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There is something inviting about the way Kull the Conqueror (1971) #6 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 January 1973 as part of Kull the Conqueror, with Kull the Conqueror providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the supporting cast with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story

Iron Man (1968) #54 is the kind of issue that makes an old publication date feel less important than the energy waiting on the first page. The issue was published on 1 January 1973 as part of Iron Man, with Iron Man providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Sub Mariner with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story momentum in Iron Man (1968) #54 comes from the g

Reading Incredible Hulk (1962) #159 as part of Marvel's wider catalogue reveals an issue with a clear personality and a surprisingly immediate sense of purpose. The issue was published on 1 January 1973 as part of Incredible Hulk, with Abomination providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the supporting cast with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story momentum

Hero for Hire (1972) #5 opens the door to a distinct corner of Marvel history rather than feeling like a catalogue entry that should be admired from a distance. The issue was published on 1 January 1973 as part of Hero for Hire, with Hero for Hire providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the supporting cast with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story momentum in Hero

Frankenstein (1973) #1 provides an enjoyable reminder that Marvel history is built from individual issues with their own rhythms, risks and small surprises. The issue was published on 1 January 1973 as part of Frankenstein, with Mary Shelley providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the Arctic with questions of fear and power. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Frankenstein (1

What first stands out about Fantastic Four (1961) #130 is not its age or collectable status, but the directness with which it asks the reader to enter the story. The issue was published on 1 January 1973 as part of Fantastic Four, with Frightful Four providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects FF with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when F

Conan the Barbarian (1970) #22 arrives with the confidence of a comic that knows spectacle matters most when the people inside it have something meaningful to lose. The issue was published on 1 January 1973 as part of Conan the Barbarian, with Conan the Barbarian providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the supporting cast with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure.

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Conan Annual (1973) #1 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 January 1973 as part of Conan Annual, with Conan providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the supporting cast with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Conan

There is something inviting about the way Captain Marvel (1968) #24 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 January 1973 as part of Captain Marvel, with Doctor Mynde providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects OR BOTH with questions of discovery and technology. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Captai

Captain America (1968) #157 is the kind of issue that makes an old publication date feel less important than the energy waiting on the first page. The issue was published on 1 January 1973 as part of Captain America, with Captain America providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Viper with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Captain Ame

Reading Avengers (1963) #107 as part of Marvel's wider catalogue reveals an issue with a clear personality and a surprisingly immediate sense of purpose. The issue was published on 1 January 1973 as part of Avengers, with Black Panther providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Scarlet Witch with questions of discovery and technology. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Avengers

Amazing Adventures (1970) #16 opens the door to a distinct corner of Marvel history rather than feeling like a catalogue entry that should be admired from a distance. The issue was published on 1 January 1973 as part of Amazing Adventures, with Earth providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Beast with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest whe