* 1830s: "The Comic Almanack" by William Makepeace Thackeray, a series of humorous sketches and stories, is often cited as a precursor to modern comics.
* 1840s: "Punch" magazine began publication, featuring cartoons and humor. This magazine's influence on British humor and illustration was significant.
* 1890s: "Ally Sloper's Half Holiday" is considered the first truly modern comic in the UK, featuring a regular cast of characters and serialized stories. This was published in the "Illustrated Police News."
Therefore, the first comic in the UK likely appeared sometime in the 1890s, with "Ally Sloper's Half Holiday" being the most recognized early example.