Charles Dixon (born April 14, 1954) is an American comic book writer, best known for his work on the Marvel Comics character the Punisher and on the DC Comics characters Batman, Nightwing, and Robin in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Early life
Dixon was born in West Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, and grew up in Upper Darby, reading comics of all genres. He is a graduate of Upper Darby High School (1972).
Career
1980s
Chuck Dixon's earliest comics work was writing
Evangeline (illustrated by his then-wife
Judith Hunt) for in 1984 and then for
First Comics. Editor
Larry Hama hired him to write back-up stories for
Marvel Comics'
Savage Sword of Conan. Writing under the name "Charles Dixon", he would eventually take over the lead feature of Conan on a semi-regular basis. He contributed stories to the Hama edited re-boot of
Savage Tales highlighted by a number of western stories illustrated by
John Severin.
In 1986, he began working for Eclipse Comics, writing Airboy which was edited by Timothy Truman followed by Cat Yronwode for the bulk of its 50 issue run. Continuing to write for both Marvel and Eclipse on these titles, as well as launching Strike! with artist Tom Lyle in August 1987 and Valkyrie with artist Paul Gulacy in October 1987, he began work on Carl Potts' Alien Legion series for Marvel's Epic Comics imprint, under editor Archie Goodwin. He produced a three-issue adaptation of J. R. R. Tolkien's The Hobbit for Eclipse with artist David Wenzel between 1989 and 1990, and began writing in June 1989 for editor Potts.
1990s (Punisher and Batman)
The Punisher Kingdom Gone graphic novel (August 1990) led to him working on the monthly
The Punisher War Journal and later other
Punisher titles, and brought him to the attention of
DC Comics editor Dennis O'Neil, who asked him and
Tom Lyle to produce a Robin mini-series featuring the
Tim Drake incarnation. The series proved popular enough to spawn two sequels –
The Joker's Wild (1991) and
Cry of the Huntress (1992).
This led to both an ongoing monthly series
[Manning "1990s" in Dolan, p. 261: "Robin embarked on a solo career, with the help of writer Chuck Dixon and artist Tom Grummett."] which Dixon wrote for 100 issues before leaving to work with CrossGen Comics, and to Dixon working on
Detective Comics from #644 (May 1992)
to #738 (Nov. 1999) through the major Batman stories "'"
[Manning "1990s" in Dolan, p. 259: "'Knightfall' was a nineteen-part crossover event that passed through the pages of... Detective Comics, written by Chuck Dixon and illustrated by Norm Breyfogle, Jim Balent, and Graham Nolan."] and "KnightsEnd"
[Manning "1990s" in Dolan, p. 265] for which he helped create the key character of Bane,
[Manning "1990s" in Dougall, p. 200: Batman: Vengeance of Bane Special #1 "Bane's harrowing origin story was detailed in this special 64-page one-shot by writer Chuck Dixon and artist Graham Nolan."] "",
[Manning "1990s" in Dolan, p. 272: "In the latest crossover to shake up Batman's universe, a manufactured virus nicknamed 'the Clench' was unleashed on the public of Gotham City...by writers Alan Grant, Chuck Dixon, Denny O'Neil, and Doug Moench."] "",
[Manning "1990s" in Dolan, p. 274] "",
[Manning "1990s" in Dolan, p. 283: "The seventeen-part 'Cataclysm' storyline showed a Gotham City devastated by an earthquake. It was written by Alan Grant, Chuck Dixon, Doug Moench, Dennis O'Neil, and."] and "No Man's Land". Dixon and Lyle co-created the
Electrocutioner in
Detective Comics #644 (May 1992)
[Manning "1990s" in Dougall, p. 195] and Stephanie Brown in
Detective Comics #647 (August 1992).
[Manning "1990s" in Dougall, p. 196] Much of his later run was illustrated by
Graham Nolan.
