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There is something inviting about the way Avengers (1998) 56 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 September 2002 as part of Avengers, with Avengers providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Doom with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Avengers (1998) 56 allows one

Alias (2001) 11 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 September 2002 as part of Alias, with Alias 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 Alias (2001) 11 allows one

Reading Star Wars Infinities: The Empire Strikes Back (2002) 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 28 August 2002 as part of Star Wars Infinities: The Empire Strikes Back, with Luke Skywalker providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Rebel Alliance's'Hothbase with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyon

Infinity Abyss (2002) 6 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 28 August 2002 as part of Infinity Abyss, with Thanos 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 plot is strongest when I

Amazing Spider Man (1999) 44 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 28 August 2002 as part of Amazing Spider Man, with Mary Jane providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Doctor Octopus with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling

What first stands out about Agent X (2002) 2 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 28 August 2002 as part of Agent X, with Outlaw 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. ⁠ The storytelling in Agent X (2002) 2 works thro

Uncanny X Men (1963) 411 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 21 August 2002 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

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Hulk (1999) 44 understands that principle. The issue was published on 21 August 2002 as part of Hulk, with Hulk 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 Hulk (1999) 44 works through a

There is something inviting about the way Captain America (2002) 4 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 21 August 2002 as part of Captain America, with Captain America providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Nick Fury with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Capta

Spider Man: Get Kraven (2002) 3 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 14 August 2002 as part of Spider Man: Get Kraven, with Al Kraven providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the Vulture with questions of loyalty and belonging. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Spider Man: G

Reading New X Men (2001) 130 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 14 August 2002 as part of New X Men, with Paris X providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Channel Tunnel with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in New X Men (2001)

Infinity Abyss (2002) 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 14 August 2002 as part of Infinity Abyss, with Captain Marvel 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 storytelling in I