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There is something inviting about the way The Savage Sword of Conan (1974) 57 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 October 1980 as part of The Savage Sword of Conan, with The Savage Sword of Conan 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 anoth

The Savage She Hulk (1980) 9 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 October 1980 as part of The Savage She Hulk, with The Savage She 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 Savage She

Reading The Amazing Spider Man (1963) 209 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 October 1980 as part of The Amazing Spider Man, with Spider Man providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Kraven the Hunter with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The

Star Wars (1977) 40 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 October 1980 as part of Star Wars, with Empire Strikes providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Hoth with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Star Wars (1977) 40 treats the central conflict

Spider Woman (1978) 31 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 October 1980 as part of Spider Woman, with Spider Woman 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 most persuasive

What first stands out about Power Man and Iron Fist (1978) 65 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 October 1980 as part of Power Man and Iron Fist, with El Aguila providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Power Man with questions of truth and suspicion. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The most persuasiv

Power Man (1974) 65 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 October 1980 as part of Power Man, with Power 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 most persuasive passages

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider Man (1976) 47 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 October 1980 as part of Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider Man, with Spider Man providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Prowler with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing anoth

There is something inviting about the way Master of Kung Fu (1974) 93 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 October 1980 as part of Master of Kung Fu, with Black Jack Tarr providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Shang Chi with questions of loyalty and belonging. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The most persuasive passag

Marvel Two in One (1974) 68 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 October 1980 as part of Marvel Two in One, with Marvel Two in One 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 most persuasive

Reading Marvel Team Up (1972) 98 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 October 1980 as part of Marvel Team Up, with Spider Man providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Black Widow with questions of truth and suspicion. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The most persuasive passages in Mar

Marvel Super Heroes (1967) 92 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 October 1980 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. ⁠ The