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Werewolf By Night — first appearance cover
MarvelMale

Werewolf By Night

Jacob Russoff

First Appearance

Marvel Spotlight #2 (1972)

Powers & Abilities

Super StrengthSuper SpeedAgilityStaminaInvulnerabilityIntellectHealingSuper SightSuper SmellSuper HearingShape ShifterFeralUnarmed CombatTrackingClawsBerserker Strength

Teams

A.R.M.O.R.Legion of MonstersMarvel MonstersMidnight SonsNight ShiftS.T.A.K.E.SupernaturalsVizier's GuardWerewolves

Also Known As

Jacob Russoff, Werewolf, Jack Russell

About Werewolf By Night

Werewolf By Night, the alter ego of Jack Russell (born Jacob Russoff), stands as one of Marvel's most iconic horror characters and a cornerstone of the Bronze Age supernatural boom. Debuting in Marvel Spotlight #2 in 1972, Jack's story begins with a cursed bloodline stretching back generations — a lycanthropic legacy unleashed on his eighteenth birthday. That first appearance is a landmark collectible, marking Marvel's bold push into monster-driven storytelling during a period when the Comics Code Authority had loosened its restrictions on horror content. Finding a high-grade copy of Marvel Spotlight #2 is a genuine trophy for any serious Bronze Age collector.

Jack Russell quickly graduated into his own self-titled series, Werewolf By Night, which ran for 43 issues from 1972 to 1977. That run is beloved for its moody, atmospheric artwork and the way it balanced horror with superhero sensibilities. Critically, Werewolf By Night #32 and #33 introduced Moon Knight in his very first appearance — making those two issues among the most sought-after Bronze Age keys in the entire hobby. Owning them means holding the origin point of one of Marvel's hottest modern properties. Beyond Moon Knight, the series also featured Jack's clashes with occult organizations, monstrous foes, and the shadowy Committee, building a rich mythology around the character.

Over the decades, Jack Russell has been a vital member of Marvel's supernatural ensemble. He played a significant role in the Midnight Sons crossover event of the early 1990s alongside Ghost Rider, Blade, and Doctor Strange, and later appeared in the Legion of Monsters, uniting Marvel's classic creature characters. More recently, the 2022 Disney+ Halloween special Werewolf By Night brought the character into the mainstream spotlight, triggering a massive surge of collector interest in his back catalog and driving prices on key issues sharply upward.

For collectors, Werewolf By Night's books represent some of the best value and excitement in Bronze Age and modern Marvel hunting. From the key first appearance in Marvel Spotlight #2 to the Moon Knight issues and the Midnight Sons tie-ins, the character's bibliography is packed with meaningful pickups at every budget level. With renewed media attention and a passionate fan base, now is an ideal time to chase down these werewolf classics before the rest of the market catches up.

Comics Featuring Werewolf By Night

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