This Day in Comic Book History — October 3, 2026
This Day in Comic Book History
2002: The Naruto Anime Hits TV Tokyo
On October 3, 2002, Studio Pierrot's Naruto anime premiered on TV Tokyo, directed by Hayato Date. Masashi Kishimoto's Shonen Jump manga had been running since 1999, and the adaptation turned a hit ninja series into a global phenomenon. The original run lasted until February 8, 2007, followed by Naruto: Shippuden (2007–2017), also directed by Date for most of its run.
It is the gateway series for a generation of manga readers, and it still drives paperback sales today.
2020: Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai Returns
On October 3, 2020, Toei Animation's reboot of Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai premiered on TV Tokyo. Based on the manga by writer Riku Sanjo and artist Koji Inada, the hybrid 2D/CG series ran 100 episodes and finished on October 22, 2022, adapting the full story.
1972: Moondragon Debuts in Iron Man #54
Marvel's calendar lists Moondragon's first appearance on October 3, 1972 (Iron Man #54, cover-dated January 1973). Created by Bill Everett, Mike Friedrich and George Tuska, she first appeared calling herself "Madame MacEvil." Her true identity was revealed in Daredevil #105 (November 1973), and she later joined the Guardians of the Galaxy and Infinity Watch.
1967: Whiplash and "Big M" in Tales of Suspense #97
Marvel's calendar dates Tales of Suspense #97 to October 3, 1967, introducing Whiplash and "Big M" in an Iron Man story. Stan Lee and Gene Colan created "Big M," who became Madame Masque (Whitney Frost) in Iron Man #17 (September 1969).
First Issues, Debuts & Premieres
Debuts: Moondragon (1972) and Big M/Whiplash (1967). Premieres: the Naruto anime (2002) and Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai (2020). No verifiable theatrical or live-action comic-book premiere turned up for this date.
Panel of the Day
A version of Whitney Frost, the woman behind Madame Masque, appears in Agent Carter season two, played by Wynn Everett.
From Our Shelves
Naruto, Vol. 1: Uzumaki Naruto – PaperbackStart where the anime's story began: Kishimoto's original manga.
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