Recalled comics
Encyclopedia
Comic books have been recalled for various reasons including simple printing errors, stories or images that were deemed inappropriate or to avoid potential lawsuits. The rarest of these books is probably The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen
volume 1, issue 5, which was recalled due to the inclusion of a 19th-century advertisement for "Marvel"-brand douche
; since League was published by an imprint of DC Comics
, DC's publisher felt that this could be perceived as an attack on DC's main rival, Marvel Comics
. Other notable recalls were the Elseworlds 80-Page Giant
which included a portrayal of baby Superman
in a microwave, and Marvel Knights
' Elektra
#3 which included tame nude images of the title character.
As well as comics with evidence of a genuine recall, there have been a number of rumored recalls and comics where the publisher (or distributor) has allowed the comic to be returned but has not issued a recall notice. Comic books have been categorized below as verified or unverified/returnable with supporting references.
Action Comics
#869, the penultimate issue of the "Brainiac
" story arc, was recalled by DC Comics
for cover content. The original cover depicted Superman
, in civilian attire with his 'S' shield clearly visible, and his adoptive father outside the Kent farmhouse drinking a beer (or maybe a root beer).
DC
issued a statement to retailers that the issue was recalled, and that any copies featuring the original cover be destroyed. The next week, DC
reprinted the issue featuring a cover in which the label on the bottle was changed to read, "soda pop
".
A mature comic where street thugs use obscene language, however, DC
didn't want this language to actually appear so the text was placed in the speech bubbles and then blacked-out. However, in this issue slightly different shades of ink were used in the two elements leaving the vulgar words just readable. Frank Miller
was quoted as saying "This is the first I've heard of it," he said. "I have no idea how this awful thing happened. It's just one of those terrible and glorious things that happen time to time in publishing", "...And my first reaction is simple: I want at least three copies."
Elektra
appears nude in shadow in some fairly tame images.
In Kyle Baker
and Liz Glass' story, "Letitia Lerner, Superman's Babysitter," the super-toddler climbs into a microwave. When Paul Levitz
, the president of DC Comics
, objected to this portrayal of the infant Clark Kent
, most issues were recalled and pulped. However, some issues survived through being shipped to England. Ironically, the offending story won an Eisner Award
and was subsequently reprinted in DC
's Bizarro Comics collection; the other stories have not resurfaced.
The San Antonio Texas (Gold Foil) Edition was specially produced (only 2000 made) for the National Tour of the swimsuit/calendar models who were the inspiration. However, a lawsuit ensued with the Hooters
organization which led to the comic being recalled. The standard recalled edition is thought to be the rarer of the two versions although the set scores in the CGC registry seem to contradict this.
June 2000, America's Best Comics
Issue #5 of Volume One contained an authentic (not fake as suggested elsewhere) advertisement for a Marvel
-brand douche
from the early part of the 20th century. This ad caused DC Comics
executive Paul Levitz
to order the entire print run destroyed over concerns that this could lead to litigation with their main rival Marvel Comics
. None of the recalled comics were ever distributed in the US; however, a small batch had been shipped to the UK and escaped the destruction. With only 100 thought to exist this makes it more than 10-20 times rarer than the Elseworlds 80-Page Giant
that Paul Levitz also recalled, and is probably the rarest modern comic book in existence.
In Top 10, Moore
creates a "Miracle Douche Recall" headline on a newspaper.
This comic was specially printed for the cinema audience for the film of the same title. However, the content was deemed too mature for cinema audience and it was withdrawn and pulped. This comic, although recalled, retains a low value.
This comic was a reprint of the original first issue of Mad
, however, inside DC Comics
used their own masthead and copyright instead of EC so withdrew the comic to correct. A very low number of these comic books have been encapsulated by CGC.
Recalled and pulped due to a printing error that caused the bar-code from issue #4 to be used.
As reported in Comics Buyer's Guide
#497 (May 27, 1983), actor and comic book fan Mark Hamill
discovered copies of Marvel Comics' comic book adaptation of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi
on sale a month prior to the release of the film, and alerted Lucasfilm
. According to Marvel's Direct Sales
Manager Carol Kalish
, Marvel swiftly recalled the book off the stands upon learning this, though it did not prevent premature revelation of many of the film's secrets.
