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Infernal Man Thing (2012) 1 arrives with the confidence of a comic that knows spectacle matters most when the people inside it have something meaningful to lose. Published on 4 July 2012 as part of Infernal Man Thing, it places STEVE GERBER'S FINAL at the centre of a conflict shaped by truth and suspicion. The opening explains enough to welcome a new reader while keeping the emotional pressure clear. ⁠ Story momentum in Infernal Man Thing (2012) 1 comes from the gap between w

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Hulk (2008) 55 understands that principle. Published on 4 July 2012 as part of Hulk, it places MAYAN RULE at the centre of a conflict shaped by duty and courage. The opening explains enough to welcome a new reader while keeping the emotional pressure clear. ⁠ Story momentum in Hulk (2008) 55 comes from the gap between what MAYAN RULE wants and what the situation will realistica

There is something inviting about the way Fury Max (2011) 4 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. Published on 4 July 2012 as part of Fury Max, it places Fidel Castro at the centre of a conflict shaped by identity and responsibility. The opening explains enough to welcome a new reader while keeping the emotional pressure clear. ⁠ Story momentum in Fury Max (2011) 4 comes from the gap between what Fidel Castro wants and what t

Deadpool (2008) 57 is the kind of issue that makes an old publication date feel less important than the energy waiting on the first page. Published on 4 July 2012 as part of Deadpool, it places DEADPOOL at the centre of a conflict shaped by identity and responsibility. The opening explains enough to welcome a new reader while keeping the emotional pressure clear. ⁠ Story momentum in Deadpool (2008) 57 comes from the gap between what DEADPOOL wants and what the situation will

Reading Avengers Vs. X Men (2012) 7 as part of Marvel's wider catalogue reveals an issue with a clear personality and a surprisingly immediate sense of purpose. Published on 4 July 2012 as part of Avengers Vs. X Men, it places No More Avengers at the centre of a conflict shaped by courage and justice. The opening explains enough to welcome a new reader while keeping the emotional pressure clear. ⁠ Story momentum in Avengers Vs X Men (2012) 7 comes from the gap between what No

Amazing Spider Man (1999) 689 opens the door to a distinct corner of Marvel history rather than feeling like a catalogue entry that should be admired from a distance. Published on 4 July 2012 as part of Amazing Spider Man, it places Curt Connors at the centre of a conflict shaped by fear and power. The opening explains enough to welcome a new reader while keeping the emotional pressure clear. ⁠ Story momentum in Amazing Spider Man (1999) 689 comes from the gap between what Cu

Age of Apocalypse (2012) 5 provides an enjoyable reminder that Marvel history is built from individual issues with their own rhythms, risks and small surprises. Published on 4 July 2012 as part of Age of Apocalypse, it places Age of Apocalypse at the centre of a conflict shaped by identity and responsibility. The opening explains enough to welcome a new reader while keeping the emotional pressure clear. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Age of Apocalypse (2012) 5 allows one decisi

What first stands out about Age of Apocalypse (2011) 5 is not its age or collectable status, but the directness with which it asks the reader to enter the story. Published on 4 July 2012 as part of Age of Apocalypse, it places Jean Grey at the centre of a conflict shaped by identity and responsibility. The opening explains enough to welcome a new reader while keeping the emotional pressure clear. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Age of Apocalypse (2011) 5 allows one decision to c

Captain America (2011) 13 arrives with the confidence of a comic that knows spectacle matters most when the people inside it have something meaningful to lose. Published on 30 June 2012 as part of Captain America, it places Scourge at the centre of a conflict shaped by identity and responsibility. The opening explains enough to welcome a new reader while keeping the emotional pressure clear. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Captain America (2011) 13 allows one decision to create

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and X Men Legacy (2008) 269 understands that principle. Published on 27 June 2012 as part of X Men Legacy, it places AVX TIE IN at the centre of a conflict shaped by identity and responsibility. The opening explains enough to welcome a new reader while keeping the emotional pressure clear. ⁠ The plot is strongest when X Men Legacy (2008) 269 allows one decision to create the next p

There is something inviting about the way X Men (2010) 31 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. Published on 27 June 2012 as part of X Men, it places X Men at the centre of a conflict shaped by identity and responsibility. The opening explains enough to welcome a new reader while keeping the emotional pressure clear. ⁠ The plot is strongest when X Men (2010) 31 allows one decision to create the next problem instead of relying

Wolverine & the X Men (2011) 12 is the kind of issue that makes an old publication date feel less important than the energy waiting on the first page. Published on 27 June 2012 as part of Wolverine & the X Men, it places AVX TIE IN at the centre of a conflict shaped by courage and justice. The opening explains enough to welcome a new reader while keeping the emotional pressure clear. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Wolverine & the X Men (2011) 12 allows one decision to create th