving the mysterious Beverly Switzler, a magical accountant called Pro-Rata the Financial Wizard, and a cameo by Spider-Man himself. The result is both a send-up of sword-and-sorcery comics and a deeply weird exploration of existential frustration — all filtered through Gerber’s biting wit.
Key Notes:
First issue of the ongoing Howard the Duck series
Guest appearances: Spider-Man, Conjurer
Cult favorite Bronze Age debut, long recognized for its surreal humor and social commentary
FN (6.0) — Presents clean with bold color and strong gloss for grade. Spine shows moderate stress and small color breaks; corner wear consistent with handling. Signed cleanly by Frank Brunner on front cover in pen. Staples firm, centerfold attached, interior pages cream to off-white.
💡 A cornerstone of Marvel’s Bronze Age satire — Gerber’s duck became a mirror for 1970s absurdity, existential dread, and counterculture disillusionment. Brunner’s signature makes this copy a standout piece for collectors of Marvel oddities and signed runs.
Howard the Duck #1 (January 1976, Marvel Comics) — FN 6.0 (Signed by Frank Brunner on Front Cover)
“Howard the Barbarian!” — The Duck That Changed Marvel
Steve Gerber’s existential satire takes flight with this iconic first issue — the official launch of Howard the Duck’s solo series. Co-created with artist Frank Brunner, this debut issue blends parody, social commentary, and pulp absurdity in a way that helped define 1970s counterculture comics.
Story Title: Howard the Barbarian!
Writer: Steve Gerber
Pencils: Frank Brunner
Inks: Steve Leialoha
Cover Art: Frank Brunner
Summary:
Continuing from Giant-Size Man-Thing #5, Howard contemplates suicide before finding himself swept into an adventure involving the mysterious Beverly Switzler, a magical accountant called Pro-Rata the Financial Wizard, and a cameo by Spider-Man himself. The result is both a send-up of sword-and-sorcery comics and a deeply weird exploration of existential frustration — all filtered through Gerber’s biting wit.
Key Notes:
First issue of the ongoing Howard the Duck series
Guest appearances: Spider-Man, Conjurer
Cult favorite Bronze Age debut, long recognized for its surreal humor and social commentary
FN (6.0) — Presents clean with bold color and strong gloss for grade. Spine shows moderate stress and small color breaks; corner wear consistent with handling. Signed cleanly by Frank Brunner on front cover in pen. Staples firm, centerfold attached, interior pages cream to off-white.
💡 A cornerstone of Marvel’s Bronze Age satire — Gerber’s duck became a mirror for 1970s absurdity, existential dread, and counterculture disillusionment. Brunner’s signature makes this copy a standout piece for collectors of Marvel oddities and signed runs.
