Publishers / DC / Detective Comics (1937) / #556
556November 1985
$0.75; 0.95 CAD; 0.35 GBP

Detective Comics #556

DC · November 1985 · on sale 1985-07-30

First appearance: Onyx2 variantsStoryline: Crisis on Infinite Earths
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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
Detective Comics (DC, 1937 series)
Issue
#556
Publication date
November 1985
Key date
1985-11-00
On-sale date
1985-07-30
Indicia publisher
DC Comics Inc.
Price
$0.75; 0.95 CAD; 0.35 GBP
Pages
36
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 Onyx - 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: Gene Colan; inks: Dick Giordano; colors: Anthony TollinBatman, Natalia Knight, Nocturna, Bruce Wayne
1The Bleeding Nightcomic story16script: Doug Moench; pencils: Gene Colan; inks: Bob Smith; colors: Adrienne Roy; letters: John WorkmanBatman, Harvey Bullock, Commissioner James Gordon, Anton Knight, Natalia Knight, The Night-Slayer, Nocturna, Robin, Jason Todd, Bruce Wayne
2-letters page2script: Bob Greenberger; pencils: José Luis García-López
3Zen and the Art of Dyingcomic story7script: Joey Cavalieri; pencils: JK Moore; inks: Patterson; colors: Jeanine Casey; letters: LappanGreen Arrow, Onyx First, Oliver Queen
4-in-house column1script: Arnaldo Lopez Jr.

Printings and variants

EditionHow to tell
Canadianprice 0.95 CAD; barcode 0709893046511
Newsstandprice 0.75 USD; barcode 0709893046511

Where to read it

CollectionYear
DC Finest: Batman: Red Skies #[nn]
ISBN 978-1-79950-273-9		2025On eBay ›
DC Finest: Events: Crisis on Infinite Earths Part One #[nn]
ISBN 978-1-79950-304-0		2025On eBay ›

Reading the story costs a fraction of owning the issue. Both routes are on every file.

Before you buy

  • Confirm the UPC box: a publisher mark instead of a barcode means direct edition, a barcode means newsstand.
  • Glossy covers of this era show edge chipping easily. Check black edges closely in the photos.
  • Check the staples and centerfold; heavily read anniversary and key issues loosen there first.

Series context

‹ #555556 of 883#557 ›

Sources

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