Here’s the latest installment of Maggie Thompson’s ongoing look at important beginnings, middles, and ends, this time for April 26 through May 2, 2024...

135 years ago April 26, 1889 Edo period Japanese political caricaturist Kawanabe Kyosai dies at age 57.

135 years ago April 27, 1889 Cartoonist, animator, producer, and director Walter Lantz is born. He is best known for production of Woody Woodpecker, but he also takes over production of Oswald the Rabbit, created by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks.

130 years ago April 29, 1894 The Ting-Lings by Charles W. Saalberg begins in The Ocean Illustrated Supplement. It is one of the earliest American comic strips.

130 years ago April 30, 1894 Norwegian artist Arent Christensen is born. He works with writer Christian Haugen on adventure and science fiction comics.

120 years ago May 1, 1904 Artist Fred Spencer is born. The Disney animator specializes in Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse.

120 years ago May 1, 1904 Musician and writer-artist Lucia Pamela is born.

110 years ago April 26, 1914 Golden Age artist Paul Norris is born. He co-creates Aquaman with Mort Weisinger and draws the Brick Bradford newspaper strip for 35 years.

105 years ago May 1, 1919 Artist Win Mortimer is born. He is especially known for his work on Superman and Spidey Super Stories. The Joe Shuster Hall of Fame inductee also creates the David Crane newspaper strip and co-creates (with Arnold Drake) Stanley and His Monster.

100 years ago April 26, 1924 Belgian artist Victor Hubinon is born. He co-creates such series as Buck Danny (with Georges Troisfontaines) and Barbe-Rouge (with Jean-Michel Charlier).

100 years ago April 28, 1924 Award-winning teacher and Golden and Silver Age artist Dick Ayers is born. He draws comics featuring such characters as Jimmy Durante, Ghost Rider, Sgt. Fury, and Jonah Hex and is especially known for his inking of Jack Kirby art.

100 years ago April 29, 1924 Writer Paul S. Newman is born. Guinness Book of World Records designates him as the most prolific comic book writer, with more than 4,100 published stories.

100 years ago April 29, 1924 Italian animator and artist Giovanni Boselli is born.

95 years ago May 2, 1929 Sports and funny animal cartoonist Tad Dorgan dies of pneumonia at age 52. He created such features as Judge Rummy and Indoor Sports.

85 years ago April 30, 1939 Dutch writer-artist Martin Lodewijk is born. He is given the Order of Orange-Nassau for his contributions to the Dutch comics field and is best known for Agent 327. He made Guinness Book of World Records in 2000 as creator of the smallest comic book.

80 years ago May 2, 1944 Writer-artist Howard Cruse is born. His best known work includes Barefootz, Wendel, and Stuck Rubber Baby.

70 years ago April 26, 1954 Comics and storyboard artist and character designer Kerry Gammill is born. He co-creates such characters as Ariel, Chance, and White Rabbit.

65 years ago May 1, 1959 British writer Reginald Arkell dies at age 77. He scripted Bosch the Soldier (drawn by Alfred Leete).

65 years ago May 2, 1959 Artist Debbie David is born.

55 years ago April 26, 1969 The last episode of The Spider (created by Ted Cowan and Reg Bunn) is published in the British magazine Lion.

55 years ago April 26, 1969 The first incarnation of the pioneering weekly British comics newspaper Eagle ends after 19 years.

55 years ago April 28, 1969 Writer-artist Greg Hyland is born. He creates Lethargic Lad and provides storyboards for Lego.

50 years ago April 27, 1974 French artist Jean Bernard-Aldebert dies at age 64.

50 years ago April 27, 1974 Rob Barrow and Nick Landau put on Comic Mart I in London.

45 years ago April 29, 1979 Writer-artist Hardie Gramatky dies of cancer at age 72. He created Little Toot.

40 years ago May 2, 1984 Influential animator and cartoonist Bob Clampett dies of a heart attack at age 70. Comic-Con International: San Diego will institute an annual Humanitarian Award in his name, and he was especially known for work on Warner Brothers cartoons and Beany and Cecil.

35 years ago April 27, 1989 Award-winning Golden Age writer-artist William Arthur Smith dies at age 71.

35 years ago April 30, 1989 Parc Astérix opens near Paris.

35 years ago April 30, 1989 The New York Times renews attacks on comics with “Drawing on the Dark Side” by Joe Queenan.