He was DC's most prolific Batman writer in the 1990s. In addition to writing Detective Comics he pioneered the individual series for Robin, Nightwing (which he wrote for 70 issues, and returned to briefly with 2005's #101) and Batgirl, as well as creating the team and book Birds of Prey.[Manning "1990s" in Dolan, p. 286: "Oracle and Black Canary were finally rewarded with their own ongoing series by scripter Chuck Dixon and penciller Greg Land."]
While writing multiple Punisher and Batman comics and October 1994's Punisher/Batman crossover, he launched Team 7 for Jim Lee's WildStorm/Image Comics and Prophet for Rob Liefeld's Extreme Studios. He wrote many issues of Catwoman and Green Arrow, regularly having about seven titles out each month between 1993 and 1998. In 1994, Dixon co-wrote the Batman-Spawn: War Devil intercompany crossover with Doug Moench and Alan Grant.[Manning "1990s" in Dolan, p. 267: "Fans were also treated to a companion special entitled Batman-Spawn...by writers Doug Moench, Chuck Dixon, and Alan Grant, and artist Klaus Janson."] Dixon and Tom Grummett crafted a Secret Six one-shot (Dec. 1997) as part of the Tangent Comics imprint.[Manning "1990s" in Dolan, p. 281: "The Secret Six found their own monthly one-shot title written by Chuck Dixon and drawn by Tom Grummett."]
2000s
CrossGen
In March 2002, Dixon turned his attention to
CrossGen's output, slowly leaving
Robin,
Nightwing,
Birds of Prey and
Batgirl over the next year although he co-wrote with
Scott Beatty the origin of
Barbara Gordon's Batgirl in 2003's
Batgirl: Year One.
[Cowsill, Alan "2000s" in Dolan, p. 309: "Scott Beatty and Chuck Dixon came together to pen the story of Barbara Gordon's first year as Batgirl."] For CrossGen he took over some of the comics of the departing
Mark Waid, taking over
Sigil from #21, and
Crux with #13. He launched
Way of the Rat in June 2002,
Brath (March 2003),
The Silken Ghost (June 2003) and the pirate comic
El Cazador (Oct 2003),
as well as editing
Robert Rodi's non-Sigilverse
The Crossovers. He wrote the
Ruse spin-off
Archard's Agents one-shots in January and November 2003 and April 2004, the last released shortly before CrossGen's cancellation of all of its series. Dixon wrote a single issue of
Sojourn (May 2004). Dixon's
Way of the Rat #24,
Brath #14 and
El Cazador #6 were among the last comics released from the then-bankrupt publisher.
Other publishers
In mid-2004, Dixon wrote a number of issues and series' for smaller publishers Devil's Due Publishing and
Moonstone Books.
During this period, he returned briefly to DC but mostly worked on comics at several publishers, including several issues of
Simpsons Comics for
Bongo Comics, for whom he has worked quite regularly from September 1998 to the present, and a couple of projects with
Image Comics. In May 2006, Dixon contributed to
IDW Publishing's Free Comic Book Day
Transformers giveaway, leading to him writing
miniseries.
Return to DC
In July 2004, Dixon began his return to the
DC Universe with
Richard Dragon, a revival of the 1970s kung-fu character, which ran for 12 issues.
In March of the following year, he returned briefly to
Nightwing before shifting his efforts to the
Wildstorm imprint, writing the stand-alone
Claw the Unconquered (Aug 2006 – Jan 2007);
the movie-adaptation of
Snakes on a Plane,
the movie-spin-off
Nightmare on Elm Street,
[Cowsill "2000s" in Dolan, p. 327: "Chuck Dixon's script and Kevin J. West's pencils helped to create a suitably nightmarish start for Freddy's latest incarnation."] and the Wildstorm Universe title
Grifter/Midnighter from May 2007.
