All Articles

Marvel Premiere (1972) #3 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 July 1972 as part of Marvel Premiere, with Doctor Strange's Sanctum providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Sanctorum with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is str

What first stands out about Marvel Feature (1971) #4 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 July 1972 as part of Marvel Feature, with Ant Man providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Peter Parker with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Mar

Kull the Conqueror (1971) #3 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 July 1972 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. ⁠ The p

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Iron Man (1968) #48 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 July 1972 as part of Iron Man, with Iron Man providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Enter Firbrand with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Iron Man (1968) #48 allows on

There is something inviting about the way Incredible Hulk (1962) #153 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 July 1972 as part of Incredible Hulk, with Matt Murdock 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 strong

Fantastic Four (1961) #124 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 July 1972 as part of Fantastic Four, with Lost Lagoon providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the supporting cast with questions of fear and power. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Fantastic Four (196

Reading Conan the Barbarian (1970) #16 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 July 1972 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. ⁠ Th

Captain America (1968) #151 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 July 1972 as part of Captain America, with Mister Hyde providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Park Avenue with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest

Avengers (1963) #101 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 July 1972 as part of Avengers, with Doctor Donald Blake providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Russian with questions of affection and trust. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Avengers (1963) #101 w

What first stands out about Amazing Adventures (1970) #13 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 July 1972 as part of Amazing Adventures, with Brotherhood of Evil providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Blob with questions of loyalty and belonging. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Ama

Uncanny X Men (1981) #76 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 10 June 1972 as part of Uncanny X Men, with Reprint of Uncanny providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects X Men with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Uncanny

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Daredevil (1964) #88 understands that principle. The issue was published on 10 June 1972 as part of Daredevil, with Purple Man providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Black Widow with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Daredevil (1964) #88 wo