Here’s the latest installment of Maggie Thompson’s ongoing look at important beginnings, middles, and ends, this time for November 1-7, 2024...

170 years ago November 4, 1854 Thomas Starling Sullivant is born. The influential writer-artist is especially known for his anthropomorphic animal art.

140 years ago November 1, 1884 British writer-artist James Francis Horrabin is born. He’s known for the daily The Adventures of the Noah Family and for the Dot and Carrie strip.

135 years ago November 7, 1889 Swedish cartoonist Oscar Jacobsson is born. He creates Abu Fakir and the Adamson strip (for which Swedish annual awards are named). Adamson ran in the US as Silent Sam.

125 years ago November 5, 1899 The newspaper strip Billy the Boy Artist by Ed Payne begins.

120 years ago November 1, 1904 The pulp cover artist who paints the first Doc Savage cover illustration, Walter M. Baumhofer, is born.

115 years ago November 1, 1909 The Umbrella Man by John Hager begins in the Seattle Daily Times.

115 years ago November 5, 1909 Richard E. Hughes is born as Leo Rosenbaum. The ACG editor writes most of its stories under pseudonyms. His work includes co-creation (with Ogden Whitney) of Herbie Popnecker.

115 years ago November 6, 1909 Italian artist Athos Cozzi is born.

105 years ago November 3, 1919 Prolific Spanish writer-artist Jesús Blasco is born. He creates Cuto.

100 years ago November 1, 1924 James E. Galton is born. He becomes Marvel Comics Group president in 1975 and is later president of Marvel Entertainment Group.

95 years ago November 2, 1929 French artist Pierre Dupuis is born.

90 years ago November 7, 1934 French teacher and writer-artist Michel Motti is born. He works on Disney comics and many others.

75 years ago November 1, 1949 New Yorker cartoonist Helen E. Hokinson dies in an airplane collision at age 56.

70 years ago November 1, 1954 Writer, publisher, editor, and retailer David Darrigo is born. He creates Wordsmith.

70 years ago November 2, 1954 Red Giant Entertainment editor and writer Brian Augustyn is born. He also works on The Flash and Gotham by Gaslight.

70 years ago November 5, 1954 Artist Paul S. Power is born. He draws such comics as Air Hawk and Professor Om, produces storyboards, and provides comics background for the TV series Bob when it focuses on comic books.

70 years ago November 6, 1954 Writer-editor Mike Reynolds is born.

65 years ago November 2, 1959 Sharon Wright is born. She provides tales for such characters as Black Canary and Warlord.

65 years ago November 4, 1959 Writer-cartoonist Anthony Burcher is born.

65 years ago November 5, 1959 De Rode Ridder, based by Willy Vandersteen on Leopold Vermeiren’s novels, begins.

60 years ago November 1, 1964 Writer, editor, and professor Roland Mann is born. He edits Ultraverse titles for Malibu.

60 years ago November 5, 1964 British artist Mabel Lucie Attwell dies at age 85. The children’s book illustrator drew the Wot a Life strip.

50 years ago November 5, 1974 Jinty begins from Fleetway.

45 years ago November 2, 1979 Prolific British artist Walter Bell dies at age 86.

45 years ago November 5, 1979 Writer-artist Al Capp dies of emphysema at age 70. Born Alfred Gerald Caplin, the Reuben Award-winner created, wrote, and drew Li’l Abner and created and wrote Abbie and Slats and Long Sam.

40 years ago November 6, 1984 The Dutch comics store Lambiek publishes the Yiddish edition of Will Eisner’s A Contract with God.

35 years ago November 6, 1989 Artist George Fett dies at age 69. He created the Sniffy strip (later retitled Norbert).

30 years ago November 2, 1994 Animator and artist Martin Taras dies at age 80. He was credited with creating Baby Huey for animation and drew many Harvey Comics features.

30 years ago November 3, 1994 Marvel Comics buys Malibu Comics.

25 years ago November 1, 1999 The Dutch Lambiek store launches its online Comiclopedia.

25 years ago November 2, 1999 Artist Dick Turner dies at age 90. His work included the cartoon features Carnival and Mr. Merryweather for NEA.

20 years ago November 2, 2004 Dutch director and comics writer Theo van Gogh is murdered at age 47.

