This Day In Comics: Remembering Charlton’s Doomsday + 1
Welcome back to Comic Book Addicts! Today, April 8th, we look back at a significant date for fans of classic comics and legendary artists. Specifically, April 8, 1975, marked the release date for issue #1 of Doomsday + 1, published by Charlton Comics. While the series itself was short-lived, running only six issues, its importance resonates, especially as it represents a key early milestone for a giant in the industry. This post-apocalyptic tale offered adventure against a backdrop of global catastrophe, showcasing emerging talent. Furthermore, it captures the speculative fiction mood prevalent in the mid-1970s. As enthusiasts of comic history here at Comic Book Addicts (https://www.comicbookaddicts.com/), we believe exploring these foundational works provides valuable context for appreciating the medium’s evolution.
The Creation of the Doomsday + 1 Comic
Let’s dive into the creation of the Doomsday + 1 comic. This series resulted from the collaboration between veteran writer Joe Gill and a relative newcomer, penciler-inker John Byrne, working for Charlton Comics. Interestingly, Byrne also took on lettering duties for the series, using the distinctive pseudonym “Byrne Robotics.” This highlights his early versatility and dedication. The Doomsday + 1 comic stands out because it was Byrne’s very first original, full-color comic series. Prior to this, his published work consisted mainly of short anthology stories and work on a licensed comic based on a Saturday morning cartoon. Therefore, this series was a crucial step in launching his storied career.
Each of the six issues generally contained a 22-to-23-page main story. Additionally, most issues included a two-page text backup feature. These backups often expanded on the main characters’ adventures or provided related non-fiction content, adding extra value for the reader. Charlton Comics, based in Derby, Connecticut, often operated on tighter budgets than its larger competitors. However, this environment allowed creators like Byrne opportunities they might not have received elsewhere, making Charlton a vital, if sometimes overlooked, part of comic book history. Understanding this context helps appreciate the achievement of the Doomsday + 1 comic even more.
Surviving the Apocalypse in the Doomsday + 1 Comic
Now, let’s explore the story itself: surviving the apocalypse in the Doomsday + 1 comic. The premise begins in a near-future setting gripped by Cold War tensions, a common theme reflecting real-world anxieties of the time. The catalyst for doom is not one of the superpowers, but rather a South American despot named Rykos. He launches his only two atomic missiles, targeting New York City and Moscow. Consequently, the U.S. and U.S.S.R. mistakenly believe they are under attack by each other and initiate full retaliatory strikes. American President Cole and a Soviet Premier named Mikhail tragically realize their error too late; their fully automated defense systems cannot be recalled. Global nuclear holocaust ensues.
However, mere hours before the missiles fly, a Saturn VI rocket successfully launches three individuals into orbit: U.S. Air Force Captain Boyd Ellis, his fiancée Jill Malden, and Japanese physicist Ikei Yashida. They represent humanity’s unintended survivors in space. Weeks later, after the deadly radiation levels on Earth subside, their capsule returns, landing on a melting ice field in Greenland. Following this dramatic return, they encounter an unexpected ally: Kuno, a Goth warrior from the 3rd century who was frozen in the ice and revived by the changing climate. This unlikely quartet forms the core group navigating the dangers of the new world. Their journey across the devastated landscape, as depicted in the Doomsday + 1 comic, leads them to various encounters. They face off against a Russian scientist-turned-cyborg in Canada, manage to commandeer a futuristic jet plane, discover societies of undersea dwellers, and confront brutish survivors of the former U.S. military. The series provided action, strange encounters, and the constant struggle for survival that defines the best post-apocalyptic fiction.
While Doomsday + 1 lasted only six issues, its legacy persists. It offered a glimpse into the fertile ground of 1970s sci-fi comics and, more importantly, showcased the developing talent of John Byrne before he achieved superstardom on titles like X-Men, Fantastic Four, and Superman. For collectors and fans exploring the roots of modern comics, the Doomsday + 1 comic remains a fascinating piece of history published by Charlton Comics.
For more information on Charlton Comics publications, you can explore resources like the Grand Comics Database entry for Charlton: https://www.comics.org/publisher/4 Charlton/ (Note: Charlton Comics as an active publisher is defunct)
Stay tuned to Comic Book Addicts (https://www.comicbookaddicts.com/) for more dives into comic book history!
