Most know this character as being one of the longest running Image books but what some might not realize is, he pre-dates his Image debut by 10 years.
Savage Dragon, as we know had the biggest launch of this characters existence with Image back in 1992 but actually made his first appearance as Paul Dragon in 1982. But it wasn’t until February of 1986 he made his first full appearance as Savage Dragon in Megaton #3
that we know of today.
Created by Erik Larsen and like mentioned above, his original first appearance was as Paul Dragon (The Dragon for short) in Graphic Fantasy #1 way back in 1982.
Not an easy book to obtain and if you do, expect to dish out some dollars. Only 3 listed on eBay when I wrote this, the cheapest starting around $1890.00.
Now part of the Image Universe since Erik Larsen was one of it’s founders, it’s one of only 2 remaining titles that are still ongoing since the launch and debut of Image Comics. Can you name the other?
It’s also one of the longest running comic book titles to almost be entirely written and drawn by one writer/artist. Created by Larsen as a child, he devised the Dragon from the likes of Speed Racer, Batman, Captain Marvel and the Incredible Hulk.
Savage Dragon is a superhero police officer who awakens in a burning field with no memory. Most of his super human powers are still unknown, the series starts off with him becoming a Chicago Police Officer who fights mutant criminals “superfreaks” that are terrorizing Chicago.
That’s all for this Throwback Thursday!
Interesting that some characters are based on early amateur works in fanzines or comics. Another example is Starlin’s Drax the destroyer who looks similar to Doctor Weird. Even DC and Marvel publish prototype characters.
The other launch title still running is, “Spawn,” I think, if I go off the top of my head. Am I right? Do I win?
You get the No-Prize…
Yah!
Bragging rights as being the first perhaps?
I’ll take it. Thanks!
Wow didn’t even know people asking that, paid $30 for it two years ago.
Which one, Megaton #3 or Graphic Fantasy?
So happy to see some love for Savage Dragon. Larsen’s commitment to his fans has been extraordinary throughout the years. Isn’t this the only ongoing superhero title to age its characters in real time?
Funny thing is, I don’t even read Savage Dragon but I can respect what it’s done for the comics industry.
If my old brain cells are still working, there was a crossover by Image in the early 1990’s “Savage Dragon vs Savage Megaton Man” .. a one shot, I think .. Megaton Man was quite a funny parody book on Superheroes .. featuring a great cast of characters like Yarn Man with a body made completely of, wait for it, yarn / Cowboy Gorilla, talking Gorilla from Texas / Irving the Living Cactus, etc ..
Dragon also had a one page cameo in Megaton #2.