All Articles

Gambit (1997) 3 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 March 1997 as part of Gambit, with Anielle providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Stoker with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Gambit (1997) 3 treats the central conflict as a chai

What first stands out about Fantastic Four (1996) 5 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 March 1997 as part of Fantastic Four, with Doctor Doom providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Black Panther with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Fantastic Four (1996) 5 treats th

Excalibur (1988) 107 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 March 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) 107 treats th

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Elektra (1996) 5 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 March 1997 as part of Elektra, with Doctor Strange providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Sorcerer Supreme with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Elektra (1996) 5 treats the central conf

There is something inviting about the way Domino (1997) 3 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 March 1997 as part of Domino, with Donald Pierce providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Lady Deathstrike with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Domino (1997) 3 treats the central conflict as a

Daredevil (1964) 362 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 March 1997 as part of Daredevil, with Black Widow providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Daredevil with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Daredevil (1964) 362 treats the central conflict as a chain o

Reading Code of Honor (1997) 2 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 March 1997 as part of Code of Honor, with Jeff Piper providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Punisher with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Code of Honor (1997) 2 treats the c

Cable (1993) 41 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 March 1997 as part of Cable, with Cable 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. ⁠ Cable (1993) 41 treats the central confl

Bug (1997) 1 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 March 1997 as part of Bug, with Bug providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the supporting cast with questions of discovery and technology. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The most persuasive passages in Bug (1997) 1 are the

What first stands out about Adventures of the X Men (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 March 1997 as part of Adventures of the X Men, with the Shi’ar providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Living Tribunal with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The m

Adventures of Spider Man (1996) 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 March 1997 as part of Adventures of Spider Man, with Doc Ock providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Spider Man with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The most per

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Star Wars: X Wing Rogue Squadron (1995) 16 understands that principle. The issue was published on 26 February 1997 as part of Star Wars: X Wing Rogue Squadron, with Royal Citadel providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects People's Liberation Battalion with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing anoth