Howard the Duck #3

Published by Marvel Comics in 1976, Howard the Duck #3 was a cornerstone of Steve Gerber’s subversive satirical series. Emerging during a period where Marvel was experimenting with more mature, culturally critical themes, the issue was written by Gerber and illustrated by John Buscema. The series was designed to deconstruct the superhero genre by placing a cynical, anthropomorphic duck in a gritty, realistic version of Cleveland, using him as a vehicle for social commentary on American life during the mid-1970s.

The reception of the series was polarized, as Howard the Duck quickly became a cult phenomenon that challenged the expectations of traditional comic readers. The character gained notoriety for his misanthropic personality and the surreal, often absurd situations in which he found himself. Because of its biting wit and willingness to mock both the industry and its readers, the series occupies a significant place in the history of underground-influenced mainstream comics, marking a high point in 1970s experimental storytelling.