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Avengers (1963) #95 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 10 January 1972 as part of Avengers, with Inhumans providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Blackbolt with questions of discovery and technology. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The most persuasive passages in Avengers (1

What first stands out about Thor (1966) #195 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 1972 as part of Thor, with Thunder God providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Troll Legions with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The most persuasive passages in Thor (1966) #195 ar

The Amazing Spider Man (1963) #104 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 1972 as part of The Amazing Spider Man, with Spider Man providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Ka Zar with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The most pers

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Sub Mariner (1968) #45 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 January 1972 as part of Sub Mariner, with Human Torch providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Tiger Shark with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The most persuasive passages in Sub

There is something inviting about the way Sgt Fury (1963) #94 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 January 1972 as part of Sgt. Fury, with Sgt. Fury 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 most persuasive passages in

Rawhide Kid (1955) #95 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 1972 as part of Rawhide Kid, with Rawhide Kid 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 most persuasive passages in Rawhi

Reading Iron Man (1968) #44 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 1972 as part of Iron Man, with Tony Stark providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Avengers Mansion with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The most persuasive passages in Iron Man (19

Incredible Hulk (1962) #147 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 1972 as part of Incredible Hulk, with Doc Samson providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the supporting cast with questions of discovery and technology. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The most persu

Fantastic Four (1961) #118 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 1972 as part of Fantastic Four, with Fantastic Four providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Thing with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ At narrative level, Fantastic Four (1

What first stands out about Daredevil (1964) #83 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 1972 as part of Daredevil, with Black Widow providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Foggy Nelson with questions of truth and suspicion. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ At narrative level, Daredevil (1964) #83

Conan the Barbarian (1970) #13 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 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.

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Captain America (1968) #145 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 January 1972 as part of Captain America, with Femme Force providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Steve Rogers with questions of affection and trust. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ At narrative level, Captain Americ