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Marvel Premiere (1972) 34 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 1977 as part of Marvel Premiere, with Marvel Premiere 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 i

What first stands out about Marvel Classics Comics Series Featuring (1976) 14 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 1977 as part of Marvel Classics Comics Series Featuring, with HG 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 announ

Kull the Destroyer (1973) 19 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 1977 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. ⁠ T

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Ka Zar (1974) 20 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 February 1977 as part of Ka Zar, with Ka Zar 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 when Ka Zar (1974) 20

There is something inviting about the way Iron Man (1968) 95 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 February 1977 as part of Iron Man, with Iron Man providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Armored Avenger with questions of discovery and technology. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Iron Man (1968

Invaders (1975) 13 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 1977 as part of Invaders, with Nazis providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Invaders with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Invaders (1975) 13 allows one decision to cr

Reading Inhumans (1975) 9 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 1977 as part of Inhumans, with AMAZING ADVENTURES 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 w

Incredible Hulk (1962) 208 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 1977 as part of Incredible Hulk, with Bruce Banner 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. ⁠ The plot is stronges

Howard the Duck (1976) 9 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 1977 as part of Howard the Duck, with Howard's Presidential providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Beverly with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Howard t

What first stands out about Ghost Rider (1973) 22 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 1977 as part of Ghost Rider, with Ghost Rider providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Johnny Blaze with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Ghost Ri

Fantastic Four (1961) 179 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 1977 as part of Fantastic Four, with Reed Richards 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 storytelling in F

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Eternals (1976) 8 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 February 1977 as part of Eternals, with Deviant providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Kro with questions of affection and trust. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Eternals (1976) 8 works through accumulatio