The first issue of the comic was produced on the wrong paper stock giving it a matte finish. The comic was withdrawn and the cover reprinted on the correct stock.
This alternate-universe Spider-Man
book was recalled after it was discovered that artist Al Milgrom
had hidden slanderous comments about the former Marvel Comics
editor Bob Harras
within the issue. On page 28, panel 3, the spines of books on a bookshelf in the background read, "Harras, ha ha, he's gone, good riddance to bad rubbish he was a, Nasty (blurred), s.o.b.". when the comic is turned sideways. The comic was distributed to retailers as part of the First Look scheme, in which retailers get to see a copy of next week’s issue, but then recalled and pulped when the slander was spotted. Milgrom
was fired and then quietly rehired several weeks later.
This issue featured a genuine error where, instead of the word "killer", the antisemitic word "kike
" made it into Wolverine
's description of his archenemy Sabretooth
.
In one story, President John F. Kennedy
helps Superman retain his secret identity, by posing as Clark Kent
while Superman saves lives. The issue hit stands the week after Kennedy's assassination
, much to alarm of DC Comics, as it was too late for recall.
This issue was shipped to stores the day after the September 11 attacks in New York City
. Due to an unfortunate coincidence the Superman
comic features a scene in which Metropolis
' twin LexCorp Towers have sustained damage due to events in the "Our Worlds at War
" storyline. DC
quickly announced that the issue was returnable although few, if any, were actually returned.
On the first page some protesters were present with signs containing slogans. More protesters appeared on the second page but their signs lacked slogans. The issue was running up against deadlines so the editor asked the inker to quickly fill in the signs with some slogans. The inker borrowed some real slogans from the internet and the issue went to the printer without being checked again leaving the comic with the protest being linked with the Tea Party movement. The issue has not been recalled by either Marvel or Diamond but the offending slogans have been removed so they will not appear in any reprints.
Conan
and the Demons of Khitai #3 featured a spoof nude advert for Conan #24. After complaints, a second printing was issued, replacing the spoof nude advert with actual (non-nude) advert for Conan #24, with retailers offered the option to swap copies (hence not technically a recall).
Page 19 and 20 in the first print were not facing each other, which led to this being corrected and reprinted.
Jackson Guice
's cover for Doctor Strange #15 (March 1990) generated legal action against Marvel Comics by singer Amy Grant
. A US District Court sealed an out-of-court settlement between Grant and Marvel in early 1991, with a consent decree that Marvel did not admit to any liability or wrongdoing.
Most copies have a blank panel on the bottom left of page 10. About 1600 copies (of 80000 issues printed) show a red ink drawing of Dante in that panel. In the "Bullpen Bulletins
" page in Marvel Comics cover-dated June 1982, Editor-in-Chief Jim Shooter
humorously explains this with "The First Annual Shooter Awards". Shooter wrote "The Award for Worst Engraver's Error goes to Chemical Color for Ka-Zar #12 "Belasco...!" in which an entire panel, a color-hold, was dropped out!"
/Vertigo
There are two versions of this issue where the first page has either three panels colored blue or the same three panels colored yellow. The blue panel variant is listed by CGC as an "error version" and very few are thought to exist.
/Vertigo
Pages 18 and 19 printed in the wrong order (not recalled).
On December 6, 2006, the same day that Spider-Man
: Reign #1 shipped to retailers, Marvel
issued an apology and a "CONTENT ADVISORY" statement, announcing that the issue was now returnable as it "contains an image that may be misinterpreted by some readers as inappropriate". This was due to a panel showing a naked and elderly Peter Parker
sitting on a bed, an image in which his genitalia are apparently visible. Spider-Man: Reign had shipped with a T+ (Teens & Up) rating. The second printing avoided this problem by modifying the panel, hiding Parker's body in shadow.
Returnable (not recalled) due to “Black Cover” printing error.
