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There is something inviting about the way Ka Zar (1997) 7 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 November 1997 as part of Ka Zar, with Shanna the She providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Devil with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ At narrative level, Ka Zar (1997) 7 understands

Journey Into Mystery (1996) 514 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 1997 as part of Journey Into Mystery, with Shang Chi providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Master of Kung with questions of truth and suspicion. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ At narrative level, Journey Into

Reading Incredible Hulk (1962) 458 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 1997 as part of Incredible Hulk, with New York providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Mister Hyde with questions of discovery and technology. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ At narrative level, Incredib

Heroes for Hire (1997) 5 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 1997 as part of Heroes for Hire, with Hire providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Lemuria with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ At narrative level, Heroes for Hire (19

Excalibur (1988) 114 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 1997 as part of Excalibur, with Excalibur 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. ⁠ Excalibur (1988) 114 builds

What first stands out about Elektra (1996) 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 November 1997 as part of Elektra, with American Samurai providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Elektra with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Elektra (1996) 12 builds tension by making each

Cable (1993) 48 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 1997 as part of Cable, with Inquiring Eye providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Irene Merryweather with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Cable (1993) 48 builds tension by making

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Star Wars: Dark Force Rising (1997) 6 understands that principle. The issue was published on 29 October 1997 as part of Star Wars: Dark Force Rising, with Clone Wars providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Grand Admiral'Thrawn with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Star W

There is something inviting about the way Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi The (1997) 5 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 22 October 1997 as part of Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi The Fall of the Sith Empire, with Old Republic providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Fall with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing anothe

Wolverine (1988) 117 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 10 October 1997 as part of Wolverine, with the X providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Prime Sentinels with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Wolverine (1988) 117 builds tension by making each

Reading Untold Tales of Spider Man (1995) 25 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 10 October 1997 as part of Untold Tales of Spider Man, with Spider Man Vs providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Green Goblin with questions of truth and suspicion. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Untold

Generation X (1994) 31 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 10 October 1997 as part of Generation X, with Generation X 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. ⁠ Generation X (19