In January 2007, he wrote the Connor Hawke: Dragon's Blood mini-series featuring Green Arrow's son Connor Hawke,[ Wizard #177] and in March 2008, Dixon returned to writing Robin. He wrote Batman and the Outsiders, a project he was signed to at the last minute, after original writer Tony Bedard dropped out due to being occupied with Final Crisis-related work. On June 10, 2008, Dixon announced on his forum that he was no longer "employed by DC Comics in any capacity." He nonetheless did occasional work for DC after this, including 2017's Bane: Conquest limited series, and a special issue for Robin's 80th anniversary.
After DC
It was announced in August 2008 that he would write Dynamite Entertainment's series
The Man with No Name based on the Western character.
He wrote a
G.I. Joe series for
IDW Publishing.
In March 2009
Moonstone Books published a new
Airboy one-shot written by Dixon entitled
Airboy 1942: The Best of Enemies. In 2011, Dixon says he was offered a chance to do a rewrite on
The Expendables 2 screenplay by Sylvester Stallone, but declined.
2010s
In the late 2010s, he went to work for
Vox Day's Arkhaven Comics, writing for their Alt-Hero Universe on titles such as
Alt-Hero: Q and
Chuck Dixon's Avalon.
In 2017 and 2018, Dixon wrote Zenescope's Van Helsing vs. The Werewolf and Robyn Hood: The Curse.
2020s
In 2021, he started the
Levon Cade series from Rough Edges Press. In 2023, it was announced that he would write the first issue of
Alphacore from
Eric July, with Joe Bennett as the artist.In 2024, Chuck expanded into Rippaverse Comics by writing The Horseman: Welcome To Florespark" with Joe Bennett as the artist for this as well. In 2025, Chuck Dixon will be writing several issues for Rippaverse Comics including Alphacore #2, The Great War of Separation limited series, Zalen: What Kills, Must Die, and The Horseman #1.
Awards
Chuck Dixon received an
Inkpot Award in 2014.
Bibliography
Across the Pond Studios
Antarctic Press
Arkhaven Comics
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Alt*Hero: Q #1–2
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Chuck Dixon's Avalon #1–6
Bongo Comics
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Simpsons Comics #42, 50, 65, 77, 92, 96, 99, 108, 115–116, 125, 131–133, 137, 140, 142–145, 147, 151, 153, 158–159, 164, 169, 173, 176–177, 181, 192, 195, 199, 205 (1999–2013)
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Simpsons Comics Presents Bart Simpson #8, 25, 34, 41 (2002–2008)
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The Simpsons Winter Wingding #2, 4 (2007–2009)
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Treehouse of Horror #4 (1998)
CrossGen Comics
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Archard's Agents #1–3 (2003–2004)
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Brath #1–14 (2003–2004)
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Crux #13–33 (2002–2004)
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El Cazador #1–6 (2003–2004)
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Sigil #21–42 (2002–2003)
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The Silken Ghost #1–5 (2003)
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Way of the Rat #1–24 (2002–2004)
Dark Horse Comics
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Dark Horse Comics #10–12 (1993)
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Star Wars: General Grievous #1–4 (2005)
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#1–3 (2001–2002)
DC Comics
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Action Comics #771 (2000)
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Adventure Comics 80-Page Giant #1 (1998)
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Bane: Conquest #1–12 (2017–2018)
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Batgirl #12, 20, 30–32 (2001–2002)
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Batgirl: Year One #1–9 (2003)
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Batman #467–469, 560–562, 571, Annual #23 (1991–1999)
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Batman and The Outsiders vol. 2, #1–10 (2007–2008)
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Batman: Bane of the Demon #1–4 (1998)
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Batman Black and White #2 (1996)
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The Batman Chronicles #1–4, 9, 11–12 (1995–2000)
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Batman 80-Page Giant #1, 3 (1998–2000)
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#1–4 (1996)
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Batman: Gordon's Law #1–4 (1996–1997)
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Batman: Gotham Adventures #29 (2000)
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Batman: Gotham City Secret Files #1 (2000)
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#19 (2001)
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#55–57, 62, 124, 142–145, Annual #5 (1993–2001)
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Batman: No Man's Land Secret Files #1 (1999)
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Batman Secret Files #1 (1997)
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#1 (1994)
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Batman: The Ankh #1–2 (2001)
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Batman: The Chalice #1 (1999)
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Batman: Vengeance of Bane Special #1 (1993)
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Batman Villains Secret Files #1 (1998)
