No one embodied the 1980's more than Ronald Reagan. As we mourn his passing, it's important to remember the happy times of the past. And for me as a kid,  it was not only the appearances of Ronald Reagan on the tv I remember, but also those comic book appearances alongside my favorite super heroes. Let's take a nostalgic look back to a simpler time when things were a little more black and white. A time when Ronald Reagan had inspired both young and old alike to believe in America once again, and what more better place was there for someone bigger than life but the pages of comic books where truth, justice, and the American way ruled on a monthly basis.

The Incredible Hulk #264 1981

General Ross requests the President increase funds and man power to hunt the Hulk. Reagan offers him a jelly bean. ( trivia note: Reagan loved jelly beans because they helped him quit smoking years before)

What If Captain America Had Been Elected President 1981
In What If #26 Marvel asks the question what if Captain America had been elected President in 1980? (I'm not sure you could get any closer to Cap than Reagan though)  We get to see an election between Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, and Captain America. Unfortunately, as in a lot of What If books the results are disastrous as Captain America is killed fighting the Red Skull in the end of the book and America loses it's greatest champion.
Captain America and Reagan Images

The Incredible Hulk # 278 and # 279 1982

At this time in Hulk history Bruce Banner retains his intellect while controlling the power of the Hulk. The entire Marvel universe practically shows up on the White House lawn while General Ross debates with the President on whether or not to pardon the Hulk.  After the Hulk protects the White House from an apparent alien assault, the President grants him Pardon.
Hulk Reagan pics

The Presidents Drug Awareness Program 1983
In 1983 in conjunction with the President's drug awareness campaign, three New Teen Titans books were distributed with anti-drug messages.  Although Reagan didn't appear in the issues, a letter from Nancy Reagan was on the inside on the back of the front cover on each issue. At the time the New Teen Titans were riding high thanks to Marv Wolfman and George Perez. Marv Wolfman wrote all three stories while George Perez drew one issue.
Strangely, Robin was replaced by the Protector as the leader of the group due to copyright problems with the sponsor Keebler.
Teen Titans Drug Issue images
more on the issues  at Titans Tower

Ronald Reagan in the Legends Mini Series 1986

In the DC Comics Legends Mini Series a Darkseid operative turns the public against America's superheroes and the chaos reigns in the streets. The President is forced to issue an order to restrict all superhero activity. In the last issue the Martian Manhunter J'onn J'onzz assumes the identity of the President to draw the fire of terrorists in the White House. His super heroic act convinces Reagan to rescind the order against the heroes. Superman and the others are able to defeat the bad guys and regain the publics trust once again.
Legends was penciled by comic legend John Byrne.
Legends Wallpaper size Images

Reagan's Raiders 1987
Reagan's Raiders was sort of a action packed mad magazine satire. Ronald Reagan dressed in a Captain America like outfit and was given super powers as well. Raider's was published in 1987 and was created by Rich Buckler and Monroe Arnold. It's nothing but pure 80's camp. Issue 3 actually involved Rambo and followed the storyline of Rambo 2 ,sort of.

Reagan's Raiders wallpaper

What If # 3  starring Captain America 1989 

What If # 3 was based on the 80's Captain America storyline where Steve Rogers gave up being Captain America for a time to avoid being the government's pawn. In What If #3 Cap is called a traitor, and The Super-Patriot goes after Cap to bring him in. SHIELD was sent to break up the fight, but President Reagan steps in to solve the problem declaring Super-Patriot will help the government, and Captain America would remain an independent agent with all charges dropped against him. Unfortunately, this is a What If story so a happy ending is not in the cards. The Red Skull orders Cap shot, and Cap is assassinated with the Super-Patriot taking his place as Captain America. The 80's seemed to be a tough time for Cap as this is at least the second time the What If books has him killed off at the end of a story.
Captain America and Reagan Images

If you know of any Ronald Reagan appearances not mentioned here or just want to comment on this article post it on the message board

In the real world we have recently lost one of our most beloved leaders who helped end the communist Soviet Union, turn around an ailing economy, brought back confidence in America, and reminded us that God must still be looking after this great country. He survived an assassination attempt from a bullet barely missing his heart, miraculously the Iran hostages were freed on his Inaugural day, and brought a peace with Russia while standing strong and refusing to waver his beliefs when it would have been momentarily easier to do so. From day one of his administration it seemed since Reagan had recognized God in his speeches, God had recognized him, and blessed our country for it.
America will miss him. He was a real American hero.

And how stands the city on this winter night? More prosperous, more secure, and happier than it was eight years ago. But more than that: After 200 years, two centuries, she still stands strong and true on the granite ridge, and her glow has held steady no matter what storm. And she's still a beacon, still a magnet for all who must have freedom, for all the pilgrims from all the lost places who are hurtling through the darkness, toward home.

We've done our part. And as I walk off into the city streets, a final word to the men and women of the Reagan revolution, the men and women across America who for eight years did the work that brought America back. My friends: We did it. We weren't just marking time. We made a difference. We made the city stronger, we made the city freer, and we left her in good hands. All in all, not bad, not bad at all.

And so, goodbye, God bless you, and God bless the United States of America.
Ronald Reagan