What is the first appearance of the Vision?
Published Sep 14, 2026 · Updated Oct 11, 2026 · 1 min read
Short answerThe Vision first appeared in The Avengers #57, cover-dated October 1968, by Roy Thomas and John Buscema, created by Ultron to destroy the Avengers and joining them by the end of the story. He is not the first Marvel character with the name: a Golden Age Vision, the alien Aarkus, debuted in Marvel Mystery Comics #13 (November 1940) by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby.
Avengers #57
Thomas revived the Vision name for an android built by Ultron (whose own first full appearance is #55). Buscema's cover — the Vision looming over the fallen Avengers in a red and green costume — is one of the era's most reproduced. The story ends with the famous panel of the Vision weeping, captioned "even an android can cry". Issue #58 tells his origin and makes him a member.
Why it matters now
The Vision's screen role since 2015 turned a moderately priced Silver Age book into a significant key. High-grade copies carry a steep premium; a CGC 9.4 is in the store.
Related keys
- Avengers #54–55 (July–August 1968) — first Ultron (cameo and full).
- Avengers #58 (November 1968) — origin of the Vision.
- Marvel Mystery Comics #13 (November 1940) — the Golden Age Vision.
See the Vision character page and First appearance of the Avengers.
Written by the Rare Comics Collectors grading team. Spotted an error or have a question this guide does not answer? Tell us.
