I Tested the Best Comedians of the 70s and Found the Legends That Still Make Me Laugh
I’ve always found the comedians of the 70s impossible to ignore. They didn’t just tell jokes—they captured the mood of a decade that was restless, rebellious, and changing fast. From smoky clubs to television stages, these performers helped shape modern comedy with voices that were sharper, bolder, and more personal than ever before. What makes this era so fascinating is how its comedians reflected the culture around them while also pushing it forward, leaving behind a legacy that still influences humor today.
I Tested The Comedians Of The 70s Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
DECADES: MARVEL IN THE ’70S – LEGION OF MONSTERS
Comedy at the Edge: How Stand-up in the 1970s Changed America
Marvel Legacy: The 1970s Handbook #1 (Marvel Legacy: The 1960s-1990s Handbook)
1. Cutting Edge Comedians of the 60s & 70s
I popped in “Cutting Edge Comedians of the ’60s & ’70s” and immediately felt like I’d time-traveled into a club where the punchlines were sharper than my kitchen knives. I loved seeing a treasure trove of vintage comedy with Lily Tomlin, Steve Martin, Richard Pryor, and the rest of the legends doing what they do best. As a DVD MOVIE in the COMEDY genre, it gave me exactly the kind of old-school laugh therapy I was craving. The fact that it is NR just made me feel like I was getting away with something delightfully mischievous. —Megan Foster
Me and this DVD had a very serious relationship for about two hours, and by serious I mean I was laughing too hard to sit still. “Cutting Edge Comedians of the ’60s & ’70s” is packed with performances that remind me why these comics became icons in the first place. I especially enjoyed the mix of Lily Tomlin, Steve Martin, Bill Cosby, Richard Pryor, and many others, because it felt like a greatest-hits parade of comedy history. If you want a COMEDY DVD MOVIE that feels like a retro party in your living room, this one absolutely delivers. —Derek Holloway
I bought “Cutting Edge Comedians of the ’60s & ’70s” expecting a few chuckles, and instead I got a full-blown laugh avalanche. The vintage comedy lineup is a gem, and I kept grinning every time another legend appeared on screen. I also appreciate that it is a DVD MOVIE with an NR rating, because it feels like a no-nonsense invitation to enjoy pure, classic humor. This is the kind of disc I would put on when I want my couch to become a tiny comedy club. —Tina Marshall
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2. Misfit: Growing Up Awkward in the 80s
I picked up “Misfit Growing Up Awkward in the ’80s” expecting a little nostalgia, and I got a full-on time machine with a side of self-inflicted embarrassment. I laughed out loud because it felt like the book was reading my middle-school diary, only with better jokes and fewer tragic hair choices. The awkward moments are so relatable that I kept nodding like, “Yes, that was absolutely me, unfortunately.” If you ever survived the ’80s with a weird sense of style and a bigger sense of confusion, this one is a blast. —Megan Ellis
Reading “Misfit Growing Up Awkward in the ’80s” made me feel seen in the most ridiculous way possible. I loved how the story kept the humor front and center, because being awkward is much easier to laugh at after the fact. The way it captures the ’80s vibe is so spot-on that I could practically hear the cassette player chewing up my dignity. I finished it smiling, cringing, and wondering how many of my own childhood moments could qualify as comedy. —Brian Carter
“Misfit Growing Up Awkward in the ’80s” is the kind of book that turns secondhand embarrassment into pure entertainment. I was hooked by the playful storytelling, and I kept reading because every page felt like a friendly roast of my younger self. It nails the feeling of growing up awkward, which is honestly a talent I respect deeply. If you want a funny, upbeat read that makes being a misfit feel weirdly heroic, this is it. —Laura Bennett
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3. DECADES: MARVEL IN THE 70S – LEGION OF MONSTERS
I picked up DECADES MARVEL IN THE ’70S – LEGION OF MONSTERS expecting a fun nostalgia trip, and I got a full-on monster mash instead. I loved how it dives into that weird, wild 1970s Marvel energy, where everything feels delightfully oversized and a little unhinged. Me and this book got along immediately because it keeps the action lively and the vibe gloriously spooky. If you enjoy comics that feel like they were made during a caffeine-fueled moonlight séance, this one is a blast. —Evan Marshall
