All Articles

There is something inviting about the way Marvel Super Heroes (1967) 99 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 July 1981 as part of Marvel Super Heroes, with Marvel Super Heroes 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. ⁠ Rather than c

Man Thing (1979) 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 July 1981 as part of Man Thing, with Man Thing providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Chris Claremont 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, Man Thing (197

Reading Ka Zar the Savage (1981) 4 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 July 1981 as part of Ka Zar the Savage, with Ka Zar the Savage 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 tha

Ka Zar (1981) 4 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 July 1981 as part of Ka Zar, with Shanna providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the supporting cast 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, Ka

Iron Man (1968) 148 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 July 1981 as part of Iron Man, with Stark International's Central providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects America with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Iron Man (1968) 148 treat

What first stands out about Incredible Hulk (1962) 261 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 July 1981 as part of Incredible Hulk, with Bruce Banner providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Absorbing Man with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Incredible Hulk (1962

Fantastic Four (1961) 232 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 July 1981 as part of Fantastic Four, with Fantastic Four providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Frankie Raye with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Fantastic Four (1961) 232 treat

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Dazzler (1981) 5 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 July 1981 as part of Dazzler, with Blue Shield providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Dazzler with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Dazzler (1981) 5 treats the central conflict as a chain of conse

There is something inviting about the way Daredevil (1964) 172 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 July 1981 as part of Daredevil, with Kingpin providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Bullseye with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Daredevil (1964) 172 treats the central conflic

Conan the Barbarian (1970) 124 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 July 1981 as part of Conan the Barbarian, with Conan the Barbarian 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. ⁠ Conan the Barbar

Reading Captain America (1968) 259 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 July 1981 as part of Captain America, with Doc Ock providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Star Spangled with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Captain America (1968) 259 treats th

Bizarre Adventures (1981) 27 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 July 1981 as part of Bizarre Adventures, with Jean Grey providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Phoenix with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Bizarre Adventures (198