Editing 1996 in comics

{{Short description|none}} <!-- "none" is preferred when the title is sufficiently descriptive; see [[WP:SDNONE]] -->
{{Yearsincomics}}

Notable events of '''1996 in comics'''. 

==Events==

=== January ===
* The first issue of ''[[The Sensational Spider-Man]]'' ([[Marvel Comics|Marvel]]).
* In ''[[ToyFare]]'' winter's special, the debut of the strip [[Twisted Mego Theatre]].
* ''L'homme qui aimait les poupées'' (The dolls lover) – by Jean-Charles Krahen ([[Glénat Editions]]); the first album of the noir series ''Gill Saint-Andrè''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=L'uomo che amava le bambole - Primo episodio del fumetto Gil St André |url=https://www.slumberland.it/contenuto.php?id=7022 |access-date=2022-04-13 |website=www.slumberland.it}}</ref>

===February===
* '''February 10''': The final episode of ''[[Secret Agent X-9]]'' is published.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/r/raymond.htm|title=Alex Raymond|website=lambiek.net|access-date=August 5, 2021}}</ref>
* '''February 14''': [[Ilah (cartoons)|Ilah]]'s ''Cordelia'' debuts in the Flemish newspaper ''[[De Morgen]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/i/ilah.htm|title=Ilah|website=lambiek.net|access-date=May 21, 2020}}</ref>
* ''[[The New Titans]]'' is canceled by DC with issue #130.
* ''[[Star Trek (DC Comics)|Star Trek]]'' vol. 2 is canceled by DC with issue #80.

===March===
* '''March 2''': The Flemish newspapers [[Het Laatste Nieuws]] and [[De Nieuwe Gazet]] launch a weekly children comics supplement titled ''De Samson en Gert Krant'', based on the popular TV show ''[[Samson en Gert (TV series)|Samson en Gert]]''. It will run until 1998, after which it is renamed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/j/jean_pol.htm|title=Jean-Pol|website=lambiek.net}}</ref>
* '''March 14''': ''[[Evroniani|Evronians]]'', by Alessandro Sisti, Ezio Sisto and Alberto Lavoradori, album "number zero" of [[PKNA]] ; debut of the principal characters of the series (the A. I. One, the journalist Angus Fangus, the female robot Lyla Lai, the super-heroine Xadhoom).
* With issue #75, ''[[The Sandman (Vertigo)|The Sandman]]'' ends its run. (DC/Vertigo)
* First issue of the magazine ''Mondo Naif'' ([[Star Comics (Italy)|Star Comics]]), meant as a showcase for the young Italian cartoonists.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ginevra |first=Michele |date=2021-09-29 |title=La grande stagione di "Mondo Naif" |url=https://fumettologica.it/2021/09/mondo-naif-fumetti-rivista/ |access-date=2022-04-14 |website=[[Fumettologica]] |language=it-IT}}</ref>
* ''Prigioniero del futuro'' (Prisoner of the future) – written by [[Alfredo Castelli]] and [[Antonio Serra (writer)|Antonio Serra]], drawn by Gino Vercelli and [[Claudio Castellini]]; first team-up between [[Nathan Never]] and [[Martin Mystère|Martin Mystere]] (more exactly, an android into which the Martin's memory has been poured up).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Prigioniero del futuro |url=https://www.ubcfumetti.com/nn/nnmm1.htm |access-date=2022-04-14 |website=www.ubcfumetti.com}}</ref>

=== April ===
* '''April 27''': Dutch illustrator Peter Vos<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/v/vos_peter.htm|title = Peter Vos}}</ref> and comics artists [[Jan Kruis]] and [[Peter van Straaten]] are knighted.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/k/kruis.htm|title = Jan Kruis}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/s/straaten_van_p.htm|title = Peter van Straaten}}</ref>
* '''April 30''': In the Disney comics magazine ''[[Topolino]]'', ''Basettoni e la dieta da fame'', by Giorgio Pezzin and [[Romano Scarpa]] is first published, which markes the debut of Petulia, [[Chief O'Hara (Disney Comics)|Chief O’Hara]]'s wife.
* ''[[Berlin (comics)|Berlin, city of stones]]'', by [[Jason Lutes]], first episode of the series [[Berlin (comics)|Berlin]] ([[Black Eye Productions|Black Eye productions]]).
* ''[[Destiny: A Chronicle of Deaths Foretold]]'', by [[Alisa Kwitney]] and [[Death: The Time of Your Life|Death: The time of your life]], by [[Neil Gaiman]] ([[Vertigo Comics|Vertigo]]), spin-offs of the series ''[[The Sandman (comic book)|The Sandman]]''.
* First issue of the series ''[[Hitman (DC Comics)|Hitman]]'', by [[Garth Ennis]] and [[John McCrea (comics)|John McCrea]] ([[DC Comics]]).
* ''[[DC vs. Marvel]]'', crossover between the two main comics’ universes, published conjunctly by the two companies.
* Marvel discontinues its [[Marvel Edge]] imprint

=== May ===
* ''[[Kingdom Come (comics)|Kingdom come]]'', by [[Mark Waid]] and [[Alex Ross]] ([[DC Comics|DC comics]]).
* In ''[[Zona X]]'', ''L’uomo venuto dal futuro'' (The man from future), by Luigi Mignacco and Fabrizio Russo, first episode of the series about the time traveller Robinson Hart ([[Sergio Bonelli Editore|Bonelli]]).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Robinson Hart: L'uomo venuto dal futuro |url=https://www.ubcfumetti.com/zx/16a.htm |access-date=2022-04-14 |website=www.ubcfumetti.com}}</ref>
* In ''L’isola che non c’è'', first strip of [[Venerdì 12]], by [[Leo Ortolani]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Venerdì 12 |url=https://www.ubcfumetti.com/monitor/a0508_sm_a.htm |access-date=2022-04-14 |website=www.ubcfumetti.com}}</ref>
* ''[[Ric Hochet|Un million sans impôts]]'' (A tax-free million), by [[André-Paul Duchâteau]] and [[Tibet (cartoonist)|Tibet]] ([[Le Lombard]])

