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There is something inviting about the way Howard the Duck (1979) 7 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 10 September 1980 as part of Howard the Duck, with Howard the Duck providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the supporting cast with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Howard the Duck (1979)

Ghost Rider (1973) 48 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 10 September 1980 as part of Ghost Rider, with Ghost Rider 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. ⁠ Ghost Rider (1973) 48 builds tensio

Reading Uncanny X Men (1981) 137 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 September 1980 as part of Uncanny X Men, with If Phoenix providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Jean Grey with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Uncanny X Men (1981) 137 bui

Uncanny X Men (1963) 137 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 September 1980 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. ⁠ Uncanny X M

Thor (1966) 299 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 September 1980 as part of Thor, with Thor 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. ⁠ Story momentum in Thor (1966) 299 comes f

What first stands out about The Savage Sword of Conan (1974) 56 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 September 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

The Savage She Hulk (1980) 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 1 September 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.

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and The Amazing Spider Man (1963) 208 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 September 1980 as part of The Amazing Spider Man, with Pinky Fusser providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Spider Man with questions of loyalty and belonging. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story momentum in

There is something inviting about the way Star Wars (1977) 39 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 September 1980 as part of Star Wars, with Empire Strikes providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Back with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story momentum in Star Wars (1977) 39 comes from th

Spider Woman (1978) 30 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 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. ⁠ Story momentum in Spider Woman (1

Reading Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider Man (1976) 46 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 September 1980 as part of Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider Man, with Spidey 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 a

Master of Kung Fu (1974) 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 September 1980 as part of Master of Kung Fu, with Shang Chi providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Leiko with questions of fear and power. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story momentum in Master of Kung Fu