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There is something inviting about the way Conan the Barbarian (1970) #8 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 August 1971 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. ⁠ Con

Captain America (1968) #140 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 August 1971 as part of Captain America, with Grey Gargoyle providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Captain America with questions of fear and power. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Captain America (1968) #140 builds tension b

Reading Astonishing Tales (1970) #7 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 August 1971 as part of Astonishing Tales, with Ka Zar providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Sun God with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Astonishing Tales (1970) #7 bu

Two Gun Kid (1948) #99 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 10 July 1971 as part of Two Gun Kid, with Two Gun 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. ⁠ Two Gun Kid (1948) #9

Avengers (1963) #90 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 July 1971 as part of Avengers, with Ronan The Accuser providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Captain Marvel with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story momentum in Avengers (1963) #90

What first stands out about Thor (1966) #190 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 1971 as part of Thor, with Lady Sif providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Thor with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story momentum in Thor (1966) #190 comes from the gap between w

The Amazing Spider Man (1963) #98 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 1971 as part of The Amazing Spider Man, with Gwen Stacy providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects England with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story momentum i

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Sub Mariner (1968) #39 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 July 1971 as part of Sub Mariner, with US providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the supporting cast with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story momentum in Sub Mariner (1968) #39 comes from

There is something inviting about the way Sgt Fury (1963) #89 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 July 1971 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. ⁠ Story momentum in Sgt Fury (1963) #

Rawhide Kid (1955) #89 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 1971 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. ⁠ Story momentum in Rawhide Kid (1955) #89

Reading Iron Man (1968) #39 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 1971 as part of Iron Man, with Tony Stark providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Iron Man with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story momentum in Iron Man (1968) #39 comes

Incredible Hulk (1962) #141 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 1971 as part of Incredible Hulk, with Bruce Banner providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Doc Samson with questions of fear and power. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story momentum in Incredible Hulk