===June===
* '''June 11''': in ''[[Topolino]]'', [[Silvia Ziche]]'s ''Il papero del mistero, papernovela in uno sproposito di puntate'' (The mystery duck, duck-novela in a blunder of episodes) begins. The story, lasting for even 24 episodes, is a parody of the never-ending Latin-American [[telenovela]]s.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Le saponette Disney |url=https://www.ubcfumetti.com/monitor/0305a.htm |access-date=2022-04-14 |website=www.ubcfumetti.com}}</ref>
* '''June 22''': in ''[[Télérama|Telerama]]'', first episode of ''[[The Francis Blake Affair|The Francis Blake affair]]'', by [[Jean Van Hamme]] and [[Ted Benoit]]; it's the first album of the series [[Blake and Mortimer]] not realized by [[Edgar P. Jacobs]].
* '''June 28''': [[Charles M. Schulz]] receives a star on the [[Hollywood Walk of Fame]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://walkoffame.com/charles-m-schulz/|title = Charles M. Schulz|date = 25 October 2019}}</ref>
* First issue of ''[[Batman Black and White]]'' ([[DC Comics]]).
* In ''[[X-Men: Legacy|X-Men]]'' #53, the [[Onslaught (Marvel Comics)|Onslaught]] saga, by Mark Wald and [[Andy Kubert]], begins.
* ''[[Doctor Strange, Sorcerer Supreme]]'' is canceled by Marvel with issue #90.
* ''La valle del terrore'' (The valley of fear) by [[Claudio Nizzi]] and [[Roberto Raviola|Magnus]] ([[Sergio Bonelli Editore|Bonelli]]). The album, a [[Tex Willer]] adventure inspired by the life of [[John Sutter]], is the swansong for Magnus, who works to it for seven years and dies just before its publishing.<ref>{{Cite web |title=La valle del terrore |url=https://www.ubcfumetti.com/tx/g9.htm |access-date=2022-04-14 |website=www.ubcfumetti.com}}</ref>
* ''When Blow the Winds of Time?,'' by Alessandro Sisti and Claudio Sciarrone, album 0/2 of [[PKNA]] is first published, which marks the debut of the principal antagonist of the series, the time traveller Red Raider.
* ''[[Largo Winch|La fortesse de Makiling]]'' by [[Jean Van Hamme]] and [[Philippe Francq]] ([[Dupuis]]).

===July===
* [[Diamond Comic Distributors]] acquires [[Capital City Distribution]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_1996_July_26/ai_18526328|title=FindArticles.com – CBSi|website=findarticles.com}}</ref>
* ''[[Avengers (comics)|The Avengers]]'' #400: "History Repeats Itself," by [[Mark Waid]], [[Mike Weiringo]], and [[Tom Palmer (comics)|Tom Palmer]]. (Marvel Comics).
* ''Xanadu'', by [[Alfredo Castelli]] and Paolo Morales ([[Sergio Bonelli Editore|Bonelli]]). Sergej Orloff, the villain of the [[Martin Mystère|Martin Mystere]] series, redeems and is reconciled with the hero, in addition to healing from his mutilations.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Xanadu |url=https://www.ubcfumetti.com/mm/g2.htm |access-date=2022-04-14 |website=www.ubcfumetti.com}}</ref>

===August===
* '''August 8''': In ''Anders And & Co'', ''[[A Matter of Some Gravity|A matter of some gravity]]'', by [[Don Rosa]] is serialized.
* '''August 9''': ''[[The Adventures of Nero]]'' by [[Marc Sleen]] receives a comic mural in [[Hasselt]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/s/sleen.htm|title=Marc Sleen|website=lambiek.net|access-date=30 January 2023}}</ref>
* ''[[Detective Comics]]'' #700: "[[Batman: Legacy|Legacy]]," Part I, "Progeny of the Demon," by [[Chuck Dixon]], [[Graham Nolan]], and [[Scott Hanna]].
* [[Heroes Reborn (1996 comic)|Heroes reborn]] by [[Jim Lee]] and [[Rob Liefeld]], huge cross-over involving the whole [[Marvel Universe|Marvel universe]]; [[Avengers (comics)|Avengers]] and [[Fantastic Four]], officially dead, are transferred in a [[pocket universe]]. Five Marvel titles are closed and relaunched.
* ''[[Captain America (comic book)|Captain America]]'' ([[1968 in comics|1968]] series) is canceled by Marvel with issue #454.
* ''[[Lucky Luke|Le Klondyke]]'' by [[Morris (cartoonist)|Morris]], Yann and Jean Leturgie (Lucky Editions).

===September===
* The British satirical cartoon magazine ''[[Punch (magazine)|Punch]]'', which went bankrupt in 1992, is revived. It will run until 2002.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Punch-British-periodical|title=Punch – British periodical|access-date=7 April 2018}}</ref>
* ''[[Fantastic Four]]'' ([[1961 in comics|1961]] series) is canceled by Marvel with issue #416.
* ''[[Avengers (comics)|The Avengers]]'' ([[1963 in comics|1963]] series) is canceled by Marvel with issue #402.
* ''[[Iron Man]]'' ([[1968 in comics|1968]] series) is canceled by Marvel with issue #332.
* Newspaper strip ''[[A Couple of Guys]]'' begins publication
* ''[[The Adventures of Alix|Ô Alexandrie]]'', by [[Jacques Martin (comics)|Jacques Martin]] ([[Casterman]]).

