All Articles

There is something inviting about the way Incredible Hulk (1962) 299 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 10 September 1984 as part of Incredible Hulk, with Doctor Strange 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. ⁠ The plot is strong

Alpha Flight (1983) 14 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 1984 as part of Alpha Flight, with Alpha Flight 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 strongest when Alpha

Reading West Coast Avengers (1984) 1 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 1984 as part of West Coast Avengers, with West Coast providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Newlyweds Hawkeye with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strong

Uncanny X Men (1981) 185 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 1984 as part of Uncanny X Men, with Rogue providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Storm with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Uncann

Uncanny X Men (1963) 185 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 1984 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. ⁠ The storytelli

What first stands out about The Savage Sword of Conan (1974) 104 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 1984 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 announcin

The Amazing Spider Man (1963) 256 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 1984 as part of The Amazing Spider Man, with Spider Man providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Rose with questions of discovery and technology. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Star Wars (1977) 87 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 September 1984 as part of Star Wars, with Luke 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. ⁠ The storytelling in Star Wars (1977) 87 works thr

There is something inviting about the way Power Pack (1984) 2 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 September 1984 as part of Power Pack, with Power Pack 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 storytelling in Power Pack (1984

Power Man (1974) 109 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 1984 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 storytelling in Power Man (1974) 109

Reading Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider Man (1976) 94 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 1984 as part of Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider Man, with Spider Man providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Black Cat with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another

New Mutants (1983) 19 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 1984 as part of New Mutants, with New Mutants 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 storytelling i