20 years ago November 5, 2004 Ed Moore dies at age 86. The Golden Age artist worked for Centaur, Bell Syndicate, Globe Syndicate, National, Timely, EC, Gleason, and more.

20 years ago November 5, 2004 Pixar’s The Incredibles opens with a fresh take on superhero cartoons.

20 years ago November 6, 2004 Swedish artist Lars Hillersberg dies at age 67.

20 years ago November 6-7, 2004 The first Comic Expo is held at Ramada City Inn in Bristol, UK.

20 years ago November 7, 2004 French writer-artist Mariel Dauphin dies at age 96.

15 years ago November 3, 2009 Interviewer, convention organizer, and Steve Canyon letterer Shel Dorf dies of diabetes related kidney failure at age 76.

10 years ago November 3, 2014 Writer-artist Jeremy Dale dies at age 34. He was best known for his work on G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero and the award-winning Popgun.

And here are the anniversaries spanning the month of November…

85 years ago November 1939 DC’s Double Action Comics #1 is released only in New York City, published to trademark the title and logo. The second issue will be dated January 1940.

85 years ago November 1939 “Starting in this issue,” DC’s (well, AA’s – but AA will become DC) All-American Comics #8 introduces Gary Concord the Ultra-Man in a story by Jon L. Blummer.

85 years ago November 1939 Pines’ Best Comics #1 cover features the first comic book appearance of The Red Mask (who may be the first African-American masked comic book hero) by George West. The 12” x 9” anthology issue is the first comic book from Better Publications.

85 years ago November 1939 “Meet Rang-a-Tang ‘The Wonder Dog’” says the cover of Blue Ribbon Comics #1; the story is written by Norman Daniels and may be drawn by Edd Ashe. The anthology series kicks off comics from MLJ (later, Archie) with “Action Mystery Thrills.”

80 years ago November 1944 Marvel’s Miss America Magazine #2 (the first issue, listed as published by Miss America Publishing Corp.) contains both text features and comics. The comics content introduces both Patsy Walker and her acquaintances, including her rival, Hedy Wolfe (spelled “Wolf” in this appearance). The seven-page story is written by Stuart Little and drawn by Ruth Atkinson. (Bonus: There’s a Patsy Walker paper doll drawn by Pauline Loth.)

75 years ago November 1949 The cover of DC’s Superboy #5 says, “In this issue Superboy Meets Supergirl” – but not so fast! Moving past the question of why two Superkids would be using trapezes, we’re shocked to see Supergirl in an outfit of orange and purple! What the – ? Well, that’s because she’s the first Supergirl but not our Supergirl in the story drawn by John Sikela and Ed Dobrotka. And she’s super but not Super. Just saying.

75 years ago November 1949 Marvel’s Two-Gun Kid (“a big 52 page magazine!”) ends with #10.

75 years ago November 1949 DC’s Boy Commandos ends with #36, even though it introduces “The Atomobile”: “Fastest machine on land, on sea and in the air!” Oh, well, at least [Spoiler!] they help a bunch of Martians get home.

75 years ago November 1949 Pines’ Buster Bunny begins, with Buster stories drawn by Kin Platt.

70 years ago November 1954 EC’s Haunt of Fear ends with #28. (Let’s face it: This series was never going to survive the advent of the Comics Code.) Editor Al Feldstein explains cancellation of the “New Trend” titles in an editorial.

70 years ago November 1954 “While Batman is confused by my ‘crazy’ mirrors, I’ll use my X-ray mirror and discover who he really is!” DC’s Detective Comics #213 introduces Mirror-Man, drawn by Sheldon Moldoff and Charles Paris.

70 years ago November 1954 Sterling’s Captain Flash #1 introduces Captain Flash. He’s a sort of oddball footnote between DC’s Golden Age Flash (who last appeared a couple years earlier) and DC’s Silver Age Flash (introduced in September 1956). This guy got powers from cobalt rays. Totally different.

70 years ago November 1954 “The Invisible Trail!” by Robert Kanigher and Harry Peter introduces Angle Man in DC’s Wonder Woman #70. He becomes a recurring menace. Because: angles. The menace of geometry. Just saying.

65 years ago November 1959 The cover features Krypto, but DC’s Adventure Comics #266 introduces Aquagirl in “Aquaman Meets Aquagirl!” by Robert Bernstein and Ramona Fradon. Oh, never mind. Lisa Morel is only the predecessor to a bunch of other Aquagirls. On the other hand, the issue also introduces the idea that purple eyed Atlanteans have been kicked out (a plot element that has repercussions).