===October===
* '''October 11''': The 30th [[Asterix]] story is published, ''La Galère d'Obélix'' (translated in English as ''[[Asterix and Obelix All at Sea]]''). In the story [[Obelix]] drinks the magic potion for the first time since he was a child, with dire consequences.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.lemonde.fr/archives/article/1996/10/11/albert-uderzo-auteur-de-la-galere-d-obelix_3749292_1819218.html|title=Albert Uderzo, auteur de " La Galère d'Obélix "|newspaper=Le Monde.fr|date=Oct 11, 1996|access-date=May 21, 2020|via=Le Monde}}</ref>
* '''October 12–13''': During the [[Stripdagen]] in [[Breda]], the Netherlands, [[Hanco Kolk]] receives the [[Stripschapprijs]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.anp-archief.nl/page/81188/stripdagen-stripschapsprijs|title=Stripdagen-stripschapsprijs|website=Anp Archief|access-date=May 21, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/1996/10/10/stripdagen-in-breda-7327357-a421751|title=Stripdagen in Breda|website=NRC|access-date=May 21, 2020}}</ref> Het [[Nederlands Stripmuseum]] receives the first P. Hans Frankfurtherprijs (formerly the Jaarprijs voor Bijzondere Verdiensten), named after [[P. Hans Frankfurther]], who died in a drowning accident in August.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.stripschap.nl/pages/stripschapprijzen/p.-hans-frankfurtherprijs/complete-lijst.php |title = Het Stripschap - Complete lijst}}</ref>
* First issue of ''[[Batman: The Long Halloween|Batman: The long Halloween]]'', by [[Jeph Loeb]] and [[Tim Sale (artist)|Tim Sale]] ([[DC Comics|DC comics]]).
* ''[[Bloody Mary (Helix)|Bloody Mary]]'', by [[Garth Ennis]] and [[Carlos Ezquerra]] ([[Helix (comics)|Helix]])
* First issue of ''[[House of Secrets (Vertigo)|House of secrets]]'', by [[Steven T. Seagle]] ([[Vertigo Comics|Vertigo]])
* In ''Anders And & Co, [[A Little Something Special|A little something special]]'' by [[Don Rosa]].
* ''[[Ric Hochet|L’heure du kidnapping]]'' by [[André-Paul Duchâteau]] and [[Tibet (cartoonist)|Tibet]] ([[Le Lombard]])

=== November ===
* First issue of ''[[Superman Adventures]]'' ([[DC Comics]])
* ''[[The Final Night]]'', by Kari Kiesel and [[Stuart Immonen]] ([[DC Comics]]) ; death of [[Hal Jordan]].
* ''[[Fax from Sarajevo]]'' by [[Joe Kubert]] ([[Dark Horse Comics|Dark Horse]])
* In ''[[Witchblade]]'' 10, debut of ''[[The Darkness (character)|The darkness]]'' ([[Top Cow Productions|Top Cow]])
* First album of ''[[Epileptic (comics)|Epileptic]]'', by [[David Beauchard]] ([[L'Association|L’association]])
* ''[[Thorgal|Geants]]'' by [[Jean Van Hamme]] and [[Grzegorz Rosiński]] ([[Le Lombard]]).
* ''Ombre su Darkwood'' (Shadows on Darkwood) by [[Mauro Boselli (writer)|Mauro Boselli]] and [[Gallieno Ferri]] ([[Sergio Bonelli|Bonelli]]) ; team-up between [[Zagor (comics)|Zagor]] and “Elsewhere”, the secret service with an important role in the [[Martin Mystère|Martin Mystere]] series.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ombre su Darkwood |url=https://www.ubcfumetti.com/zg/376.htm |access-date=2022-04-14 |website=www.ubcfumetti.com}}</ref>

===December===
* '''December 5''': Dutch cartoonist Len Munnik wins the Inktspotprijs for ''Best Political Cartoon''.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/m/munnik_len.htm | title=Len Munnik }}</ref>
* '''December 27''': [[Marvel Entertainment]] files for Chapter 11 [[bankruptcy]] protection.
* '''December 27''' : in ''Anders And & Co'' ''[[The Vigilante of Pizen Bluff|The Vigilante Of Pizen Bluff]]'', by [[Don Rosa]].
* ''[[Batman: The Long Halloween]]'' (1996 series) #1 - [[DC Comics]]
* ''[[Superman: The Wedding Album]]'': [[Clark Kent]] marries [[Lois Lane]] (DC Comics).
* In ''[[Spider-Man]]'' 75, ''The night of the Goblin'', by [[Howard Mackie]] and [[John Romita Jr.|John Romita jr]]. Death of [[Ben Reilly]]; [[Peter Parker]] resumes his role as Spider-Man.
* ''[[Aliens comics|Aliens: Lovesick]]'' by Richard Forgues ([[Dark Horse Comics|Dark Horse]]).
* First album of the Italian Sci-fi saga ''I custodi del maser'' (The [[maser]]'s wardens) by [[Massimiliano Frezzato]] (Vittorio Pavesio productions).
* First issue of the Italian paranormal series ''Samuel Sand'', spin-off of [[Lazarus Ledd|Lazarus Leed]] ([[Star Comics (Italy)|Star comics]]).