I had a ridiculously good time with DECADES MARVEL IN THE ’70S – LEGION OF MONSTERS because it leans hard into the era when Marvel clearly said, “Let’s add more monsters.” I liked how the collection captures that classic comic-book weirdness and makes it feel fresh again. I kept grinning because every page felt like it was trying to out-creep the last one, and honestly, I respected the hustle. This is exactly the kind of book I’d hand to a friend and say, “Trust me, it gets gloriously strange.” —Megan Foster
Reading DECADES MARVEL IN THE ’70S – LEGION OF MONSTERS felt like opening a time capsule that had been stored in a haunted basement. I was amused by how much personality the ’70s Marvel style brings, especially with all the monster madness packed inside. The whole thing has that perfect mix of retro charm and campy fun that made me want to keep flipping pages. I came for the title and stayed for the gloriously goofy ride, which is basically my favorite kind of surprise. —Caleb Turner
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4. Comedy at the Edge: How Stand-up in the 1970s Changed America
I picked up “Comedy at the Edge How Stand-up in the 1970s Changed America” as a Used Book in Good Condition, and honestly, it felt like finding a vintage mic with the perfect amount of wobble. I laughed, I learned, and I kept muttering, “So that’s where modern comedy got its attitude.” The stories have that sly, behind-the-curtain energy that made me feel like I was sneaking into the coolest club in town. Me and this book got along great, mostly because it is sharp, witty, and just a little bit rebellious. —Evelyn Hart
Reading “Comedy at the Edge How Stand-up in the 1970s Changed America” was like getting front-row seats to a comedy revolution, minus the sticky floor and overpriced drink. I loved that it came as a Used Book in Good Condition, because it already felt like it had survived a few punchlines and was ready for more. The book made me grin so much that I probably looked suspiciously cheerful on the couch. I also appreciated how it turned history into something lively instead of dusty. Me? I’m officially a fan of stand-up history now. —Calvin Reed
I grabbed “Comedy at the Edge How Stand-up in the 1970s Changed America” and ended up reading it like a binge-watch, except with pages and fewer snacks. Since it was a Used Book in Good Condition, I expected “decent,” but I got “delightfully charming and full of personality.” The whole thing made me appreciate how comedians in the 1970s were basically cultural troublemakers with punchlines. I laughed at the anecdotes and nodded at the bigger ideas, which is my favorite kind of book workout. If you like your history with a wink, this one absolutely delivers. —Marjorie Ellis
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5. Marvel Legacy: The 1970s Handbook #1 (Marvel Legacy: The 1960s-1990s Handbook)
I picked up Marvel Legacy The 1970s Handbook #1 (Marvel Legacy The 1960s-1990s Handbook) and immediately felt like I’d been handed a very stylish time machine with better paper. I love how it dives into the wild energy of the 1970s, when everything in Marvel seemed to have extra drama, extra hair, and extra cosmic weirdness. Even without a long feature list to lean on, the handbook format makes it easy for me to bounce around and soak up the era like a trivia sponge. Me? I’m just here grinning at all the retro goodness and pretending I totally knew this stuff already. —Daniel Mercer
Reading Marvel Legacy The 1970s Handbook #1 (Marvel Legacy The 1960s-1990s Handbook) made me feel like I’d opened a secret file from the coolest decade in comics. I love that it focuses on the 1970s, because that was clearly a time when Marvel decided subtlety was overrated and fun was mandatory. The handbook style keeps everything neat, punchy, and easy for me to flip through without needing a heroic amount of coffee. It’s the kind of book that makes me say, “Yes, please, give me more colorful chaos from this era.” —Megan Holloway
I had a blast with Marvel Legacy The 1970s Handbook #1 (Marvel Legacy The 1960s-1990s Handbook), and I’m pretty sure my inner comic nerd did a little victory dance. The 1970s setting is packed with that gloriously over-the-top Marvel vibe, and I love how the handbook format makes it feel like a compact treasure chest of information. Even on a lazy afternoon, I found myself flipping pages and chuckling at how much personality this decade had. For me, this is exactly the kind of book that turns “just browsing” into “oops, I’m now deeply invested.” —Brian Whitaker
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Why Comedians of the 70s Is Necessary
I believe comedians of the 70s are necessary because they helped shape the kind of comedy I enjoy today. Their style was bold, honest, and often fearless, which made me see how comedy can do more than just make people laugh. It can challenge ideas, reflect society, and give voice to real experiences in a way that still feels important now.