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Batman/Wildcat #1–3 (1997)
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Birds of Prey #1–46 (1999–2002)
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Booster Gold vol. 2, #11–12 (2008)
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Catwoman vol. 2, #12, 15–21, 25, 27–37(1994–1996)
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Catwoman/Wildcat #1–4 (1998)
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Claw the Unconquered vol. 2 #1–3, 5–6 (2006–2007)
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Conjurors #1–3 (1999)
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Connor Hawke: Dragon's Blood #1–6 (2007)
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DCU Holiday Bash #2–3 (1998–1999)
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DCU Villains Secret Files #1 (1999)
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Detective Comics #0, 644–729, 738, 1,000,000, Annual #6–10 (1992–1999)
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Green Arrow vol. 2, #83, 93–137, 1,000,000, Annual #7 (1994–1998)
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#11–19 (1993–1994)
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Huntress vol. 2 #1–4 (1994)
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#1–6, Secret Files #1 (2001–2002)
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Justice Riders #1 (1997)
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Man-Bat vol. 2, #1–3 (1996)
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Nightwing vol. 2, #1–70, 101–106, 1,000,000, 1/2 (1996–2005)
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Nightwing 80-Page Giant #1 (2000)
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Nightwing Secret Files #1 (1999)
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Richard Dragon #1–12 (2004–2005)
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Robin #1–5 (1991)
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Robin vol. 2, #1–100, 170–174, 1,000,000, Annual #2–6 (1993–2008)
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Robin II #1–4 (1991)
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Robin III: Cry of the Huntress #1–6 (1992–1993)
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Robin: Year One #1–4 (2000–2001)
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Rush City #1–6 (2006–2007)
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Secret Origins 80-Page Giant #1 (1998)
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Superboy/Robin: World's Finest Three #1–2 (1996)
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Superman: The Odyssey #1 (1999)
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Tangent Comics/Secret Six #1 (1997)
DC Comics/Dark Horse Comics
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#1–4 (1997–1998)
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Superman/Aliens 2: God War #1–4 (2002)
Wildstorm Productions
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Grifter/Midnighter #3–4 (2007)
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A Nightmare on Elm Street #1–8 (2006–2007)
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Snakes on a Plane #1–2 (2006)
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Storming Paradise #1–6 (2008–2009)
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Team 7 #1–4 (1994–1995)
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Team 7 – Dead Reckoning #1–4 (1996)
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Team Zero #1–6 (2006)
Devil's Due
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G.I. Joe: Reloaded #10–14 (2004–2005)
Dynamite Entertainment
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The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (2009–2010)
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The Expendables (2010)
Eclipse Comics
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Airboy #1–50 (1986–1989)
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Airboy Meets the Prowler #1 (1987)
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Airboy versus the Airmaidens #1 (1988)
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The Airfighters Meet Sgt. Strike Special #1 (1988)
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Airmaidens Special #1 (1987)
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Alien Encounters #11, 13–14 (1987)
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The Black Terror #1–3 (1989–1990)
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The Hobbit #1–3 (1989–1990)
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Radio Boy #1 (1987)
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Skywolf #1–3 (1988)
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Strike! #1–6 (1987–1988)
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Swords of Texas #1–4 (1987–1988)
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Tales of Terror #5–13 (1986–1987)
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Valkyrie #1–3 (1987)
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Valkyrie vol. 2 #1–3 (1988)
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Winterworld #1–3 (1987–1988)
Fanatic Comics
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Ravage: Kill all men! #1 (2020–present), writer (with Benjamin L. Henderson)
First Comics
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Evangeline #1–12 (1987–1989)
IDW Publishing
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G. I. Joe #0, 1–27 (2008–2011)
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G. I. Joe vol. 2 #1–5 (2011)