===Specific date unknown===
* [[Will Eisner]] publishes the book ''[[Graphic Storytelling and Visual Narrative]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/e/eisner.htm|title=Will Eisner|website=Lambiek.net|access-date=7 December 2020}}</ref>

==Births==

==Deaths==

===January===
* '''January 19''': [[Bernard Baily]], American comics artist, writer and publisher (co-creator of [[Spectre (comics)|The Spectre]] and [[Hourman]]), dies at age 79.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/b/baily_bernard.htm|title=Bernard Baily|website=lambiek.net}}</ref>
* '''January 22''': Arthur Piroton, Belgian comics writer (''Les Krostons'') and artist (''Michel et Thierry'', ''Jess Long'', ''Les Casseurs de Bois''), dies at age 64.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/p/piroton_arthur.htm|title=Arthur Piroton|website=lambiek.net}}</ref>
* '''January 28''':
** [[Jerry Siegel]], American comic book writer ([[DC Comics]], [[Marvel Comics]], [[Archie Comics]]), dies at age 81.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Oliver |first=Myrna |date=1996-01-31 |title=Jerry Siegel; Co-Creator of Superman |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-01-31-mn-30756-story.html |access-date=2023-05-28 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref>
** [[Burne Hogarth]], American comics artist (''[[Tarzan (comics)|Tarzan]]'') dies at age 84.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/h/hogarth.htm|title=Burne Hogarth|website=lambiek.net}}</ref>
* '''January 31''': Claus Deleuran, Danish comics artist (''Thorfinn'', ''Rejsen til Saturn'', ''Pirelli & Firestone'', ''The People's Illustrated History of Denmark''), dies at age 49.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/d/deleuran_claus.htm|title = Claus Deleuran}}</ref>

===February===
* '''February 5''': [[Roberto Raviola]], aka Magnus, Italian comics artist (''[[Alan Ford (comics)|Alan Ford]]'', ''[[Kriminal]]'', ''[[Satanik]]'', ''[[Lo Sconosciuto]]'', ''[[Necron (comics)|Necron]]'') dies from cancer at age 56.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/m/magnus.htm|title=Magnus|website=lambiek.net}}</ref>
* '''February 6''':
** [[Boody Rogers]], American comics artist (''Sparky Watts'', ''[[Babe (comics)|Babe]]''), dies at age 91.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/r/rogers_boody.htm|title=Boody Rogers|website=lambiek.net}}</ref>
** Franco Tarantola, Italian comics artist, dies at age 53.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/t/tarantola_franco.htm|title=Franco Tarantola}}</ref>
* '''February 13''': Cara Sherman-Tereno, American comics artist (''Life With The Vampire'') dies of leukemia at the age of 44.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/s/sherman-tereno_cara.htm?lan=dutch|title=Cara Sherman Tereno|website=lambiek.net}}</ref>
* '''February 26''': Cork, Dutch cartoonist, (''Mr. Cork/Ruitenheer''), dies at age 64.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/c/cork.htm|title=Cork|website=lambiek.net}}</ref>

===March===
* '''March 6''': [[Jack Abel]], American comics artist and inker (''[[Star Spangled War Stories]]'', ''[[Our Fighting Forces]]'', ''[[Legion of Super-Heroes]]''), dies at age 68.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/a/abel_jack.htm|title=Jack Abel|website=lambiek.net}}</ref>
* '''March 7''': Ramon Monzon, French comics artist (''Cha'pa et Group-Group'', ''Jehan des Bis'', ''Finnekin Jones'', ''Bouzouk, le Petit Prince'', ''Testar le Robot''), dies at age 65.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/m/monzon_r.htm|title=Ramon Monzon|website=lambiek.net|access-date=May 21, 2020}}</ref>
* '''March 14''': Jack Berrill, American comics artist (''[[Gil Thorp]]''), dies of cancer at age 72.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/b/berrill_jack.htm|title=Jack Berrill|website=lambiek.net|access-date=7 April 2018}}</ref>
* '''March 15''': Homer Groening, Canadian-American film director, cartoonist and comics artist (''Phoebe, Get Your Man''), dies at age 76.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/g/groening_homer.htm|title=Homer Groening|website=lambiek.net|access-date=May 21, 2020}}</ref>
* '''March 25''': [[Mike Roy (comics)|Mike Roy]], Canadian comics artist (''[[The Saint (comics)|The Saint]]'', ''[[Nero Wolfe]] comics'', ''[[Akwas]]''), dies at age 75.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/r/roy_mike.htm|title=Mike Roy|website=lambiek.net|access-date=7 April 2018}}</ref>
* '''March 29''': André Oulié, French comic artist (''Robin L'Intrépide''), dies at age 98. <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/o/oulie_a.htm|title=André Oulié|website=lambiek.net|access-date=10 May  2025}}</ref>

===April===
* '''April 12''': Bob Zschiesche, American comics artist (''Our Folks'', ''Harley Hogg'', assisted on ''[[Gasoline Alley (comic strip)|Gasoline Alley]]'' and ''[[Snuffy Smith]]''), dies at age 67 from an aneurysm.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/z/zschiesche_bob.htm|title=Bob Zschiesche|website=lambiek.net|access-date=May 21, 2020}}</ref>
* '''April 14''': Mary Oosterdijk, Dutch animator and comics artist (assisted on ''Kappie''), dies at age 82.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/o/oosterdijk_mary.htm|title=Mary Oosterdijk|website=lambiek.net|access-date=July 22, 2024}}</ref>
* '''April 20''': Håven, Swedish cartoonist and comics artist (''Gamle Uno''), dies at age 74.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/h/haven.htm|title=Håven|website=lambiek.net|access-date=May 21, 2020}}</ref>