60 years ago November 1964 “Dr. Strange at last invades the domain of the Dread Dormammu!” Be afraid! Marvel’s Strange Tales #126 introduces (Surprise!) Dormammu – but (Hello, bright side! I’m looking on you!) also Clea. The story is by Steve Ditko and Stan Lee.

60 years ago November 1964 DC’s The Doom Patrol #91 (it isn’t actually the group’s 91st appearance, but never mind) introduces Mento (Steve Dayton, “The Man Who Split The Doom Patrol”) and Garguax. The story is by Arnold Drake and Bruno Premiani.

60 years ago November 1964 In “The End of Spider-Man!” by Steve Ditko and Stan Lee, Marvel’s The Amazing Spider-Man #18 introduces Daily Bugle reporter Ned Leeds. Leeds goes almost unnoticed in the midst of a plethora of other Marvel big names, but he’ll get his own complicated storyline in months to come.

60 years ago November 1964 “Never have The X-Men fought a foe as unstoppable as Unus!” The X-Men #8 introduces “the uncanny threat of Unus, the Untouchable!” in a story by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, and Chic Stone.

55 years ago November 1969 Marvel’s The Amazing Spider-Man #78 introduces super-suited teen The Prowler Hobie Brown in a story by Stan Lee, John Buscema, and Jim Mooney.

55 years ago November 1969 “Nothing can stop The Sting-Ray!” says the cover of Sub-Mariner #19. The story by Roy Thomas, Marie Severin, and Johnny Craig introduces the super-suited Sting-Ray (or Stingray; you choose), whose non-costumed identity of Walter Newell first appeared in Tales to Astonish #95 in 1967.

55 years ago November 1969 Marvel’s Doctor Strange is canceled with #183. (The story continues in Sub-Mariner #22.)

55 years ago November 1969 Tower’s T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents is canceled with #20.

55 years ago November 1969 The X-Men #62 introduces a bunch of Savage Land mutants: Amphibius, Barbarus, Brainchild, Equilibrius, Gaza, Lupo, and Piper.

50 years ago November 1974 Uh oh! “My wife was murdered – so I killed your Lois Lane!” Quid pro quo. DC’s Superman #281 introduces Vartox in “Mystery Mission to Metropolis!” by Cary Bates, Curt Swan, and Bob Oksner.

50 years ago November 1974 Marvel Premiere #19 introduces Colleen Wing in “Death-Cult!” by Doug Moench, Larry Hama, and Dick Giordano.

50 years ago November 1974 Marvel’s The Defenders #17 introduces Wrecking Crew: Wrecker [who was introduced in Thor #148 (January 1968)], Bulldozer, Piledriver, and Thunderball. “Power Play!” is by Len Wein, Sal Buscema, and Dan Green.

50 years ago November 1974 “Flaming fuses!” exclaims the cover of Harvey’s Richie Rich Millions #68. “What’s this? Richie and Cadbury... superheroes?” The issue introduces Super Richie.

50 years ago November 1974 Marvel’s The Incredible Hulk #181 introduces the first full appearance of Wolverine, who was shown in the last panel of the preceding issue. Now, he’s in full super-mode in a story by Len Wein, Herb Trimpe, and Jack Abel.

40 years ago November 1984 Marvel’s six-issue miniseries Kitty Pryde and Wolverine begins. The story by Chris Claremont and Al Milgrom introduces Ogun and Shumai.

40 years ago November 1984 Deluxe Comics publishes the first issue of Wally Wood’s T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents. It pays tribute to Wood, who died three years earlier.

40 years ago November 1984 The cover says, “Last issue!” DC’s Blackhawk is canceled with #273, and the title of the opening story by Mark Evanier and Dan Spiegle is the in-joke “No Information Available at Press Time!”

40 years ago November 1984 The second volume of Charlton’s Ghost Manor ends with #77.

40 years ago November 1984 Marvel’s Fantastic Four #272 introduces Nathaniel Richards (Reed Richards’ dad) in “Cowboys and Idioms” by John Byrne.

40 years ago November 1984 Marvel Super-Heroes Secret Wars #7 features the first full appearance of the second (cover featured as “the All-New”) Spider-Woman (Julia Carpenter), who eventually goes on to be the second Arachne and then the second Madame Web. “Berserker!” is by Jim Shooter, Mike Zeck, and John Beatty.

