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There is something inviting about the way Conan the Barbarian (1970) 155 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 February 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. ⁠

Captain America (1968) 290 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 February 1984 as part of Captain America, with Baron Zemo providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Mother Superior with questions of truth and suspicion. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Captain America (1968) 290 treats the cen

Reading Avengers (1963) 240 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 February 1984 as part of Avengers, with Spider Woman providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Astral Plane with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Avengers (1963) 240 treats the central con

Avengers Annual (1967) 13 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 13 January 1984 as part of Avengers Annual, with the Avengers providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Bruce Banner with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Avengers Annual (1967) 13

Thor (1966) 339 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 January 1984 as part of Thor, with Though Beta Ray providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Bill with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The most persuasive passages in Thor (1966) 33

What first stands out about Thing (1983) 7 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 January 1984 as part of Thing, with Empire State Building providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Goody Two Shoes with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The most persuasive passages

Nick Fury, Agent of Shield (1983) 2 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 January 1984 as part of Nick Fury, Agent of Shield, with Nick Fury, Agent of Shield 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

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Incredible Hulk (1962) 291 understands that principle. The issue was published on 10 January 1984 as part of Incredible Hulk, with Bruce Banner providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects General Ross with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The most persuasive passa

There is something inviting about the way Dazzler (1981) 30 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 10 January 1984 as part of Dazzler, with Dazzler 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 in Dazzl

Cloak and Dagger (1983) 4 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 January 1984 as part of Cloak and Dagger, with Cloak providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Dagger with questions of truth and suspicion. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The most persuasive passages in Cloak and Dagger (1983)

Reading Alpha Flight (1983) 6 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 10 January 1984 as part of Alpha Flight, with Great Beasts providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Michael Twoyoungman with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The most persuasive passages

X Men Annual (1970) 8 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 8 January 1984 as part of X Men Annual, with Kitty Pryde providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Space Dragon Lockheed with questions of discovery and technology. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The most persuasive