===May===
* '''May 6''': Eric Larnoy, French illustrator and comic artist (''Thanéros''), dies at age 35 from liver cancer.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/l/larnoy_eric.htm|title=Eric Larnoy|website=lambiek.net}}</ref>
* '''May 7''': Piet Worm, Dutch comics artist (''De Vrolijke Vaderlandse Geschiedenis'', ''Professor Zegellak''), dies at age 95.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/w/worm-piet.htm|title=Piet Worm|website=lambiek.net}}</ref>
* '''May 9''': [[Carl Fallberg]], American comics writer and artist (''[[Disney comics]]'') dies at age 80.
* '''May 26''': Francis Paid, Dutch comics artist (''Joris Voetangel'', Toonder Studios), dies at age 71.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/p/paid_francis.htm|title=Francis Paid|website=lambiek.net|access-date=May 21, 2020}}</ref>

=== June ===
* '''June 11''': Gin, Spanish comics artist, animator, and illustrator (''Nathalie'', ''Denise'', [[Disney comics]]), dies at age 65.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/g/gin.htm|title=Gin|website=lambiek.net|access-date=7 April 2018}}</ref>
* '''June 15''': Nonkel Fons, Belgian priest, publisher, and comics writer (founder of the comics magazine ''[[Zonneland]]'', writer of ''Rikske en Fikske'') dies at age 84.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/n/nonkel_fons.htm|title=Nonkel Fons|website=lambiek.net|access-date=7 April 2018}}</ref>
* '''June 19''': [[Curt Swan]], American comic book artist (''[[Superman]]'', ''[[Legion of Super-Heroes]]''), dies at age 76.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/s/swan_curt.htm|title=Curt Swan|website=lambiek.net}}</ref>

=== July ===
* '''July 2''': [[Mike Parobeck]], American comics artist (''[[Batman Adventures]]'')  dies from diabetes at age 30.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/p/parobeck_mike.htm|title=Mike Parobeck|website=lambiek.net}}</ref>
* '''July 7''': Arno, French comic artist (''Alef-Thau''), dies at age 35. <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/a/arno.htm|title=Arno|website=lambiek.net|access-date=March 14, 2025}}</ref>
* '''July 23''': [[Jim Pabian]], American animator, animated film director and comics artist ([[Disney comics]], [[Walter Lantz]] comics), dies at age 87.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/p/pabian_jim.htm|title=Jim Pabian|website=lambiek.net|access-date=May 21, 2020}}</ref>

=== August ===
* '''August 12''': [[Mark Gruenwald]], American comics writer and editor (''[[Marvel Comics]]'') dies at age 43.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/08/18/nyregion/mark-gruenwald-marvel-comics-editor-43.html|title=Mark Gruenwald Marvel Comics Editor, 43|newspaper=The New York Times|date=Aug 18, 1996|access-date=May 21, 2020}}</ref>
* '''August 28''': P. Hans Frankfurther, Dutch film & TV producer, activist and organizer (founder of [[Het Stripschap]], namegiver to the annual P. Hans Frankfurther comics prize<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.stripschap.nl/pages/stripschapprijzen/p.-hans-frankfurtherprijs.php |title = Het Stripschap - P. Hans Frankfurtherprijs}}</ref>), drowns at age 64, trying to save his son (who also drowns).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/1996/08/31/p-hans-frankfurther-7322366-a803871|title=P. Hans Frankfurther|website=NRC|access-date=May 21, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.trouw.nl/gs-b1cf4e4e|title=Overleden - P. Hans Frankfurther (64) en zoon Felix (36)|date=Aug 31, 1996|website=Trouw|access-date=May 21, 2020}}</ref>

===September===
* '''September 3''': Petar Grigorov, Bulgarian painter and comics artist, dies at age 83.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/g/grigorov_petar.htm|title=Petar Grigorov|website=lambiek.net|access-date=May 21, 2020}}</ref>
* '''September 14''': Fernando Bento, Portuguese illustrator and comics artist, dies at age 85.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/b/bento_fernando.htm|title=Fernando Bento|website=lambiek.net|access-date=March 29, 2021}}</ref>
* '''September 23''': [[Fujiko Fujio|Hiroshi Fujimoto]], Japanese manga artist (''[[Doraemon]]'', ''[[Perman]]'', ''[[Mojacko]]'', ''[[Jungle Kurobe]]'', ''[[Kiteretsu Daihyakka]]'', ''[[Pokonyan!]]'', ''[[Esper Mami]]'', ''[[Chimpui]]'', ''[[Obake no Q-tarō]]''), dies at age 62.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/f/fujio-fujiko.htm|title=Fujio-Fujiko|website=lambiek.net|access-date=7 April 2018}}</ref>
* '''September 26''': [[Alex Kotzky]], American comics artist and writer (''[[Apartment 3-G]]'', the backgrounds in ''[[Spirit (comics character)|The Spirit]]''), dies at age 73.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/k/kotzky_alex.htm|title=Alex Kotzky|website=lambiek.net|access-date=May 21, 2020}}</ref>

===October===
* '''October 14''': [[Ferd Johnson]], American comics artist (''Texas Slim'', ''Lovey-Dovey'', continued ''[[Moon Mullins]]''), dies at age 90.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/j/johnson_f.htm|title=Ferd Johnson|website=lambiek.net|access-date=May 21, 2020}}</ref>

=== December ===
* '''December 2''': [[Don Dohler]], American film director, publisher and comics artist (''Pro Junior''), dies at age 60.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/d/dohler_don.htm|title=Don Dohler|website=lambiek.net}}</ref>
* '''December 7''':
** [[Paul Ollswang]], American comics artist (''Dreams of a Dog'', ''Memories of Doofer''), dies at age 50 or 51.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/o/ollswang_paul.htm|title=Paul Ollswang}}</ref>
** [[Giuseppe Perego]], Italian comics artist (''Buffalo Brill'', ''Boby'', [[Disney comics]], [[Rolf Kauka]] comics), dies at age 81.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/p/perego_giuseppe.htm|title=Giuseppe Perego|website=lambiek.net|access-date=May 21, 2020}}</ref>
** Desimir Zizovic Buin, Serbian comics artist (''Mirko i Slavko''), dies at age 76.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/z/zizovic_buin_desimir.htm|title=Desimir Zizovic Buin|website=lambiek.net|access-date=April 2, 2021}}</ref>
* '''December 22''': [[Jack Hamm]], American comics artist (''Drawing the Head and Figure'', ''Cartooning the Head and Figure''), dies at age 80.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/h/hamm_jack.htm|title=Jack Hamm|website=lambiek.net}}</ref>