35 years ago November 1989 As it says on the cover, Marvel’s Conan the King #55 is “the final issue.” (It also asks, “Who says Conan has to survive?”)

35 years ago November 1989 DC’s Detective Comics #608 introduces Anarky in a story by Alan Grant, Norm Breyfogle, and Steve Mitchell.

35 years ago November 1989 DC’s Sandman #10 introduces Desire, Despair, and Corinthian in “The Doll’s House,” Part 1, by Neil Gaiman, Mike Dringenberg, and Malcolm Jones III.

35 years ago November 1989 Marvel’s Daredevil #272 introduces “the decidedly deadly menace of” Shotgun. “Liberation” is by Ann Nocenti, John Romita Jr., and Al Williamson.

35 years ago November 1989 The radio crimefighter has appeared in other comic books, and Now’s The Green Hornet #1 introduces that company’s version. “My Last Case” is by Ron Fortier, Jeff Butler, and David Mowry.

35 years ago November 1989 DC’s Legends of the Dark Knight begins, the cover announcing, “The first new ‘solo’ Batman book since 1940!” “Shaman, Book One” is by Denny O’Neil, Ed Hannigan, and John Beatty.

35 years ago November 1989 Avengers West Coast #50 exclaims, “This is it! The riotous return of the original Human Torch!” Marvel reintroduces the Golden Age Human Torch in “Return of the Hero” by John Byrne and Mike Machlan.

30 years ago November 1994 Marvel takes over Heroes World Distribution and makes it the company’s exclusive distributor.

30 years ago November 1994 “The Babe Wore Red” by Frank Miller appears in Sin City: The Babe Wore Red and Other Stories from Dark Horse. It will win the Eisner Award for Best Short Story of the year.

30 years ago November 1994 Marvel Tales wraps up the series with #291.

30 years ago November 1994 Marvel’s Generation X begins, featuring characters introduced in The Uncanny X-Men #318 in “Moving Day” by Scott Lobdell, Roger Cruz, and Tim Townsend. “Third Genesis” is by Lobdell, Chris Bachalo, and Mark Buckingham.

25 years ago November 1999 The Marvel six-issue miniseries X-Men: Children of the Atom begins with “Childhood’s End” by Joe Casey, Steve Rude, and Andrew Pepoy. (Science fiction aficionados will recognize references to work by Wilmar H. Shiras and Arthur C. Clarke.)

15 years ago November 2009 On the cover of Archie #601, Veronica says, “I do!” and Archie says, “Do I ever!” “Archie Marries Veronica: The Wedding” is by Michael Uslan, Stan Goldberg, and Bob Smith.

10 years ago November 2014 The first issue of Image’s American Legends begins with Thomas Jefferson in 1804. The 20-page story is by Bill Schwartz, Zachary Schwartz, and Studio Hive.

5 years ago November 2019 The first issue of Marvel’s Black Panther and the Agents of Wakanda is by Jim Zub and Lan Medina and notes that the Agents of Wakanda were introduced in Avengers (2018 series) #12.

5 years ago November 2019 DC’s Harley Quinn & Poison Ivy miniseries begins with a bunch of variant covers for “Pushing Daisies” by Jody Houser, Adriana Melo, and Mark Morales.

5 years ago November 2019 Marvel says it’s King Thor #1, but we know it’s Thor #723, right? The first chapter of the story arc is by Jason Aaron, Esad Ribić, and Ive Svorcina.

5 years ago November 2019 Rai returns from Valiant with variant covers for the first issue. The story is by Dan Abnett and Juan José Ryp.

5 years ago November 2019 The first issue of Marvel’s Strikeforce is by Tini Howard and Germán Peralta.

5 years ago November 2019 Hey, a pandemic is the focus of the beginning of the science fiction Undiscovered Country series from Image. The 30-page story is by Scott Snyder, Charles Soule, Giuseppe Camuncoli, and Daniele Orlandi.

5 years ago November 2019 Really, Marvel? Spider-Man #1? There’s an original title for you! (Admittedly, it is an opportunity for a bunch of variant covers, but…) Anyway, this time, it’s J.J. Abrams, Henry Abrams, Sara Pichelli, and Elisabetta D’Amico who begin the five-issue series.