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Iron Man (1968) 113 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 Iron Man, with Unicorn providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Tony with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Iron Man (1968) 113 allows one d

What first stands out about Incredible Hulk (1962) 226 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 Incredible Hulk, with Bruce Doc Samson providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects PhD with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest whe

Ghost Rider (1973) 31 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 Ghost Rider, with Ghost Rider providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Bounty Hunter with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Gho

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Fantastic Four (1961) 197 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 August 1978 as part of Fantastic Four, with the Fantastic providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Four with questions of discovery and technology. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Fantastic Fo

There is something inviting about the way Doctor Strange (1974) 30 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 August 1978 as part of Doctor Strange, with Doctor Strange providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Clea with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Doctor

Devil Dinosaur (1978) 5 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 August 1978 as part of Devil Dinosaur, with Moon Boy providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Sky Demons with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Devil Dinosaur (1978) 5 allows

Reading Conan the Barbarian (1970) 89 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 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. ⁠ T

Captain America (1968) 224 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 Captain America, with Captain America providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Madbomb with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is stronges

Avengers (1963) 174 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 Avengers, with Avengers providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Collector with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Avengers (1963) 174 works through

What first stands out about Spider Woman (1978) 4 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 July 1978 as part of Spider Woman, with Brother Grimm providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Spider Woman with questions of loyalty and belonging. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Spider Woman (

Nova (1976) 20 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 July 1978 as part of Nova, with Richard Rider providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Inner Circle with questions of loyalty and belonging. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Nova (1976) 20 works through a

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Marvel Preview (1975) 15 understands that principle. The issue was published on 10 July 1978 as part of Marvel Preview, with Star Lord providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects NECESSITY To with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Marvel Preview (1975)