=== Specific date unknown ===
* Themos Andreopoulos, Greek comics artist (''Mikros Serifis'') and publisher (the magazine Tam-Tam), dies at age 78 or 79.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.lambiek.net/artists/a/andreopoulos_themos.htm| title = Themos Andreopoulos - Lambiek Comiclopedia}} </ref>
* Stan Clements, Australian comics artist (''Tom Dunne, Scientific Detective'', ''Dinny Dare'', ''Jim & Jill'', ''Rays of Destiny'', ''Matt Marcus''), dies at age 87.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/c/clements_stan.htm|title=Stan Clements|website=lambiek.net|access-date=21 October 2020}}</ref>
* Jim Davis, American animator and cartoonist (''[[The Fox and the Crow (comics)|The Fox and the Crow]]''), dies at age 80 or 81.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/d/davis-jim.htm|title=Jim Davis|website=lambiek.net}}</ref>
* Zoltán Forrai, Hungarian-Dutch comics artist (''Pipa'', ''Miklós''), dies at age 94 or 95.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/f/forrai_zoltan.htm|title=Zoltán Forrai}}</ref>
* Rick Hoover, American animator and comics artist (''[[Disney comics]]''), dies at age 55 or 56.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/h/hoover_rick.htm|title=Rick Hoover|website=lambiek.net|access-date=May 21, 2020}}</ref>
* [[Malcolm Jones III]], American comics artist (''[[Sandman (DC Comics)|Sandman]]''), commits suicide at circa age 37.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/j/jones_malcolm.htm|title=Malcolm Jones III|website=lambiek.net}}</ref>
* Frank Langford, British comic artist (continued ''Jack and Jill'', drew various comics based on TV series for Lady Penelope Magazine and TV Action, drew romance comics for [[DC Comics]]), dies at age 69 or 70. <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/l/langford_frank.htm|title = Frank Langford}}</ref>
* Wang Letian, Chinese comics artist and cartoonist, dies at age 78 or 79.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/w/wang-letian.htm|title=Wang Letian|website=lambiek.net|access-date=May 21, 2020}}</ref>
* Terry Patrick, British comics artist (worked for [[DC Thomson]]), dies at age 66 or 67.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/p/patrick_terry.htm|title=Terry Patrick|website=lambiek.net|access-date=May 21, 2020}}</ref>
* Maria Emília Roque Gameiro, aka Màmia, Portuguese comics artist, dies at age 94 or 95.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/m/mamia.htm|title=Màmia|website=lambiek.net|access-date=February 27, 2021}}</ref>
* Albert Tolf, American comics artist (assisted on ''[[Gasoline Alley (comic strip)|Gasoline Alley]]'', cartoons of [[San Francisco]]), dies at age 84 or 85.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/t/tolf_albert.htm|title=Albert Tolf|website=lambiek.net|access-date=May 21, 2020}}</ref>
* Dorothy Urfer, American comic artist (''[[Annibelle]]''), dies at age 90 or 91. <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lambiek.net/artists/u/urfer_dorothy.htm|title=Dorothy Urfer|website=Lambiek.net|access-date=23 September 2023}}</ref>

== Exhibitions ==
* '''January 19 – February 18''': ''"[[Twisted Sisters (comic)|Twisted Sisters]] — Drawing the Line"'', [[White Columns]], New York City — artwork by [[M. K. Brown]], [[Julie Doucet]], [[Aline Kominsky-Crumb]], Caryn Leschen, Fiona Smythe, Darcy Stanger, Carol Swain, and others<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=zeICAAAAMBAJ&dq=%22Twisted+Sisters%22+%22White+Columns%22&pg=PA68 "Art"], ''New York Magazine'' (Jan. 29, 1996), p. 68.</ref>

