Joe Hercules

Few characters arrive with quite such distinguished credentials as Joe Hercules, who made his first appearance in 1972's The Steranko History of Comics #2 — introduced to the world by none other than C. C. Beck, the legendary Golden Age craftsman. That pedigree alone makes this Bronze Age figure worth seeking out, and the fact that his story stretches across an impressive 45-year publishing span through to 2017 speaks to a lasting appeal that defies his modest catalog footprint. Most of his appearances are found within Gwandanaland Comics, where he shares the page with the likes of Hercules and Targeteer — colorful company that hints at the classic, pulpy world he inhabits. With only three recorded appearances, Joe Hercules is a genuine rarity, the kind of deep-cut discovery that reminds collectors why digging through the back issue bins is always worth the effort.