Air Raiders #1 (Marvel, 1987) | Comic Issue Overview

Air Raiders #1 (1987) is the debut issue of Marvel’s comic adaptation of Hasbro’s short-lived but visually iconic 1980s toy line. Published during the height of Marvel’s toy-tie-in storytelling era, this issue blends sci-fi vehicle combat, high-concept worldbuilding, and dramatic artwork tailored to the Air Raiders universe. Today, it stands as a fascinating piece of 80s toy and comic history, popular among collectors, toy historians, and fans of obscure Marvel titles.

Air Raiders #1

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Story Summary | Air Raiders #1

Welcome to the world of Airlandia, where air is more valuable than gold! The air is controlled by the evil Aerozar and his Tyrants of the Wind. Meet the heroes of the series, the Air Raiders, who battle General Kronax, Sergeant Blott, Baron Sunder, and the other bad guys. Watch as the Air Raiders fly their vehicles, the Thunderclaw and Storm Dagger, into combat to liberate air and blow up the enemy Hawkwinds. It's pure nonsense, but it does make you want to run out and play with the toys. What is the mysterious relationship between Rokk and Baron Sunder anyway??

Creative Team

Writer: Howard A. Mackie
Penciler: Kelley Jones
Inker: Jim Sinclair
Letterer: Janice Chiang
Colorist: Janet Jackson
Editor: Bob Budiansky
Editor-in-Chief: Tom DeFalco

Collector Notes & Value Trends

Air Raiders #1 is neither rare nor hard to collect. As of this writing in 2025, we have seen the price fluctuate between $2 and $20 depending on condition. Since Air Raiders only ran for five issues, I recommend finding a deal on all five and buying them at once.

Toy-tie-in comics have increased in collector interest due to 80s nostalgia. Still, Air Raiders is very obscure even when compared to other B-list 1980s titles like Sectaurs and Silver Hawks, which have seen reboots in recent years. You'll have no problem adding Air Raiders issue #1 to your 1980s survival chamber.

Related Issues

Air Raiders #2

Air Raiders #3

Air Raiders #4

Air Raiders #5

Why Air Raiders #1 Is a Unique 80s Comic

When you think of obscure toy-tie-in comics, you may think of junky, cheap issues produced by Marvel's entry-level creative teams. Not in this case! Air Raiders is unique because veteran penciler Kelley Jones provides a very cool aesthetic to this otherwise forgettable series. His weird sci-fi style fits the Air Raiders aesthetic perfectly and adds personality to these little plastic figures in their imaginary world. And Kelley Jones is just awesome. If you like his work on Micronauts: The New Voyages, you'll love this.

Where Air Raiders Fits in the 1980s Comic Landscape

You have to be a certain age to remember Air Raiders at all. I'm from 1975, and I barely remember the Air Raiders action figure commercials that ran during the 1980s cartoons. 1987 was late in the game for these '80s action toys and vehicles, which were no longer in their "golden age." Somewhere in between Sectaurs and Visionaries, and MASK and StarCom lives Air Raiders. Forgotten, but still totally cool and able to be enjoyed today for a blast of nostalgia, or for the first time. I've never seen the toys, but the comics are good fun.

FAQ | Air Raiders #1 (1987)

Q: What is Air Raiders #1?
A: The first issue of Marvel’s adaptation of Hasbro’s 80s Air Raiders toy line introduces the main characters, landscape, and the overall plot of a planet where air is the most valuable commodity!

Q: Is Air Raiders #1 valuable?
A: Prices vary by condition, but as a toy-tie-in comic with a short run, not particularly.

Q: Who created the Air Raiders comic series?
A: Writer Howard A Mackie, penciller Kelley Jones, and colorist Janet Jackson.

Q: How many issues are in the Air Raiders comic series?
A: Five.

Q: Why is Air Raiders considered a collectible comic?
A: Short print run, toy line nostalgia, strong 80s aesthetics. Air Raiders #1 is not valuable, but it is a great collectible and a good read.