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen is a comic book series written by Alan Moore and illustrated by Kevin O'Neill, publication of which began in 1999. The series spans two six-issue limited series and a graphic novel from the America's Best Comics imprint of Wildstorm/DC, and a third miniseries...
volume 1, issue 5, which was recalled due to the inclusion of a 19th-century advertisement for "Marvel"-brand douche
Douche
A douche is a device used to introduce a stream of water into the body for medical or hygienic reasons, or the stream of water itself.Douche usually refers to vaginal irrigation, the rinsing of the vagina, but it can also refer to the rinsing of any body cavity. A douche bag is a piece of...
; since League was published by an imprint of DC Comics
DC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
, DC's publisher felt that this could be perceived as an attack on DC's main rival, Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
. Other notable recalls were the Elseworlds 80-Page Giant
Elseworlds 80-Page Giant
The Elseworlds 80-Page Giant is an 80-page collection of Elseworlds stories published by DC Comics. The collection was withdrawn and pulped after DC became concerned about a scene in one of the stories.-Publication history:...
which included a portrayal of baby Superman
Superman
Superman is a fictional comic book superhero appearing in publications by DC Comics, widely considered to be an American cultural icon. Created by American writer Jerry Siegel and Canadian-born American artist Joe Shuster in 1932 while both were living in Cleveland, Ohio, and sold to Detective...
in a microwave, and Marvel Knights
Marvel Knights
Marvel Knights is an imprint of Marvel Worldwide, Inc. that contains material taking place within the mainstream Marvel Universe .-Production:...
' Elektra
Elektra (comics)
Elektra Natchios, usually referred to only by her first name Elektra, is a fictional character in publications from Marvel Comics.Elektra is a kunoichi – female ninja assassin – of Greek descent. She wields a pair of bladed sai as her trademark weapon. She is a love interest of the superhero...
#3 which included tame nude images of the title character.
As well as comics with evidence of a genuine recall, there have been a number of rumored recalls and comics where the publisher (or distributor) has allowed the comic to be returned but has not issued a recall notice. Comic books have been categorized below as verified or unverified/returnable with supporting references.
Verified recalls
This section lists comics verified by the CGC Collectors Society as being recalled and listed in the "Recalled Editions" competitive comic book set.Action Comics #869
November 2008, DC ComicsDC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
Action Comics
Action Comics
Action Comics is an American comic book series that introduced Superman, the first major superhero character as the term is popularly defined...
#869, the penultimate issue of the "Brainiac
Brainiac (story arc)
"Brainiac" is a five-issue comic book story arc written by Geoff Johns and illustrated by Gary Frank, that was published in Action Comics #866-870 by DC Comics in 2008...
" story arc, was recalled by DC Comics
DC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
for cover content. The original cover depicted Superman
Superman
Superman is a fictional comic book superhero appearing in publications by DC Comics, widely considered to be an American cultural icon. Created by American writer Jerry Siegel and Canadian-born American artist Joe Shuster in 1932 while both were living in Cleveland, Ohio, and sold to Detective...
, in civilian attire with his 'S' shield clearly visible, and his adoptive father outside the Kent farmhouse drinking a beer (or maybe a root beer).
DC
DC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
issued a statement to retailers that the issue was recalled, and that any copies featuring the original cover be destroyed. The next week, DC
DC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
reprinted the issue featuring a cover in which the label on the bottle was changed to read, "soda pop
Soft drink
A soft drink is a non-alcoholic beverage that typically contains water , a sweetener, and a flavoring agent...
".
All Star Batman and Robin, the Boy Wonder #10
August 2008, DC ComicsDC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
A mature comic where street thugs use obscene language, however, DC
DC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
didn't want this language to actually appear so the text was placed in the speech bubbles and then blacked-out. However, in this issue slightly different shades of ink were used in the two elements leaving the vulgar words just readable. Frank Miller
Frank Miller (comics)
Frank Miller is an American comic book artist, writer and film director best known for his dark, film noir-style comic book stories and graphic novels Ronin, Daredevil: Born Again, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Sin City and 300...
was quoted as saying "This is the first I've heard of it," he said. "I have no idea how this awful thing happened. It's just one of those terrible and glorious things that happen time to time in publishing", "...And my first reaction is simple: I want at least three copies."
