Publishers / DC / World's Finest Comics (1941) / #278
278April 1982
$1.00; 0.30 GBP

World's Finest Comics #278

DC · April 1982 · on sale 1982-01-05

First appearance: SatanFirst appearance: Dora KeaneFirst appearance: Darkling1 variant
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How to read this file
  • Every claim on this page traces to a public bibliographic record; the sources are listed at the bottom of the file.
  • A first-appearance badge means this is the earliest non-flashback appearance on record in this database.
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Identification plate

Series
World's Finest Comics (DC, 1941 series)
Issue
#278
Publication date
April 1982
Key date
1982-04-00
On-sale date
1982-01-05
Indicia publisher
DC Comics Inc.
Price
$1.00; 0.30 GBP
Pages
52
Rating
Approved by the Comics Code Authority

Match the book in your hand against this plate before paying an edition-specific price.

Why this issue matters

First appearance of Satan - the earliest non-flashback appearance on record for this character.

First appearance of Dora Keane - the earliest non-flashback appearance on record for this character.

First appearance of Darkling - the earliest non-flashback appearance on record for this character.

The evidence

Claims here come from the story records for this issue, listed under Sources at the bottom of the file. Character hubs with full evidence tables are coming to this site.

Contents

SeqStoryTypePagesCreditsCharacters
0-cover1pencils: George Pérez; inks: Romeo Tanghal; letters: Gaspar SaladinoBatman, Hawkman, Katar Hol, Clark Kent, Superman, Bruce Wayne, Billy Batson, Captain Marvel, Green Arrow, Oliver Queen, Zatanna
1Assault on Thanagar!comic story14script: Bob Rozakis; pencils: Rich Buckler; inks: Pablo Marcos; colors: Gene D'Angelo; letters: John CostanzaBatman, Hawkman, Hawkwoman, Katar Hol, Hyathis, Clark Kent, Superman, Shayera Thal, Bruce Wayne
2The Archer and the Assassincomic story9script: Mike W. Barr; pencils: Trevor Von Eeden; inks: Larry Mahlstedt; colors: Tom Ziuko; letters: Phil Felix; editing: Len WeinGreen Arrow, Dinah Lance, Oliver Queen
3-letters page2script: Ted P. SkimmerBatman, Billy Batson, Black Canary, Captain Marvel, Green Arrow, Hawkman, Hawkwoman, Katar Hol, Clark Kent, Dinah Lance, Oliver Queen, Red Tornado, Superman, Shayera Thal
4Dog Day Afternooncomic story8script: Paul Kupperberg; pencils: Dan Spiegle; inks: Dan Spiegle; colors: Tom Ziuko; letters: Adam Kubert; editing: Mike BarrZatanna, Jeff Sloane
5The Power of Darkness!comic story9script: E. Nelson Bridwell; pencils: Don Newton; inks: Frank Chiaramonte; colors: Adrienne Roy; letters: Ben OdaMary Batson, Mary Marvel, Shazam, Billy Batson, Darkling First, Christopher "Kit" Freeman, Freddy Freeman, Dora Keane First, Kid Eternity, Satan First

Printings and variants

EditionHow to tell
Newsstandprice 1.00 USD; barcode 0709893073004

Where to read it

CollectionYear
Shazam!: The World's Mightiest Mortal #3
ISBN 978-1-77950-946-8		2021On eBay ›

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Before you buy

  • Check the price box: Marvel ran 30-cent and 35-cent test-market price variants in 1976-77.
  • Canadian and Whitman editions exist for many bronze books; match the barcode area to the plate.
  • Look for Mark Jewelers inserts and date stamps - they affect collector preference, not authenticity.

Series context

‹ #277277 of 322#279 ›

Sources

Found an error in this file? corrections@comicrecord.com