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G. I. Joe Season 2 #6–21 (2011–2013)
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G.I. Joe: Origins #6–7, 16–18 (2009–2010)
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G.I. Joe: Snake Eyes #1–7 (2011)
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G.I. Joe: Special Missions #1–14 (2013–2014)
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G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra – Official Movie Prequel (2009)
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Snake Eyes #8–12 (2011–2012)
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Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow #13–21 (2012–2013)
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The A-Team: War Stories: B.A. (2010)
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The A-Team: War Stories: Face (2010)
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The A-Team: War Stories: Hannibal (2010)
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The A-Team: War Stories: Murdock (2010)
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#1–4 (2006)
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Winterworld #0–7 (2014–2015)
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Winterworld-Frozen Fleet #1–3 (2015)
Marvel Comics
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Code of Honor #1–4 (1997)
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Conan The Savage #1–4, 7, 9 (1995–1996)
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Conan The Usurper
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Doctor Doom #1–3 (2000)
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Doom: The Emperor Returns #1–3 (2002)
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Hawkeye vol. 2 #1–4 (1994)
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#1–24, 34 (1989–1992)
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Marvel Comics Presents #152–154 (1994)
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Marvel Knights #1–15 (2000–2001)
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The 'Nam #43, 46, 48, 54–69 (1990–1992)
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The Punisher #45, 49, 63, 89–93, 97–104, Annual #6 (1991–1995)
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The Punisher: Kingdom Gone graphic novel #1 (1990)
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The Punisher War Journal #38–42, 44–64, 75–80 (1992–1995)
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The Punisher War Zone #1–11, 26–37, 41, Annual #1–2 (1992–1995)
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Savage Sword of Conan #119–122, 124–142, 144–156, 158–159, 161–165, 170, 172, 176–179, 183, 186, 213 (1985–1993)
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Savage Tales vol. 2 #3–8 (1986)
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War Man #1–2 (1993)
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What If...? vol. 2 #57–58, 67–68, 70, 78 (1994–1995)
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What The--?! #5 (1989)
Epic Comics
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Alien Legion vol. 2 #1–18 (1987–1990)
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Alien Legion: Binary Deep #1 (1993)
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Alien Legion: Jugger Grimrod #1 (1992)
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Alien Legion: On the Edge #1–3 (1990–1991)
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Alien Legion: One Planet at a Time #1–3 (1993)
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Car Warriors #1–4 (1991)
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Lawdog #1–7 (1993)
Marvel Comics/DC Comics
Moonstone Books
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Airboy 1942: Best of Enemies #1 (2009)
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The Phantom #9–10, Annual #1 (2006–2007)
NOW Comics
Regnery Publishing
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Clinton Cash: A Graphic Novel (2016)
Rippaverse Comics
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Alphacore #1 (2023)
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The Horseman: Welcome To Florespark (2024)
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The Great War of Seperation #1 (2025)
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Horseman #1 (2025)
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Alphacore #2 (2025)
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Zalen: What Kills, Must Die (2025)
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The Great War of Seperation #2 (2025)
Semic Press
Swedish publisher
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Chuck Riley (published in the Agent X9 comic book in 1990–92)
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The Vanishers (published in the The Phantom comic book in 1992)
Splatto Comic
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The Expendables Go to Hell (2021 – present)
Tor Books
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Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time: The Eye of the World (comic book adaptation)
Zenescope Entertainment
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Van Helsing vs The Werewolf #1–6 (2017)
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Robyn Hood: The Curse #1–6 (2018)
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Van Helsing: Sword of Heaven #1-6 (2019)
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Robyn Hood: Justice #1-6 (2020)
External links