==Conventions==
* '''March 2''': [[Big Apple Convention|Halleluja Con]] (Church of St. Paul the Apostle, New York City) — produced on the spur of the moment after the sudden cancellation of the scheduled [[Great Eastern Conventions]] New York show. First iteration of the [[Big Apple Convention]].<ref>"Newswatch: NYC Comics Convention Cancelled, Fans Irate," ''The Comics Journal'' #185 (Mar. 1996), pp. 18–19.</ref>
* '''March 22–24''': [[Motor City Comic Con]] I (Novi Expo Center, Novi, Michigan)
* '''March 23''': [[Alternative Press Expo]] (San Jose, California)
* '''April 19–21''': [[Pittsburgh Comicon]] (ExpoMart/Radisson, Monroeville, Pennsylvania) — guests include [[Stan Lee]], [[Jim Shooter]], and [[Julius Schwartz]]<ref>"Comic Marvels," ''Pittsburgh Post-Gazette'' (19 Apr 1996), p. 2.</ref>
* '''April 26–28''': [[WonderCon]] (Oakland, California) — 10th annual convention
* '''May 18''': [[Ramapo Comic Con]] X (Spring Valley, New York) — "[[EC Comics|EC]] Tribute" with guests [[Al Williamson]] and [[Marie Severin]]; other guests include [[Julius Schwartz]], [[Murphy Anderson]], [[Dick Ayers]], [[Joe Sinnott]], [[Joe Staton]], [[Eric Shanower]], [[Mark Schultz (comics)|Mark Schultz]], [[Walt Simonson]], [[Louise Simonson]], [[Evan Dorkin]], [[Sarah Dyer]], [[David Mazzuchelli]], and [[Howard Cruse]]
* '''Summer''': "Lazy [[CAPTION]]" (Oxford Union Society, Oxford, England)
* '''Summer''': [[Fan Expo Canada|Canadian National Comic Book Exposition]] (Holiday Inn on King, Toronto, Ontario, Canada) — c. 2,900 attendees; guests include [[Dale Keown]], [[Adam Hughes]], [[Stuart Immonen]], [[Pat Lee (comics illustrator)|Pat Lee]], Ken Lashley, [[Mike Zeck]], and [[Dave Ross (comics)|Dave Ross]]
* '''June''': [[Heroes Convention]] (Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte, North Carolina) — guests included [[Alex Ross]], [[Mike Wieringo]], [[Ron Garney]], [[George Pérez]], [[Nick Cardy]], [[Dan Jurgens]], and Tom Smith
* '''June 2''': [[Comix Fair|Houston Comix Fair & Toy Show]] XIV (Medallion Hotel, Houston, Texas)<ref>"Book events," ''Houston Chronicle'' (02 June 1996), p. 20.</ref> — final edition of [[Comix Fair]]; guests include [[Mart Nodell]] and [[Shannon Wheeler]]
* '''June 21–23''': [[Chicago Comicon]] (Chicago, Illinois) — 25,000 attendees; Guest of honor: [[Will Eisner]]; other guests: [[Harlan Ellison]], [[Larry Marder]], [[Heidi MacDonald]], [[Mike Richardson (publisher)|Mike Richardson]], [[Kurt Busiek]], [[Sergio Aragonés]], [[Evan Dorkin]], [[Paul Levitz]], [[Julius Schwartz]], [[Mercy Van Vlack]], and [[George Pérez]]<ref>Cwiklik, Gregory. "The 21st Annual Chicago Comicon: A Personal View," The Comics Journal #189 (Aug. 1996), pp. 23–27.</ref>
* '''June 21–23''': [[Dragon Con]] (Atlanta Hilton & Towers/Westin Peachtree Plaza/Atlanta Civic Center, Atlanta, Georgia) — 13,400 attendees; guests include [[Neil Gaiman]], [[John Byrne (comics)|John Byrne]], [[Peter David]], [[Kevin Nowlan]], [[Chris Claremont]], [[Al Feldstein]], [[Robert Williams (artist)|Robert Williams]], [[Mark Bodé]], [[Al Williamson]], [[William Stout]], [[Mark Schultz (comics)|Mark Schultz]], [[Jeff Smith (cartoonist)|Jeff Smith]], [[Reed Waller]], [[Rich Buckler]], [[John Kricfalusi]], and [[Bob Burden]].<ref>Wardle, Paul: "Freaks, Outcasts, and Peter David: Dragon Con '96," ''The Comics Journal'' #189 (Aug. 1996), pp. 27–30.</ref>
* '''July 4–7''': [[San Diego Comic-Con]] ([[San Diego Convention Center]], San Diego, California) — 36,000 attendees. Special guests include [[Donna Barr]], [[David Brin]], [[Paul Chadwick]], [[Steve Dillon]], [[Mort Drucker]], [[Ben Edlund]], [[Garth Ennis]], [[Dave Gibbons]], [[Joe Giella]], [[Dave McKean]], [[Jim Mooney]], [[Kurt Schaffenberger]], and [[François Schuiten]]
* '''July 26–28''': [[Dallas Collectors Con]] (Plano Convention Center, Plano, Texas) — substitute event for cancelled [[Dallas Fantasy Fair]]; official include [[Bernie Wrightson]], [[Howard Cruse]], [[Rob Liefeld]], and [[Kurt Busiek]].<ref name=TCJ189>Raphael, Jordan. "Dallas Fantasy Fair Cancelled: New Con Takes Its Place," ''The Comics Journal'' #189 (Aug. 1996), p. 23.</ref>
* '''July 27–28''': [[Dallas Fantasy Fair]] (Market Hall, Dallas, Texas) — cancelled at the last minute; the [[Harvey Awards]] were scheduled to be presented there and had to be rescheduled for later in the year<ref>"People Watch," ''Fort Worth Star-Telegram'' (July 26, 1996), p. 7.</ref>
* '''September 20''': [[Small Press Expo]] (Bethesda, Maryland) – guests include [[Jeff Smith (comics)|Jeff Smith]], [[Charles Vess]], [[Evan Dorkin]], [[Jimmy Gownley]], [[David Lapham]], and [[Shannon Wheeler]]
* '''September 26-29''': [[International Comics and Animation Festival]] (ICAF) ([[Georgetown University]]<ref>{{cite news|title=Georgetown Set to Host International Festival |page=15|work=The Comics Journal |number=188 |date=July 1996 |department=Newswatch}}</ref> and [[Alliance Française]], [[Washington, D.C.]]) — guests include [[Claire Bretécher]] (guest of honor) and [[Pierre Christin]]<ref name=WaPo1996>{{Cite news|last=Ahrens|first=Frank|date=Sep 30, 1996|title=A HIGH-CLASS STRIP SHOW: Festival Draws a Bead on French Comics|pages=C1, C6| language=en-US|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1996/09/30/a-high-class-strip-show/7f55dabd-9af5-45d5-a6f5-2e8aad6c08d4/|access-date=2020-09-02|issn=0190-8286|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828233911/https://www.washingtonpost.com/web/20170828233911/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1996/09/30/a-high-class-strip-show/7f55dabd-9af5-45d5-a6f5-2e8aad6c08d4/?utm_term=.202a8b3621cb|archive-date=Aug 28, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Social Studies: European Comics and the International Comics and Animation Festival |first=Larry |last=Rodman |pages= 29–34 |work= The Comics Journal |number=191 |date=Nov 1996}}</ref>
* '''October 12–13''': [[Motor City Comic Con]] II (Dearborn Civic Center, Dearborn, Michigan)
* '''October 25–27''': [[Dynamic Forces convention|Dynamic Forces New York Comic Book Convention]] (Sheraton New York Hotel, New York City) — official guests include [[Barry Windsor-Smith]] and [[Dan Jurgens]]<ref>"Choices: What's Happening This Weekend," ''Newsday'' (25 Oct 1996), p. B.02.</ref>
* '''November 1–3''': [[Atlanta Fantasy Fair|Atlanta StarCon & Comics]] (Marriott North Central Hotel, Atlanta, Georgia) — produced by the former organizer of the [[Atlanta Fantasy Fair]]; official guests include [[George Pérez]], [[Michael O'Hare]], [[Kane Hodder]], [[Frank Marshall (film producer)|Frank Marshall]], and [[Kathleen Kennedy (film producer)|Kathleen Kennedy]].
* '''November 29 – December 1''': [[Mid-Ohio Con]] (Columbus, Ohio) — guests include [[Roger Stern]], [[Darryl Banks]], [[Dick DeBartolo]], [[Tom and Mary Bierbaum]], [[Tony Isabella]], [[Paul Jenkins (writer)|Paul Jenkins]], [[Mark Waid]], Leah Adezio, [[Dan Mishkin]], [[Berni Wrightson]],<ref name="Dave">Van Domelen, Dave. [http://www.eyrie.org/~dvandom/Hatrack/MidOhio/index.html "Dave's Mid-Ohio Con Page,"] Dave's Online Nest (Dec. 16, 1999).</ref> [[Mark Crilley]], [[P. Craig Russell]], [[Jim Shooter]], [[Murphy Anderson]], [[Dick Ayers]], [[Tom Batiuk]], [[John Byrne (comics)|John Byrne]], [[Dick DeBartolo]], [[Julius Schwartz]], and [[Jeff Smith (cartoonist)|Jeff Smith]]<ref name=CoDi1996>"Top Comic-Book Talents Convene for Aficionados," ''Columbus Dispatch'' (Nov. 28, 1996).</ref>