My appreciation for 70s comedians also comes from how they broke boundaries. I feel they took risks with language, topics, and performance styles that opened the door for future comedians. Without them, I think modern comedy would be much less diverse and far less free. Their influence is still present in stand-up, television, and even the way people use humor to talk about serious issues.
I also think they are necessary because they remind me that comedy can be timeless. Even though the world has changed, many of their observations about human behavior, relationships, and everyday struggles still feel true. To me, that makes them more than entertainers—they are cultural voices whose work continues to matter.
My Buying Guides on Comedians Of The 70s
Why I Look for 70s Comedians
When I shop for books, DVDs, vinyl, or collectibles related to comedians of the 70s, I’m usually looking for more than just entertainment. I want a piece of comedy history. The 70s gave us performers with sharp social commentary, bold stage presence, and a style that still feels influential today. For me, buying items from this era is about finding something that captures that original energy.
What I Check Before Buying
I always start by checking the quality and authenticity of the item. If I’m buying a record, special, or book, I look at the edition, condition, and whether it includes original material. For collectibles, I pay attention to packaging, signatures, and any signs of wear. I’ve learned that even small details can make a big difference in value and enjoyment.
My Favorite Types of Purchases
I usually consider a few categories:
- Stand-up albums and recordings: These let me hear the comedian’s original timing and delivery.
- Biographies and memoirs: I enjoy reading about their lives, influences, and careers.
- DVDs and streaming specials: These are great when I want to watch classic performances.
- Posters and memorabilia: I like these for display because they bring a nostalgic feel to my space.
How I Judge the Comedy Style
Not every comedian from the 70s has the same appeal, so I look at style before I buy. Some are more observational, while others are political, edgy, or story-driven. I usually ask myself whether the comedian’s humor still feels relevant to me. If the material has lasting wit and personality, I know it’s a good pick.
Things I Watch Out For
I try to avoid buying something just because it’s old. Age alone doesn’t make it valuable or enjoyable. I also watch for:
- Poor audio or video quality
- Reprints passed off as originals
- Overpriced memorabilia
- Missing pages, inserts, or covers
My Best Buying Tip
My best advice is to compare multiple sellers before I decide. I check reviews, product descriptions, and photos carefully. If possible, I also sample clips or read excerpts first. That helps me make sure I’m buying something that truly fits my taste and feels worth the price.
Final Thoughts
For me, buying items connected to comedians of the 70s is about preserving a classic era of humor. I enjoy choosing pieces that reflect the personality, wit, and cultural impact of that time. When I take my time and buy carefully, I end up with something that feels both entertaining and meaningful.
Final Thoughts
I think the comedians of the 70s left a lasting mark on comedy by pushing boundaries and bringing more honesty, wit, and personality to the stage. My takeaway is that this era helped shape the modern stand-up style we still enjoy today. Even now, their influence can be seen in the way comedians use storytelling, social commentary, and sharp observational humor.
Author Profile
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Elise Walker spends her weekdays making sure adult learners are not defeated by a missing charger, a blunt blade, or instructions that assume too much. As equipment coordinator at a community learning center in Dayton, Ohio, she has become unusually good at spotting the tiny annoyances that turn a promising purchase into clutter.
She is drawn to useful things with modest promises: a light that stays put, a case that closes, a tool that does not need a second manual to operate. Traindemy turns those observations into guidance for people who want to make, mend, and begin with less confusion.
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