Elektra volume 2, #3
November 2001, Marvel ComicsMarvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
Elektra
Elektra (comics)
Elektra Natchios, usually referred to only by her first name Elektra, is a fictional character in publications from Marvel Comics.Elektra is a kunoichi – female ninja assassin – of Greek descent. She wields a pair of bladed sai as her trademark weapon. She is a love interest of the superhero...
appears nude in shadow in some fairly tame images.
Elseworlds 80-Page Giant
August 1999, DC ComicsDC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
In Kyle Baker
Kyle Baker
Kyle John Baker is an American cartoonist, comic book writer-artist, and animator known for his graphic novels and for a 2000s revival of the series Plastic Man....
and Liz Glass' story, "Letitia Lerner, Superman's Babysitter," the super-toddler climbs into a microwave. When Paul Levitz
Paul Levitz
Paul Levitz is an American comic book writer, editor and executive. The president of DC Comics from 2002–2009, he has worked for the company for over 35 years in a wide variety of roles...
, the president of DC Comics
DC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
, objected to this portrayal of the infant Clark Kent
Clark Kent
Clark Kent is a fictional character created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. Appearing regularly in stories published by DC Comics, he debuted in Action Comics #1 and serves as the civilian and secret identity of the superhero Superman....
, most issues were recalled and pulped. However, some issues survived through being shipped to England. Ironically, the offending story won an Eisner Award
Eisner Award
The Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards, commonly shortened to the Eisner Awards, and sometimes referred to as the Oscar Awards of the Comics Industry, are prizes given for creative achievement in American comic books. The Eisner Awards were first conferred in 1988, created in response to the...
and was subsequently reprinted in DC
DC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
's Bizarro Comics collection; the other stories have not resurfaced.
Halle the Hooters Girl #1
January 1998, Cabbage ComicsThe San Antonio Texas (Gold Foil) Edition was specially produced (only 2000 made) for the National Tour of the swimsuit/calendar models who were the inspiration. However, a lawsuit ensued with the Hooters
Hooters
Hooters is the trade name of two privately held American restaurant chains: Hooters of America, Incorporated, based in Atlanta, Georgia, and Hooters, Incorporated, based in Clearwater, Florida...
organization which led to the comic being recalled. The standard recalled edition is thought to be the rarer of the two versions although the set scores in the CGC registry seem to contradict this.
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Volume 1, #5
Issue #5 of Volume One contained an authentic (not fake as suggested elsewhere) advertisement for a Marvel
Marvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
-brand douche
Douche
A douche is a device used to introduce a stream of water into the body for medical or hygienic reasons, or the stream of water itself.Douche usually refers to vaginal irrigation, the rinsing of the vagina, but it can also refer to the rinsing of any body cavity. A douche bag is a piece of...
from the early part of the 20th century. This ad caused DC Comics
DC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
executive Paul Levitz
Paul Levitz
Paul Levitz is an American comic book writer, editor and executive. The president of DC Comics from 2002–2009, he has worked for the company for over 35 years in a wide variety of roles...
to order the entire print run destroyed over concerns that this could lead to litigation with their main rival Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
. None of the recalled comics were ever distributed in the US; however, a small batch had been shipped to the UK and escaped the destruction. With only 100 thought to exist this makes it more than 10-20 times rarer than the Elseworlds 80-Page Giant
Elseworlds 80-Page Giant
The Elseworlds 80-Page Giant is an 80-page collection of Elseworlds stories published by DC Comics. The collection was withdrawn and pulped after DC became concerned about a scene in one of the stories.-Publication history:...
that Paul Levitz also recalled, and is probably the rarest modern comic book in existence.
In Top 10, Moore
Alan Moore
Alan Oswald Moore is an English writer primarily known for his work in comic books, a medium where he has produced a number of critically acclaimed and popular series, including Watchmen, V for Vendetta, and From Hell...
creates a "Miracle Douche Recall" headline on a newspaper.
