All Articles

Marvel Team Up (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 July 1978 as part of Marvel Team Up, with Marvel Team Up 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. ⁠ Marvel Team Up (1

What first stands out about Marvel Classics Comics Series Featuring (1976) 31 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 July 1978 as part of Marvel Classics Comics Series Featuring, with Adapting HG providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects First Men with questions of fear and power. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adven

Machine Man (1978) 4 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 July 1978 as part of Machine Man, with Ten For 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. ⁠ Machine Man (1978) 4 treats the central

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Iron Man (1968) 112 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 July 1978 as part of Iron Man, with Armored Avenger providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Iron Man with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Iron Man (1968) 112 treats the central conflict as a

There is something inviting about the way Incredible Hulk (1962) 225 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 July 1978 as part of Incredible Hulk, with Doc Samson providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Bruce Banner with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Incredible Hulk (1962) 225 t

Howard the Duck (1976) 26 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 July 1978 as part of Howard the Duck, with Circus of Crime providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Howard with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Howard the Duck (1976) 26 treats the central conflict

Reading Fantastic Four (1961) 196 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 July 1978 as part of Fantastic Four, with Invincible Man providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Johnny with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Fantastic Four (1961) 196 trea

Devil Dinosaur (1978) 4 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 July 1978 as part of Devil Dinosaur, with Sky Demons providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Moon Boy with questions of discovery and technology. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Devil Dinosaur (1978) 4 treats th

Defenders (1972) 61 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 July 1978 as part of Defenders, with Spider Man providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Shadow Cloak with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The most persuasive passages in Defenders (197

What first stands out about Daredevil (1964) 153 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 July 1978 as part of Daredevil, with Heather Glenn providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Mister Hyde with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The most persuasive passages in Daredevil (19

Conan the Barbarian (1970) 88 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 July 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. ⁠ Th

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Captain America (1968) 223 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 July 1978 as part of Captain America, with Captain America providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Veda with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The most persuasive passages in Ca