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There is something inviting about the way Master of Kung Fu (1974) 71 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 December 1978 as part of Master of Kung Fu, with Shang Chi providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Juliette with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story momentum in Master o

Marvel Two in One (1974) 46 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 December 1978 as part of Marvel Two in One, with Ever Lovin' Blue providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Eyed Thing with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story momentum in Marvel Two in One (197

Reading Marvel Team Up (1972) 76 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 December 1978 as part of Marvel Team Up, with Doctor Strange's Sanctum providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Friendly Neighborhood Spider with questions of fear and power. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story mo

Marvel Super Heroes (1967) 77 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 December 1978 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. ⁠ Sto

Marvel Premiere (1972) 45 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 December 1978 as part of Marvel Premiere, with Man Wolf providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Other Realm's Otherwar with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest whe

What first stands out about Marvel Classics Comics Series Featuring (1976) 36 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 December 1978 as part of Marvel Classics Comics Series Featuring, with Ebenezer Scrooge providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Christmas Eve with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simpl

Machine Man (1978) 9 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 December 1978 as part of Machine Man, with Jack Kirby providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Machine Man with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Machi

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Iron Man (1968) 117 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 December 1978 as part of Iron Man, with Tony Stark 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 strongest when Iron Ma

There is something inviting about the way Incredible Hulk (1962) 230 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 December 1978 as part of Incredible Hulk, with Gamma Base providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects General Ross with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest wh

Ghost Rider (1973) 33 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 December 1978 as part of Ghost Rider, with Johnny Blaze 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 strongest when Ghost Rid

Reading Fantastic Four (1961) 201 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 December 1978 as part of Fantastic Four, with Fantastic Four providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Baxter Building with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is stron

Doctor Strange (1974) 32 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 December 1978 as part of Doctor Strange, with DREAM WEAVER providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Strange with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Docto