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Star Wars (1977) 34 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 April 1980 as part of Star Wars, with Rebel 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. ⁠ Rather than crowding every page with explanati

What first stands out about Spider Woman (1978) 25 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 April 1980 as part of Spider Woman, with Spider Woman providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Doomsday Room with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Rather than crowding every

Power Man and Iron Fist (1978) 62 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 April 1980 as part of Power Man and Iron Fist, with Big Ben Donovan providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Power Man with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Rather than cro

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Power Man (1974) 62 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 April 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. ⁠ Rather than crowding every page with

There is something inviting about the way Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider Man (1976) 41 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 April 1980 as part of Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider Man, with Spider Man providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Giant Man with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing an

Master of Kung Fu (1974) 87 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 April 1980 as part of Master of Kung Fu, with Fah Lo Suee providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Fu Manchu with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Rather than crowding every page with explanati

Reading Marvel Team Up (1972) 92 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 April 1980 as part of Marvel Team Up, with Marvel Team Up 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 crowd

Machine Man (1978) 14 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 April 1980 as part of Machine Man, with Machine Men providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Aaron with questions of affection and trust. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Rather than crowding every page with explana

Iron Man (1968) 133 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 April 1980 as part of Iron Man, with Iron Man providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Bruce Banner with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Iron Man (1968) 133 treats the central c

What first stands out about Incredible Hulk (1962) 246 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 April 1980 as part of Incredible Hulk, with Captain Marvel providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Green Goliath with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Incredible Hulk (1

Fantastic Four (1961) 217 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 April 1980 as part of Fantastic Four, with Doctor Sun providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Mister Fantastic with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Fantastic Four (1961)

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Doctor Strange (1974) 40 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 April 1980 as part of Doctor Strange, with Baron Mordo providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Julian Phyffe with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Doctor Strange (1974) 40 treats