35 years ago May 1, 1989 The CBS series Kate & Allie promotes adult literacy in “The Last Temptation of Allie” in which Chip suggests that comic books can help kids learn to read.

30 years ago May 1, 1994 Political cartoonist and artist John Milt Morris dies at age 86 or 87. He was the last artist on Scorchy Smith.

25 years ago April 26, 1999 Belgian writer-artist Raymond Reding dies at age 79. He worked on the editorial team of Tintin.

25 years ago May 2, 1999 French artist Jean-Paul Dethorey dies at age 64.

20 years ago April 26, 2004 In Jim Scancarelli’s Gasoline Alley newspaper strip, Walt Wallet’s wife Phyllis dies. (She was introduced by originator Frank King and later married Walt in the strip for June 24, 1926.)

20 years ago April 30, 2004 Dutch artist Joost Swarte is knighted in the Order of Orange-Nassau.

20 years ago May 1, 2004 Danish artist Jørgen Mogensen dies at age 82. He created “Poeten og Lillemor.”

15 years ago May 1, 2009 X-Men Origins: Wolverine opens in North America, the 16th highest grossing opening day at that point. The fourth of the X-Men films, the prequel stars Hugh Jackman (who’s also a producer) and eventually grosses more than $373 million worldwide. It also marks the first appearance of Ryan Reynolds as Wade Wilson (Deadpool).

15 years ago May 1, 2009 Silver Age artist Ric Estrada dies of prostate cancer at age 81. He co-created DC’s Power Girl and taught at the Kubert School.

10 years ago May 2, 2014 Flemish artist Jozef van Hove (who signed his work “Pom”) dies at age 94. He was especially known for his “Piet Pienter” stories.

5 years ago April 27, 2019 Canadian-American writer-artist Teva Harrison dies of breast cancer at age 42.

5 years ago April 29, 2019 Japanese artist Makoto Ogino dies at age 59.

And here are the anniversaries spanning the month of May…

85 years ago May 1939 Funny Picture Stories Volume 3 #3 from Centaur is the last issue under that title. (Numbering will continue with Comic Pages Volume 3 #4.)

85 years ago May 1939 DC’s Detective Comics #27 introduces Commissioner James Gordon. Oh – and, um, some other character. Let me think a minute. It’s in “The Case of the Chemical Syndicate” by Bill Finger and Bob Kane. Hm. Don’t rush me. Oh, right. Happy anniversary to The Bat-Man!

85 years ago May 1939 The Katzenjammer Kids are on the cover, but Ace Comics #26 from David McKay introduces Hal Foster’s Prince Valiant to comic books.

85 years ago May 1939 The first title from the Fox line of comics is Wonder Comics #1, which introduces the Will Eisner character Wonder Man. Some have described the character as the first Superman imitation. Just saying … (Hey! Bob Kane has features in the issue, too! It’s a wild time.)

75 years ago May 1949 “The Mark of Zorro” introduces Johnston McCulley’s Zorro to comics in Dell Four Color #228. The adaptation of the novel is written by Steve and Mick Dubin and drawn by Bill Ely.

75 years ago May 1949 “Western Action!” Marvel’s Kid Colt Outlaw begins with #5.

70 years ago May 1954 Harvey’s Casper the Friendly Ghost #20 introduces Wendy the Good Little Witch in “The Poor Little Witch Girl.”

65 years ago May 1959 Who’s been prowling around in the Bat-Cave? Sure. “I’ve come to your world to join your team!” says Bat-Mite on the cover of DC’s Detective Comics #267. The story is by Bill Finger, Sheldon Moldoff, and Charles Paris.

65 years ago May 1959 She doesn’t make the cover, but “The Girl in Superman’s Past!” is a memorable introduction to Lori Lemaris. The story in DC’s Superman #129 is by Bill Finger, Wayne Boring, and Stan Kaye.

65 years ago May 1959 DC’s Strange Adventures #104 introduces the Space Museum feature with “World of Doomed Spacemen” by Gardner Fox, Mike Sekowky, and Bernard Sachs.

65 years ago May 1959 Who could be “The Supergirl from Krypton”? Well, yeah, that would be Supergirl. And, yes, she’s from Krypton. DC’s Action Comics #252 introduces her in a story by Otto Binder and Al Plastino. (Hey, the issue also introduces Metallo in a story by Robert Bernstein and Plastino. Just saying.)