The Matrix: Comic Book Preview
March 1999, Warner BrothersThis comic was specially printed for the cinema audience for the film of the same title. However, the content was deemed too mature for cinema audience and it was withdrawn and pulped. This comic, although recalled, retains a low value.
Millennium Edition: Mad #1
February 2000, DC ComicsDC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
This comic was a reprint of the original first issue of Mad
Mad (magazine)
Mad is an American humor magazine founded by editor Harvey Kurtzman and publisher William Gaines in 1952. Launched as a comic book before it became a magazine, it was widely imitated and influential, impacting not only satirical media but the entire cultural landscape of the 20th century.The last...
, however, inside DC Comics
DC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
used their own masthead and copyright instead of EC so withdrew the comic to correct. A very low number of these comic books have been encapsulated by CGC.
Phonogram: The Singles Club #5
October 2009, Image comicsImage Comics
Image Comics is a United States comic book publisher. It was founded in 1992 by high-profile illustrators as a venue where creators could publish their material without giving up the copyrights to the characters they created, as creator-owned properties. It was immediately successful, and remains...
Recalled and pulped due to a printing error that caused the bar-code from issue #4 to be used.
Star Wars: Return of the Jedi
May 1983, Marvel ComicsMarvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
As reported in Comics Buyer's Guide
Comics Buyer's Guide
Comics Buyer's Guide , established in 1971, is the longest-running English-language periodical reporting on the American comic book industry...
#497 (May 27, 1983), actor and comic book fan Mark Hamill
Mark Hamill
Mark Richard Hamill is an American actor, voice artist, producer, director, and writer, best known for his role as Luke Skywalker in the original trilogy of Star Wars. More recently, he has received acclaim for his voice work, in such roles as the Joker in Batman: The Animated Series, Firelord...
discovered copies of Marvel Comics' comic book adaptation of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi
Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi is a 1983 American epic space opera film directed by Richard Marquand and written by George Lucas and Lawrence Kasdan. It is the third film released in the Star Wars saga, and the sixth in terms of the series' internal chronology...
on sale a month prior to the release of the film, and alerted Lucasfilm
Lucasfilm
Lucasfilm Limited is an American film production company founded by George Lucas in 1971, based in San Francisco, California. Lucas is the company's current chairman and CEO, and Micheline Chau is the president and COO....
. According to Marvel's Direct Sales
Direct market
The direct market is the dominant distribution and retail network for North American comic books. It consists of one dominant distributor and the majority of comics specialty stores, as well as other retailers of comic books and related merchandise...
Manager Carol Kalish
Carol Kalish
Carol Kalish was an American writer, editor, comic book retailer, and sales manager. She worked as Direct Sales Manager and Vice President of New Product Development at Marvel Comics from 1981 to 1991...
, Marvel swiftly recalled the book off the stands upon learning this, though it did not prevent premature revelation of many of the film's secrets.
Tangled Web, the Thousand Spider-Man #1
June 2001, Marvel ComicsMarvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
The first issue of the comic was produced on the wrong paper stock giving it a matte finish. The comic was withdrawn and the cover reprinted on the correct stock.
Universe X Spidey #1
January 2001, Marvel ComicsMarvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
This alternate-universe Spider-Man
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero. The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and writer-artist Steve Ditko. He first appeared in Amazing Fantasy #15...
book was recalled after it was discovered that artist Al Milgrom
Al Milgrom
Allen "Al" Milgrom is an American comic book writer, penciller, inker and editor, primarily for Marvel Comics. He is known for his 10-year run as editor of Marvel Fanfare; his long involvement as writer, penciler, and inker on Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider-Man; his four-year tenure as West...
had hidden slanderous comments about the former Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
editor Bob Harras
Bob Harras
Robert "Bob" Harras is an American comics writer and editor, who was editor-in-chief of Marvel Comics from 1995 to 2000 and currently serves as editor-in-chief of DC Comics.-Career:...
within the issue. On page 28, panel 3, the spines of books on a bookshelf in the background read, "Harras, ha ha, he's gone, good riddance to bad rubbish he was a, Nasty (blurred), s.o.b.". when the comic is turned sideways. The comic was distributed to retailers as part of the First Look scheme, in which retailers get to see a copy of next week’s issue, but then recalled and pulped when the slander was spotted. Milgrom
Al Milgrom
Allen "Al" Milgrom is an American comic book writer, penciller, inker and editor, primarily for Marvel Comics. He is known for his 10-year run as editor of Marvel Fanfare; his long involvement as writer, penciler, and inker on Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider-Man; his four-year tenure as West...
was fired and then quietly rehired several weeks later.
