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There is something inviting about the way Tomb of Dracula (1972) 61 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 November 1977 as part of Tomb of Dracula, with Dracula 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. ⁠ Story momentum in Tom

Thor (1966) 265 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 November 1977 as part of Thor, with Karnilla providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Destroyer with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story momentum in Thor (1966) 265 comes from the gap between what Karnilla

Reading The Savage Sword of Conan (1974) 24 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 November 1977 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 an

The Amazing Spider Man (1963) 174 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 November 1977 as part of The Amazing Spider Man, with People's Liberation providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the PLF with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠

Star Wars (1977) 5 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 November 1977 as part of Star Wars, with Death Star providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Rebels 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) 5 allows

What first stands out about Rawhide Kid (1955) 142 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 November 1977 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 stronges

Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider Man (1976) 12 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 November 1977 as part of Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider Man, with Flash Thompson providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Brother Power with questions of loyalty and belonging. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply annou

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Master of Kung Fu (1974) 58 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 November 1977 as part of Master of Kung Fu, with Shang Chi providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects War Yore with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Master of Kun

There is something inviting about the way Marvel Team Up (1972) 63 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 November 1977 as part of Marvel Team Up, with Iron Fist providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Steel Serpent with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when

Marvel Super Heroes (1967) 67 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 November 1977 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 is strongest

Reading Marvel Classics Comics Series Featuring (1976) 23 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 November 1977 as part of Marvel Classics Comics Series Featuring, with Sergeant Cuff providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Adapting Wilkie Collins' with questions of truth and suspicion. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply

Iron Man (1968) 104 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 November 1977 as part of Iron Man, with Armored Avenger providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Tony Stark 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 (196