Who was a prominent comic poet from 254-184 BCE?

The prominent comic poet from 254-184 BCE is Titus Maccius Plautus. He is well-known for his contributions to Roman comedy, and his works have greatly influenced later playwrights and the development of comedic theatre. Plautus's style is characterized by clever wordplay, humorous situations, and engaging characters, which made his plays popular in his time and continue to be studied and performed today.

While Aeschylus and Aristophanes are also significant figures in the history of theatre, they are known for different styles and periods. Aeschylus was a key figure in the development of Greek tragedy and lived earlier than Plautus. Aristophanes is renowned for his satirical comedies but wrote after Plautus's time. Thespis is often credited as one of the first actors and playwrights in ancient Greece but does not fall within the same timeframe as Plautus. Thus, because of the specific dates and significance of his work, Plautus is recognized as the correct answer to this question.