Year: 1971
Major Events:
- The Kree-Skrull War begins (it ends next year, and will be one of the best stories of 1972–but it’s also great in ’71!)
- Hulk is banished off Earth and meets Jarella
- Dr. Doom fights Mephisto for his mother’s soul
- Falcon gets his classic costume
- Lady Dorma and Namor marry
- Black Panther gets a detailed origin
Important Deaths: Scorpion (not!) killed by Black Widow
Best New Series: Marvel Spotlight and Savage Tales both debuted, and neither were very good in 1971, but at least Spotlight gets better later.
Top 10 New Characters:
- Man-Thing
- Morbius
- Doc Samson
- Jarella
- Guardsman
- Overmind
- Red Wolf
- Spymaster
- Stone Face
- This was NOT a good year for new characters
Top 10 Stories:
- Astonishing Tales #8
- Incredible Hulk #142 (by Harlan Ellison)
- Amazing Spider-Man #96-98 (Harry Osborn does drugs)
- Incredible Hulk #138
- Incredible Hulk #140 (1st Jarella)
- Astonishing Tales #6-7
- Avengers #85-86 (1st Squadron Supreme)
- Captain America #133 (origin of MODOK)
- Thor #189-190
- Avengers #88/Hulk #140