DC Graphic Novel

Marvel introduced a line of deluxe format comics in 1982, to which they gave the name “graphic novels.” These were aimed at older, more sophisticated, and presumably more affluent readers—a coveted demographic in comics publishing. It was anything but unexpected when DC followed up the Marvel Graphic Novels with their own line in 1983.

Although nicely produced, the DC series tended not to break much new ground. It began with the unpromising story of Star Raiders, a spinoff of Atari Force and a popular Atari video game, as well as being highly derivative of Battlestar Galactica. Luckily, it moved onto somewhat more fruitful ground with works like “The Hunger Dogs” by Jack Kirby, featuring characters from Mister Miracle and the New Gods. As a whole, however, the series was not terribly successful, lasting just seven issues.

Jump to issue:

#1

Indica says Star Raiders, cover says Graphic Novel #1

Aug 1983

Cover: $5.95

W: Elliot S! Maggin · A: José Luis García-López

4 copies from $2.75
#1 Variation A

Indicia says Star Raiders, cover A says Graphic Novel #1

Cover: $6.95

W: Elliot S! Maggin · A: José Luis García-López

Indica lists as 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10; ca. 1983

3 copies from $6.50
#2

Indica says Warlords, cover say Graphic Novel #2

Dec 1983

Cover: $5.95

W: Steve Skeates · A: David Wenzel

6 copies from $2.00
#3

Oct 1984

Cover: $5.95

W: Ernie Colón · A: Ernie Colón

4 copies from $3.25
#4

Jun 1985

Cover: $5.95

W: Jack Kirby · A: Jack Kirby

1 copy for $79.98
#5

Dec 1985

Cover: $5.95

W: Greg Potter · A: Ron Randall

3 copies from $2.00
#6

Jul 1986

Cover: $6.95

W: Pat Mills · A: Kevin O’Neill

1 copy for $3.50
#7

Nov 1986

Cover: $5.95

W: Arthur Byron Cover · A: Alex Niño

3 copies from $3.00