All Articles

Star Wars: Empire (2002) 25 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 20 October 2004 as part of Star Wars: Empire, with Sheel Odala providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Han Solo with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Star Wars: Empire (2002) 25 buil

What first stands out about Star Wars Tales (1999) 21 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 20 October 2004 as part of Star Wars Tales, with Rob Williams'and'Man providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Steel'artist'Brandon Badeaux'team with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ S

Spectacular Spider Man (2003) 20 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 20 October 2004 as part of Spectacular Spider Man, with AVENGERS DISASSEMBLED TIE providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Earth's Mightiest Heroes with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another ad

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Rogue (2004) 4 understands that principle. The issue was published on 20 October 2004 as part of Rogue, with GOING ROGUE PART providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the supporting cast with questions of loyalty and belonging. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Rogue (2004) 4 builds tension by making ea

There is something inviting about the way Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe (2004) 6 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 20 October 2004 as part of Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe, with Mighty Marvel providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects X Man with questions of loyalty and belonging. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another

New X Men (2004) 6 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 20 October 2004 as part of New X Men, with Kevin Ford providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects New Mutants with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ New X Men (2004) 6 builds tension by making each apparent solu

Reading Marvel Age Spider Man (2004) 14 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 20 October 2004 as part of Marvel Age Spider Man, with KRAVEN THE HUNTER 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. ⁠ Marvel

Marvel Age Hulk (2004) 2 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 20 October 2004 as part of Marvel Age Hulk, with Bruce Banner providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Hulk with questions of loyalty and belonging. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Marvel Age Hulk (2004) 2 builds

Madrox (2004) 2 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 20 October 2004 as part of Madrox, with Madrox providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Jamie with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story momentum in Madrox (2004) 2 comes from the gap between wh

What first stands out about Gambit (2004) 3 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 20 October 2004 as part of Gambit, with HOUSE OF CARDS providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Fast Jack with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story momentum in Gambit (2004) 3 comes

Cable & Deadpool (2004) 8 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 20 October 2004 as part of Cable & Deadpool, with THE BURNT OFFERING providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Powers That Be with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story momen

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Exiles (2001) 50 understands that principle. The issue was published on 15 October 2004 as part of Exiles, with THE BIG M providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Celebrate the Exiles with questions of loyalty and belonging. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story momentum in Exiles (2001) 50 comes from