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There is something inviting about the way Silver Surfer (1987) 125 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 February 1997 as part of Silver Surfer, with Silver Surfer providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Defender with questions of loyalty and belonging. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story momentum in Silver Surfer (19

Sensational Spider Man (1996) 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 1997 as part of Sensational Spider Man, with Sensational Spider 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. ⁠ Stor

Reading Sabretooth and Mystique (1996) 3 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 1997 as part of Sabretooth and Mystique, with Sabretooth and Mystique 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 a

Punisher (1995) 16 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 1997 as part of Punisher, with Punisher 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 Punisher (

Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider Man (1976) 243 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 1997 as part of Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider Man, with Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider Man providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the supporting cast with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives th

What first stands out about Onslaught Epilogue (1997) 1 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 1997 as part of Onslaught Epilogue, with Professor X providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Charles Xavier with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is s

Magneto (1996) 4 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 1997 as part of Magneto, with Magneto 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 Magneto

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Logan: Shadow Society (1997) 1 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 February 1997 as part of Logan: Shadow Society, with Carol Danvers providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Sabretooth with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is stro

There is something inviting about the way Journey Into Mystery (1996) 506 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 February 1997 as part of Journey Into Mystery, with Journey Into Mystery providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the supporting cast with questions of truth and suspicion. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The p

Iron Man (1996) 4 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 1997 as part of Iron Man, with Iron 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 plot is strongest when Iron Man (1996) 4 al

Reading Incredible Hulk (1962) 450 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 1997 as part of Incredible Hulk, with Incredible Hulk providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Is the Hulk with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strong

Ghost Rider (1990) 82 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 1997 as part of Ghost Rider, with Ghost Rider 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 stronge