Youngblood # 1 Cover A First Printing 1992 NM-

Youngblood #1 released in April 1992, is a landmark issue in comic book history as the first comic book published by Image Comics. Created by writer and artist Rob Liefeld, it launched the "creator-owned revolution" and introduced a new generation of gritty, celebrity-like superheroes. 

Core Storylines & Format

The issue is famous for its flip-book format, featuring two separate teams and adventures: 

• Home Team (Domestic Missions): Led by the archer Shaft, this team includes Badrock (originally Bedrock), Chapel, Die Hard, Photon, and Vogue. They are tasked with stopping a super-powered criminal group known as The Four from breaking their members out of custody.
• Away Team (International Missions): Led by Sentinel, this team consists of Brahma, Combat, Cougar, Psi-Fire, and Riptide. They are dispatched to a Middle-Eastern country to overthrow an evil dictator named Hassan Kussein. 

Historical Significance

• Record-Breaking Sales: At the time of its release, it was the highest-selling independent comic book ever published.
• Speculator Era: It is often cited as the trigger for the 1990s comic book speculator boom (and subsequent bust) due to its high profile and various collectible versions.
• Key First Appearances: The issue marks the first full appearances of almost the entire Youngblood roster, including iconic characters like Shaft, Badrock, and Chapel.