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Marvel Premiere (1972) 40 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 February 1978 as part of Marvel Premiere, with Dire Wraiths providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Brock Jones with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ At narrative level, Marvel Premi

What first stands out about Marvel Classics Comics Series Featuring (1976) 26 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 February 1978 as part of Marvel Classics Comics Series Featuring, with Adapting Homer providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Greek with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing anoth

Kull the Destroyer (1973) 25 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 February 1978 as part of Kull the Destroyer, with Kull the Destroyer 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. ⁠ A

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Iron Man (1968) 107 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 February 1978 as part of Iron Man, with Iron Man providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Jack of Hearts with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ At narrative level, Iron Man (1968) 107 understands

There is something inviting about the way Incredible Hulk (1962) 220 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 February 1978 as part of Incredible Hulk, with Captain Barracuda providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Hulk with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ At narrative level, Incre

Howard the Duck (1976) 21 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 February 1978 as part of Howard the Duck, with Supreme SOOFI providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Save Our Offspring with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ At narrative level, Howard the Duck (19

Reading Ghost Rider (1973) 28 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 February 1978 as part of Ghost Rider, with Ghost Rider’s Hellfire providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the supporting cast with questions of fear and power. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ At narrative level, Ghost

Fantastic Four (1961) 191 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 February 1978 as part of Fantastic Four, with Silver Screen providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects FF with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ At narrative level, Fantast

Doctor Strange (1974) 27 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 February 1978 as part of Doctor Strange, with Wheel of Change providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Strange with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Doctor Strange (1974) 27

What first stands out about Defenders (1972) 56 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 February 1978 as part of Defenders, with Bruce Banner 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. ⁠ Defenders (1972) 56 builds tension by maki

Conan the Barbarian (1970) 83 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 February 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.

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Captain America (1968) 218 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 February 1978 as part of Captain America, with America's Champion providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Steve Rogers with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Captain America (1968) 218