Wolverine #131
November 1998, Marvel ComicsMarvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
This issue featured a genuine error where, instead of the word "killer", the antisemitic word "kike
Kike
Kike is a derogatory slur used to refer to a Jew.-Etymology:The source of the term is uncertain. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, it may be an alteration of the endings –ki or –ky common in the personal names of Jews in eastern Europe who immigrated to the United States in the early...
" made it into Wolverine
Wolverine (comics)
Wolverine is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. Born as James Howlett and commonly known as Logan, Wolverine is a mutant, possessing animal-keen senses, enhanced physical capabilities, three retracting bone claws on each hand and a healing...
's description of his archenemy Sabretooth
Sabretooth (comics)
Sabretooth is a fictional character, a Marvel Comics supervillain created by writer Chris Claremont and artist/co-writer John Byrne. The character first appeared in Iron Fist #14...
.
Unverified recalls and returnable comics
This section lists comics that have been rumored as recalls or have been voluntarily returnable to the publisher (i.e. a recall notice was not issued). None of these comic books are listed in the Collectors Society as being recalled (in the "Recalled Editions" competitive comic book set).Action Comics #309
February 1964, DC ComicsDC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
In one story, President John F. Kennedy
John F. Kennedy
John Fitzgerald "Jack" Kennedy , often referred to by his initials JFK, was the 35th President of the United States, serving from 1961 until his assassination in 1963....
helps Superman retain his secret identity, by posing as Clark Kent
Clark Kent
Clark Kent is a fictional character created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. Appearing regularly in stories published by DC Comics, he debuted in Action Comics #1 and serves as the civilian and secret identity of the superhero Superman....
while Superman saves lives. The issue hit stands the week after Kennedy's assassination
John F. Kennedy assassination
John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the thirty-fifth President of the United States, was assassinated at 12:30 p.m. Central Standard Time on Friday, November 22, 1963, in Dealey Plaza, Dallas, Texas...
, much to alarm of DC Comics, as it was too late for recall.
Adventures of Superman #596
November 2001, DC ComicsDC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
This issue was shipped to stores the day after the September 11 attacks in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
. Due to an unfortunate coincidence the Superman
Superman
Superman is a fictional comic book superhero appearing in publications by DC Comics, widely considered to be an American cultural icon. Created by American writer Jerry Siegel and Canadian-born American artist Joe Shuster in 1932 while both were living in Cleveland, Ohio, and sold to Detective...
comic features a scene in which Metropolis
Metropolis (comics)
Metropolis is a fictional city that appears in comic books published by DC Comics, and is the home of Superman. Metropolis first appeared by name in Action Comics #16 ....
' twin LexCorp Towers have sustained damage due to events in the "Our Worlds at War
Our Worlds at War
"Our Worlds at War" was a comic book crossover, published by DC Comics during the summer of 2001. OWAW was written by Jeph Loeb, Joe Casey, Mark Schultz, Joe Kelly, Phil Jimenez, and Peter David...
" storyline. DC
DC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
quickly announced that the issue was returnable although few, if any, were actually returned.
Captain America #602
January 2010, Marvel ComicsMarvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
On the first page some protesters were present with signs containing slogans. More protesters appeared on the second page but their signs lacked slogans. The issue was running up against deadlines so the editor asked the inker to quickly fill in the signs with some slogans. The inker borrowed some real slogans from the internet and the issue went to the printer without being checked again leaving the comic with the protest being linked with the Tea Party movement. The issue has not been recalled by either Marvel or Diamond but the offending slogans have been removed so they will not appear in any reprints.
