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Tomb of Dracula (1972) 60 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 September 1977 as part of Tomb of Dracula, with Tomb of 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 mom

What first stands out about Thor (1966) 263 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 September 1977 as part of Thor, with Volstagg providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Odin with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story momentum in Thor (1966) 263 comes from the gap between w

The Savage Sword of Conan (1974) 22 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 September 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

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and The Amazing Spider Man (1963) 172 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 September 1977 as part of The Amazing Spider Man, with Liz Allan providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Spider Man with questions of loyalty and belonging. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story momentum in The

There is something inviting about the way Star Wars (1977) 3 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 September 1977 as part of Star Wars, with Millennium Falcon providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Death Star with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story momentum in Star Wars (1977) 3 comes

Rawhide Kid (1955) 141 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 September 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. ⁠ Story momentum in Rawhide Kid (1955

Reading Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider Man (1976) 10 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 September 1977 as part of Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider Man, with White Tiger providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Empire State University with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond

Master of Kung Fu (1974) 56 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 September 1977 as part of Master of Kung Fu, with Shang Chi providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Reston with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story momentum in Master of Kung

Marvel Team Up (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 September 1977 as part of Marvel Team Up, with Human Torch providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Super Skrull with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Mar

What first stands out about Marvel Super Heroes (1967) 66 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 September 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

Marvel Comics Super Special (1977) 2 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 September 1977 as part of Marvel Comics Super Special, with Marvel Super 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 ad

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Marvel Classics Comics Series Featuring (1976) 21 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 September 1977 as part of Marvel Classics Comics Series Featuring, with Jules Verne's Master 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 s