The Sheriff of Nottingham

Few villains carry such timeless menace as The Sheriff of Nottingham, who made his Dell Comics debut in Four Color #413 in 1952, brought to life by Gaylord Du Bois, Morris Gollub, and Jon Small during the Golden Age. As the perennial thorn in the side of Robin Hood and Maid Marian, with the shadow of Prince John looming nearby, he occupies that classic role of authority twisted into tyranny that has captivated storytellers for centuries. His appearances stretch across an impressive span — from 1952 all the way to 1991 — turning up in titles as varied as Robin Hood and even Superman Presents Wonder Comic Monthly, proof that a great antagonist travels well. A small but historically rich corner of the Dell catalog, he's a rewarding find for collectors drawn to the Golden Age's love affair with legendary adventure.