Conan and the Demons of Khitai #3
December 2005, Dark Horse ComicsDark Horse Comics
Dark Horse Comics is the largest independent American comic book and manga publisher.Dark Horse Comics was founded in 1986 by Mike Richardson in Milwaukie, Oregon, with the concept of establishing an ideal atmosphere for creative professionals. Richardson started out by opening his first comic book...
Conan
Conan the Barbarian
Conan the Barbarian is a fictional sword and sorcery hero that originated in pulp fiction magazines and has since been adapted to books, comics, several films , television programs, video games, roleplaying games and other media...
and the Demons of Khitai #3 featured a spoof nude advert for Conan #24. After complaints, a second printing was issued, replacing the spoof nude advert with actual (non-nude) advert for Conan #24, with retailers offered the option to swap copies (hence not technically a recall).
Death: The High Cost of Living #3
May 1993, DC/VertigoDC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
Page 19 and 20 in the first print were not facing each other, which led to this being corrected and reprinted.
Doctor Strange, Sorcerer Supreme #15
March 1990, Marvel ComicsMarvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
Jackson Guice
Jackson Guice
Jackson "Butch" Guice , is an American comic book artist who has worked steadily in the mainstream comics industry since the early 1980s.-Biography:...
's cover for Doctor Strange #15 (March 1990) generated legal action against Marvel Comics by singer Amy Grant
Amy Grant
Amy Lee Grant is an American singer-songwriter, musician, author, media personality and actress, best known for her Christian music. She has been referred to as "The Queen of Christian Pop"...
. A US District Court sealed an out-of-court settlement between Grant and Marvel in early 1991, with a consent decree that Marvel did not admit to any liability or wrongdoing.
Ka-Zar The Savage #12
March 1982, Marvel ComicsMarvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
Most copies have a blank panel on the bottom left of page 10. About 1600 copies (of 80000 issues printed) show a red ink drawing of Dante in that panel. In the "Bullpen Bulletins
Bullpen Bulletins
"Bullpen Bulletins" was the news and information page that appeared in most regular monthly comic books from Marvel Comics...
" page in Marvel Comics cover-dated June 1982, Editor-in-Chief Jim Shooter
Jim Shooter
James Shooter is an American writer, occasional fill-in artist, editor, and publisher for various comic books. Although he started professionally in the medium at the extraordinarily young age of 14, he is most notable for his successful and controversial run as Marvel Comics' ninth...
humorously explains this with "The First Annual Shooter Awards". Shooter wrote "The Award for Worst Engraver's Error goes to Chemical Color for Ka-Zar #12 "Belasco...!" in which an entire panel, a color-hold, was dropped out!"
Sandman #18 (" A Dream of a Thousand Cats")
August 1990, DCDC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
/Vertigo
There are two versions of this issue where the first page has either three panels colored blue or the same three panels colored yellow. The blue panel variant is listed by CGC as an "error version" and very few are thought to exist.
Sandman #19 ("A Midsummer's Night Dream")
September 1990, DCDC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
/Vertigo
Pages 18 and 19 printed in the wrong order (not recalled).
Spider-Man: Reign #1
December 2006, Marvel ComicsMarvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
On December 6, 2006, the same day that Spider-Man
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero. The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and writer-artist Steve Ditko. He first appeared in Amazing Fantasy #15...
: Reign #1 shipped to retailers, Marvel
Marvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
issued an apology and a "CONTENT ADVISORY" statement, announcing that the issue was now returnable as it "contains an image that may be misinterpreted by some readers as inappropriate". This was due to a panel showing a naked and elderly Peter Parker
Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a fictional Marvel Comics superhero. The character was created by writer-editor Stan Lee and writer-artist Steve Ditko. He first appeared in Amazing Fantasy #15...
sitting on a bed, an image in which his genitalia are apparently visible. Spider-Man: Reign had shipped with a T+ (Teens & Up) rating. The second printing avoided this problem by modifying the panel, hiding Parker's body in shadow.
Venom: Lethal Protector #1
February 1993, Marvel ComicsMarvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
Returnable (not recalled) due to “Black Cover” printing error.