All Articles

Captain America (2002) 29 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 14 July 2004 as part of Captain America, with AVENGERS DISASSEMBLED TIE providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Nick Fury with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Rather than crowding

What first stands out about Avengers Assemble (Hardcover) 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 14 July 2004 as part of Avengers, with Kurt Busiek providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects George Pérez with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Rather than crowding every page wi

4 (2004) 7 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 14 July 2004 as part of 4, with 4 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. ⁠ Rather than crowding every page with explanation, 4 (200

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Witches (2004) 3 understands that principle. The issue was published on 7 July 2004 as part of Witches, with Doctor Strange providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Lilith with questions of fear and power. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Rather than crowding every page with explanation, Witches (2004)

There is something inviting about the way Uncanny X Men (1981) 446 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 7 July 2004 as part of Uncanny X Men, with THE END providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects HISTORY with questions of discovery and technology. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Rather than crowding every page with explan

ULTIMATE SPIDER MAN VOL. 10: HOLLYWOOD (Trade Paperback) 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 7 July 2004 as part of ULTIMATE SPIDER MAN VOL. 10: HOLLYWOOD, with ULTIMATE SPIDER MAN VOL. 10: HOLLYWOOD providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the supporting cast with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpos

Reading Ultimate Spider Man (2000) 62 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 7 July 2004 as part of Ultimate Spider Man, with ULTIMATE CARNAGE PART providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Spider Man with questions of affection and trust. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Rather than crowdi

Thanos (2003) 12 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 7 July 2004 as part of Thanos, with It's Thanos providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Fallen One with questions of loyalty and belonging. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Rather than crowding every page with explanation

Starjammers (2004) 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 7 July 2004 as part of Starjammers, with THE CADET AND providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects THE CORSAIRS with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Starjammers (2004) 1 treats the

What first stands out about Spider Girl (1998) 76 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 7 July 2004 as part of Spider Girl, with THE NEW BEGINNING providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects FOR MAYDAY PARKER with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Spider Girl (1998) 76

Powers (2004) 1 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 7 July 2004 as part of Powers, with Homicide Detectives Christian providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Deena Pilgrim with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Powers (2004) 1 treats the central c

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe (2004) 3 understands that principle. The issue was published on 7 July 2004 as part of Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe, with Mighty Marvel providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Salvador Larroca with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing anoth