All Articles

Uncanny X Men (1963) 122 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 June 1979 as part of Uncanny X Men, with Uncanny X Men 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 storytelling in

What first stands out about Thor (1966) 284 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 June 1979 as part of Thor, with Thor's Celestial providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Earth with questions of discovery and technology. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Thor (1966) 284 works through

The Savage Sword of Conan (1974) 41 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 June 1979 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 anoth

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and The Amazing Spider Man (1963) 193 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 June 1979 as part of The Amazing Spider Man, with Jonah Jameson providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Metropolitan Museum with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling i

There is something inviting about the way Star Wars (1977) 24 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 June 1979 as part of Star Wars, with Obi Wan Kenobi providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Jedi Knight with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Star Wars (1977) 24 works thr

Spider Woman (1978) 15 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 June 1979 as part of Spider Woman, with Spider Woman providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Cult of Kali with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Spider Woman (1978) 15 wo

Reading Power Man and Iron Fist (1978) 57 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 June 1979 as part of Power Man and Iron Fist, with Living Monolith providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Uncanny X Men with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytell

Power Man (1974) 57 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 June 1979 as part of Power Man, with Power Man 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 storytelling in Power Man

Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider Man (1976) 31 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 June 1979 as part of Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider Man, with Spider Man providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Carrion with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing an

What first stands out about Master of Kung Fu (1974) 77 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 June 1979 as part of Master of Kung Fu, with Shang Chi providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Weapons Master with questions of loyalty and belonging. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Rather than crowding every

Marvel Team Up (1972) 82 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 June 1979 as part of Marvel Team Up, with Nancy Rushman providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects New York with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Rather than crowding every pa

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Incredible Hulk (1962) 236 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 June 1979 as part of Incredible Hulk, with Machine Man providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Trish Starr with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Rather than crowding every page with expla