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Captain America (1968) 225 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 September 1978 as part of Captain America, with Captain America 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 narra

What first stands out about Avengers (1963) 175 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 September 1978 as part of Avengers, with the Collector providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Earth's Mightiest Heroes with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ At narrative level, Avenge

Spider Woman (1978) 5 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 August 1978 as part of Spider Woman, with Spider Woman providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Agent Jerry Hunt with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ At narrative level, Spid

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Ms Marvel (1977) 19 understands that principle. The issue was published on 10 August 1978 as part of Ms. Marvel, with Captain Marvel providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Mar Vell with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ At narrative level, Ms Marvel (1977) 19

There is something inviting about the way Invaders (1975) 31 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 10 August 1978 as part of Invaders, with Captain America providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Allied Forces with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ At narrative level, Invaders (1975

Defenders (1972) 62 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 August 1978 as part of Defenders, with TV providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Defenders' with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ At narrative level, Defenders (1972) 62 understands that speed and m

Reading What If (1977) 10 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 1978 as part of What If?, with Jane Foster providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Thor with questions of affection and trust. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ At narrative level, What If (1977) 10 understands that

Uncanny X Men (1981) 112 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 August 1978 as part of Uncanny X Men, with X Men providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Mesmero with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ At narrative level, Uncanny X Men (1981) 1

Uncanny X Men (1963) 112 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 August 1978 as part of Uncanny X Men, with Uncanny X Men 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. ⁠ Uncanny X Men (19

What first stands out about Thor (1966) 274 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 August 1978 as part of Thor, with the Asgardian providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Ragnarok with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Thor (1966) 274 builds tension by making each

The Savage Sword of Conan (1974) 32 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 August 1978 as part of The Savage Sword of Conan, with The Savage Sword of Conan 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 ano

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and The Amazing Spider Man (1963) 183 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 August 1978 as part of The Amazing Spider Man, with Spider Man providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Rocket Racer with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The Amazing Spider Man