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There is something inviting about the way Fantastic Four (1961) 199 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 October 1978 as part of Fantastic Four, with Fantastic Four providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Doctor Doom with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest wh

Doctor Strange (1974) 31 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 October 1978 as part of Doctor Strange, with Doctor Strange providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Sorcerer Supreme with questions of loyalty and belonging. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Doctor Stra

Reading Devil Dinosaur (1978) 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 October 1978 as part of Devil Dinosaur, with Prime Computer providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects New Folk with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when

Conan the Barbarian (1970) 91 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 October 1978 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

Captain America (1968) 226 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 October 1978 as part of Captain America, with Red Skull providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Super Soldier with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Captain Ameri

What first stands out about Avengers (1963) 176 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 October 1978 as part of Avengers, with Earth's Mightiest providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Korvac with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Avengers (1963) 176 wo

Spider Woman (1978) 6 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 September 1978 as part of Spider Woman, with Spider Woman providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Jack Russell with questions of fear and power. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Spider Woman (1978

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider Man (1976) 22 understands that principle. The issue was published on 10 September 1978 as part of Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider Man, with Moon Knight providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Spider Man with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing anothe

There is something inviting about the way Nova (1976) 21 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 10 September 1978 as part of Nova, with Inner Circle providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Corruptor with questions of loyalty and belonging. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Nova (1976) 21 works through acc

Invaders (1975) 32 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 10 September 1978 as part of Invaders, with Third Reich Germany providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Thor with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Invaders (1975) 32 works thr

Reading Defenders (1972) 63 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 September 1978 as part of Defenders, with Defenders' providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the supporting cast with questions of truth and suspicion. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Defenders (197

Captain Marvel (1968) 58 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 September 1978 as part of Captain Marvel, with Drax the Destroyer providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Captain Marvel with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The story