The detective first appeared in the self-published full-sheet newspaper-sized Cole Black Comix #1 (1976) which had a print run of only 200 copies, all distributed in the Aberdeen, South Dakota area.
[citation needed] In 1980, Hartberg initiated a second Cole Black series, this time in newspaper comic strip format.
Although intended for publication in 1984 as the concluding chapter of the first story arc, African Dream was dropped in favor of a less fantastic World War II tale.
The previously unpublished story was printed in a limited edition by Boardman Books (USA) prior to the sale of Hartberg's original art.
Although poor sales forced Rocky Hartberg to abandon Cole Black in 1986, several full unpublished issues were already finished.