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Daredevil (1964) 202 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 January 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. ⁠ The plot is strongest when D

What first stands out about Conan the Barbarian (1970) 154 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 January 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.

Conan Annual (1973) 9 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 January 1984 as part of Conan Annual, with 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 another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when C

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Captain America (1968) 289 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 January 1984 as part of Captain America, with Albert DeVoor's Operation providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects X Men with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Capt

There is something inviting about the way Avengers (1963) 239 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 January 1984 as part of Avengers, with It's the Avengers providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Late Night with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Avengers (1963)

Thor (1966) 338 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 December 1983 as part of Thor, with Beta Ray Bill providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Thor with questions of discovery and technology. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Thor (1966) 338 allows one decision to

Reading Thing (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 December 1983 as part of Thing, with Puppet Master providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Ben Grimm with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Thing (1983) 6 allows one d

Nick Fury, Agent of Shield (1983) 1 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 10 December 1983 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 announ

Incredible Hulk (1962) 290 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 December 1983 as part of Incredible Hulk, with Kate Waynesboro providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects MODOK with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in In

What first stands out about Alpha Flight (1983) 5 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 December 1983 as part of Alpha Flight, with Puck 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 Alpha

What If (1977) 42 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 December 1983 as part of What If?, with WHAT IF providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects THE INVISIBLE GIRL with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in What If (1977)

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Uncanny X Men (1981) 176 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 December 1983 as part of Uncanny X Men, with Madelyne providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Pacific with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Uncanny X Men (198