65 years ago May 1959 DC’s Showcase #20 introduces Rip Hunter … Time Master – who has “only one way to save Bonnie and Corky from this dinosaur!” It’s always something. The tale of Time Sphere II and the rules of time travel is by Dave Wood and Ruben Moreira.

65 years ago May 1959 DC’s Hopalong Cassidy (“Starring William Boyd”) #135 is the last issue.

60 years ago May 1964 The cover says it: “Introducing a ‘New Look’ Batman and Robin in ‘Mystery of the Menacing Mask!’” The story in DC’s Detective Comics #327 is by John Broome, Carmine Infantino, and Joe Giella.

55 years ago May 1969 The cover of Marvel’s The X-Men #56 poses the question “What Is … the Power?” The story by that name (by Roy Thomas, Neal Adams, and Tom Palmer) continues the introduction of Alex Summers as Havok.

55 years ago May 1969 DC’s Showcase #82 introduces Nightmaster in “Some Forbidden Fate” by Denny O’Neil, Jerry Grandenetti, and Dick Giordano.

55 years ago May 1969 The last issue of Marvel’s Not Brand Echh (#13) is published.

55 years ago May 1969 DC’s The Phantom Stranger gets a new series. The first issue features reprints and new material.

55 years ago May 1969 “‘Skooby-Doo’ everything’s brand new!” Archie introduces the giant Everything’s Archie. And, in “Visit to a Small Panic” by Frank Doyle, Harry Lucey, and Marty Epp, The Archies visit Filmation, the studio producing their Saturday morning cartoon.

55 years ago May 1969 Gold Key kicks off “a Golden Magazine Special”: Golden Comics Digest #1 contains stories featuring Tom, Jerry, Woody Woodpecker, Bugs Bunny, and more.

50 years ago May 1974 With “The Fury of Iron Fist!” Marvel Premiere #15 introduces, yes, Iron Fist. The origin story featuring Danny Rand’s testing is by Roy Thomas, Gil Kane, and Dick Giordano.

50 years ago May 1974 Hey, Marvel’s Fantastic Four #145 (April 1974) was 20¢. But #146 is 25¢! What’s up with that? Simple: Marvel raises prices from 20¢ to 25¢. But who’s gonna pay a whole quarter for a comic book? (Whole quarter. Wordplay there. Anyway, prices! Arg!)

45 years ago May 1979 DC’s Green Lantern #116 introduces Guy Gardner as a Green Lantern in “My Ring … My Enemy!” by Denny O’Neil, Alex Saviuk, and Dave Hunt.

45 years ago May 1979 Marvel’s The X-Men #121 gives Alpha Flight its first full appearance in “Shoot-Out at the Stampede!” by John Byrne, Chris Claremont, and Terry Austin.

45 years ago May 1979 Marvel ends The Rawhide Kid with #151, Captain Marvel with #62, and Black Panther with #15.

45 years ago May 1979 And Marvel ends Howard the Duck with #31. (But hang in there. #32 will be dated January 1986.)

40 years ago May 1984 Mirage introduces Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, with one of them introducing himself, “My name is Leonardo.” The groundbreaking series is by Peter Laird and Kevin Eastman.

40 years ago May 1984 Marvel’s The Amazing Spider-Man #252 introduces “the new Spider-Man” – or, at least, the black costume. Which – but Spoilers. Anyway, “Homecoming” is by Roger Stern, Tom DeFalco, Ron Frenz, and Brett Breeding.

40 years ago May 1984 Marvel Super-Heroes Secret Wars #1 introduces The Beyonder in the 12-issue limited series with “The War Begins” by Jim Shooter, Mike Zeck, and John Beatty.

35 years ago May 1989 DC’s Detective Comics #600 features “the stunning climax of the Batman’s 50th anniversary adventure: Blind Justice Part 3 of 3.” There are lots of contributors to the 84-page issue.

35 years ago May 1989 How to get over the icky Inferno? Time to shop at the Mall! What could go wrong? “Ladies’ Night” by Chris Claremont, Marc Silvestri, and Dan Green introduces Jubilee in Marvel’s The Uncanny X-Men #244.

35 years ago May 1989 DC’s Justice League International becomes Justice League America with #26.

35 years ago May 1989 “Okay, now. This is your second chance.” Marvel’s The Sensational She-Hulk #1 breaks the fourth wall, serving notice: “If you don’t buy my book this time I’m gonna come to your house and rip up all your X-Men.” “Second Chance” is by John Byrne and Bob Wiacek.

