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The Amazing Spider Man (1963) 176 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 January 1978 as part of The Amazing Spider Man, with Green Goblin providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Harry Osborn with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is st

What first stands out about Star Wars (1977) 7 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 January 1978 as part of Star Wars, with Chewie providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Jabba with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Star Wars (1977) 7 allows one

Rawhide Kid (1955) 143 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 January 1978 as part of Rawhide Kid, with Rawhide Kid 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. ⁠ The plot is strongest

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) 14 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 January 1978 as part of Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider Man, with Spider Man providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Flash Thompson with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcin

There is something inviting about the way Master of Kung Fu (1974) 60 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 January 1978 as part of Master of Kung Fu, with Shang Chi providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects DOCTOR DOOM with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Maste

Marvel Team Up (1972) 65 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 January 1978 as part of Marvel Team Up, with United States providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Captain Britain with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Marvel

Reading Marvel Super Heroes (1967) 72 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 January 1978 as part of Marvel Super Heroes, with Marvel Super Heroes providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the supporting cast with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot

Marvel Super Heroes (1967) 71 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 January 1978 as part of Marvel Super Heroes, with Marvel Super Heroes providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the supporting cast with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The

Marvel Super Heroes (1967) 69 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 January 1978 as part of Marvel Super Heroes, with Marvel Super Heroes providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the supporting cast with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The sto

What first stands out about Marvel Preview (1975) 12 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 January 1978 as part of Marvel Preview, with Marvel Preview 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. ⁠ The storytell

Marvel Classics Comics Series Featuring (1976) 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 January 1978 as part of Marvel Classics Comics Series Featuring, with Wells' The Invisible providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Man with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announ

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Iron Man (1968) 106 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 January 1978 as part of Iron Man, with Iron Man providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Midas' Mechanoids with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Iron Man (1968) 106