==First issues by title==
{{Unreferenced section|date=November 2021}}

===DC Comics===
* ''[[Mister Miracle]]''
:''Release'' February ''Writer:'' [[Kevin Dooley]]. ''Artist:'' Steve Crespo
* ''[[Hitman (DC Comics)|Hitman]]''
:''Release'' March ''Writer:'' [[Garth Ennis]]. ''Artist:'' John McCrea
* ''[[Batman: Black and White]]'' 4-issue mini-series
:''Release'' March
* ''Essential Vertigo: [[The Sandman (comic book)|The Sandman]]''. Black-and-white reprints of the 1988 series.
:''Release'' June ''Writer:'' [[Neil Gaiman]]. ''Artist:'' [[Sam Kieth]]  ''Artist:''[[Mike Dringenberg]]
* ''[[Supergirl (comic book)|Supergirl]]''
:''Release'' July ''Writer:'' [[Peter David]]. ''Artist:'' [[Gary Frank (comics)|Gary Frank]]
* ''[[Nightwing]]''
:''Release'' August ''Writer:'' [[Chuck Dixon]]. ''Artist:'' [[Scott McDaniel]]
* ''[[Teen Titans]]''
:''Release'' August ''Writer:'' [[Dan Jurgens]]. ''Artist:'' [[Dan Jurgens]] ''Artist:'' [[George Perez]]
* ''Essential Vertigo: [[Swamp Thing]]''. Black-and-white reprints of the 1982 series, beginning with #21.
:''Release'' September ''Writer:'' [[Alan Moore]]. ''Artist:'' [[Steve Bissette]]  ''Artist:''[[John Totleben]]
* ''[[JLA (comic book)|JLA]]''
:''Release'' November''Writer:'' [[Grant Morrison]]. ''Artist:'' [[Howard Porter (artist)|Howard Porter]]

===Independent titles===
;''[[Allegra (comics)|Allegra]]''
:''Release:'' August by [[Image Comics]]. ''Writer:'' [[Steven T. Seagle]]. ''Artist:'' Scott Clarke

;''[[Cyberpunx]]''
:''Release:'' March by Image Comics. ''Writer:'' [[Robert Loren Fleming]] ''Artist:'' [[Ching Lau]]

;''[[Keyhole (comics)|Keyhole]]''
:''Release:'' June by [[Millennium Publications]]. ''Writers:'' [[Dean Haspiel]], [[Josh Neufeld]], [[Rob Walker (journalist)|R. Walker]], [[Chris Cliadakis]], [[Linda Perkins]]. ''Art by:'' Haspiel, Neufeld, and Perkins.

;''[[Tim Curry]]''
:''Release'' February by Curry Comics.

===Marvel Comics===
* ''[[Onslaught (Marvel Comics)|Onslaught: X-Men]]''
:''Release'' August
* ''[[Onslaught (Marvel Comics)|Onslaught: Marvel Universe]]''
:''Release'' October
* ''[[Avengers (comics)|The Avengers]]'' (1996 series) #1
:''Release'' November
* ''[[Captain America (comic book)|Captain America]]'' (1996 series) #1
:''Release'' November
* ''[[Fantastic Four]]'' (1996 series) #1
:''Release'' November
* ''[[Iron Man]]'' (1996 series) #1
:''Release'' November

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:1996 in comics| ]]