25 years ago May 1999 Dark Horse begins a three-issue spinoff from its Buffy the Vampire Slayer series: Buffy The Vampire Slayer: Angel. It’s by Christopher Golden, Hector Gómez, and Sandu Florea.

25 years ago May 1999 Image releases Tellos #1 by Todd Dezago, Mike Wieringo, Nathan Massengill, and Richard Case.

25 years ago May 1999 DC shouts out to the Golden Age with a bunch of retro looking one-shot “first issues” as part of “The Justice Society Returns!” storyline: Adventure Comics #1, All-American Comics #1, All Star Comics #1, National Comics #1, Sensation Comics #1, Smash Comics #1, Star Spangled Comics #1, and Thrilling Comics #1.

20 years ago May 2004 Remember what happened 45 years ago? Well, anyway, this month isn’t the first Alpha Flight #1. (That came in 1983.) And there was one in 1997. But now Marvel says this is “the all-new, all-different” Alpha Flight #1. “You Gotta Be Kiddin’ Me!” is by Scott Lobdell, Clayton Henry, and Mark Morales.

20 years ago May 2004 The first issue of Marvel’s Captain America & the Falcon features “Two Americas Part One” by Christopher Priest, Bart Sears, and Rob Hunter.

20 years ago May 2004 Cast your mind back to the entry for half a century ago. This Marvel’s Iron Fist #1 is the first installment of a six-issue miniseries. “Breathless” is by James Mullaney, Kevin Lau, Alan Tam. (Do you need me to tell you that there have been several first issues of Iron Fist over the years? I bet not.)

20 years ago May 2004 Speaking of that sort of initial issue, DC’s (not first) Swamp Thing #1 features the first installment of “Bad Seed” by Andy Diggle and Enrique Breccia.

15 years ago May 2009 Have you read “Urgent Request” by Gene Luen Yang and Derek Kirk Kim? It is published by First Second in The Eternal Smile and will win the Eisner Award for Best Short Story of the year.

10 years ago May 2014 Marvel launches a bunch of restarts (with many variant covers) in its “All-New Marvel Now!” event. Captain Marvel #1 is by Kelly Sue DeConnick and David Lopez. Daredevil #1 is by Mark Waid and Chris Samnee. Ghost Rider (also known as All-New Ghost Rider) #1 is by Felipe Smith and Tradd Moore. Magneto #1 is by Cullen Bunn and Gabriel Hernández Walta. Moon Knight #1 is by Warren Ellis and Declan Shalvey. Silver Surfer #1 is by Dan Slott and Michael Allred.

10 years ago May 2014 “Which hero becomes a villain?” The first issue of Marvel’s Avengers Undercover asks the question in “Descent” by Dennis “Hopeless” Hallum and Kevin Walker.

5 years ago May 2019 Drawn & Quarterly publishes Hot Comb by Ebony Flowers. The book will receive an Ignatz Award as the Outstanding Graphic Novel of the Year, and the “Hot Comb” story in the collection will win the Eisner Award for Best Short Story of the year.

5 years ago May 2019 What will win the Eisner Award for Best Single Issue/One-Shot of the year? It’s Fantagraphics’ Free Comic Book Day publication Our Favorite Thing Is My Favorite Thing Is Monsters by Emil Ferris. Free! Cool, right?

5 years ago May 2019 Marvel calls it Magnificent Ms. Marvel #1, so here’s a hat tip. (Psst! It’s actually #58, continuing two earlier Ms. Marvel series. Don’t tell.) The story is by Saladin Ahmed, Minkyu Jung, and Juan Vlasco.

5 years ago May 2019 Wait a minute. You say you want variant covers? I’ll show you variant covers. Take a look at DC’s Detective Comics #1000. And the issue itself has 100 pages of entertainment. (The series will go back to its usual 36 pages with #1001.)

5 years ago May 2019 The first decade (“The ’60s”) of Marvel’s Spider-Man: Life Story is in the first issue by Chip Zdarsky, Mark Bagley, and John Dell.

5 years ago May 2019 Marvel has two “Age of” first issues: Age of Conan: Bêlit by Tini Howard and Kate Niemczyk and Age of X-Man: Prisoner X by Vita Ayala and Germán Peralta.