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There is something inviting about the way Captain Marvel (1968) #32 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 May 1974 as part of Captain Marvel, with Mar Vell providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Rick Jones with questions of fear and power. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The most persuasive passages in Captain Marvel (

Captain America (1968) #173 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 May 1974 as part of Captain America, with Captain America 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 most persuasive passages in Captain Am

Reading Avengers (1963) #123 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 May 1974 as part of Avengers, with Zodiac's Libra providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Avengers with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The most persuasive passages in Avengers (1963)

Amazing Adventures (1970) #24 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 May 1974 as part of Amazing Adventures, with High Overlord providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Lincoln Memorial with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The most persuasive p

Uncanny X Men (1981) #87 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 April 1974 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. ⁠ At narrative level, Uncann

What first stands out about Two Gun Kid (1948) #117 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 10 April 1974 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. ⁠ At narrative level, T

Dead of Night (1973) #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 10 April 1974 as part of Dead of Night, with Dead of Night 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. ⁠ At narrative level

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Werewolf By Night (1972) #16 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 April 1974 as part of Werewolf by Night, with Notre Dame providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Topaz with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ At narrative level, Werewolf By N

There is something inviting about the way Vampire Tales (1973) #4 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 April 1974 as part of Vampire Tales, with AGAIN 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. ⁠ At narrative level, Vampire Tales (1973) #4

Tomb of Dracula (1972) #19 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 April 1974 as part of Tomb of Dracula, with Rachel Van Helsing providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Dracula with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ At narrative level, Tomb of Dracula

Reading Thor (1966) #222 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 April 1974 as part of Thor, with God of War providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Thor with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ At narrative level, Thor (1966) #222 understands that speed and m

The Amazing Spider Man (1963) #131 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 April 1974 as part of The Amazing Spider Man, with Spider Man providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Doc Ock with questions of affection and trust. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ At narrative level,