All Articles

Incredible Hulk (1962) 300 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 1984 as part of Incredible Hulk, with Hulk providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Banner with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story momentum in Incredible Hulk (1962) 3

What first stands out about Fantastic Four (1961) 271 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 1984 as part of Fantastic Four, with Reed Richards providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Negative Zone with questions of loyalty and belonging. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story momentum in Fantast

Doctor Strange (1974) 67 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 1984 as part of Doctor Strange, with Hannibal King providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Black Cult with questions of fear and power. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story momentum in Doctor Strange (197

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Defenders (1972) 136 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 October 1984 as part of Defenders, with Moondragon providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Gargoyle with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story momentum in Defenders (1972) 136 comes from the g

There is something inviting about the way Daredevil (1964) 211 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 October 1984 as part of Daredevil, with Daredevil 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 Daredevil (19

Conan the Barbarian (1970) 163 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 1984 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. ⁠ Story momentu

Reading Captain America (1968) 298 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 1984 as part of Captain America, with Red Skull 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

Avengers (1963) 248 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 1984 as part of Avengers, with Uni Mind providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the Avengers' with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story momentum in Avengers (1963) 248 come

Thor (1966) 347 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 10 September 1984 as part of Thor, with Realm of Faerie providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Thor with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Thor (1966) 347 allows on

What first stands out about Thing (1983) 15 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 10 September 1984 as part of Thing, with Gruhl of Shalfbut providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Tarianna with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Thing (19

Secret Wars (1984) 5 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 10 September 1984 as part of Secret Wars, with THE BATTLE providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects THE FOUR ARMIES with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Secret War

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Marvel Fanfare (1982) 16 understands that principle. The issue was published on 10 September 1984 as part of Marvel Fanfare, with Marvel Fanfare 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 plot is stron