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There is something inviting about the way Marvel Super Heroes (1967) 80 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 May 1979 as part of Marvel Super Heroes, with Marvel Super Heroes 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. ⁠ At narrative l

Incredible Hulk (1962) 235 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 1979 as part of Incredible Hulk, with Fred Sloan providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Trish Starr with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ At narrative level, Incredible Hulk (1962)

Reading Howard the Duck (1976) 31 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 1979 as part of Howard the Duck, with Doctor Bong providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Howard the Duck with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ At narrative level, Howard the Duck

Fantastic Four (1961) 206 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 1979 as part of Fantastic Four, with Mister Fantastic providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Invisible Girl with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ At narrative level, Fanta

Defenders (1972) 71 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 May 1979 as part of Defenders, with Harrisson Turk providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Lunatik with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Defenders (1972) 71 builds tension by making eac

What first stands out about Daredevil (1964) 158 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 May 1979 as part of Daredevil, with Unholy Three 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. ⁠ Daredevil (1964) 158 builds tension

Conan the Barbarian (1970) 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 May 1979 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

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Captain America (1968) 233 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 May 1979 as part of Captain America, with Captain America providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Sentinel of Liberty with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Captain America (196

There is something inviting about the way Black Panther (1977) 15 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 May 1979 as part of Black Panther, with Murderous Master providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Black Panther with questions of truth and suspicion. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Black Panther (1977) 15 builds tens

Avengers (1963) 183 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 1979 as part of Avengers, with Iron Man providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Absorbing Man with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Avengers (1963) 183 builds tension by making each apparent solut

Reading Ms Marvel (1977) 23 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 10 April 1979 as part of Ms. Marvel, with Vance Astro providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Guardians with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Ms Marvel (1977) 23 builds tension by

Marvel Preview (1975) 18 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 April 1979 as part of Marvel Preview, with LESS THAN HUMAN providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Peter Quill with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Marvel Preview (197