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Thing (1983) 19 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 1985 as part of Thing, with Tarianna providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Ben with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Thing (1983) 19 allows one decisio

What first stands out about Secret Wars (1984) 9 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 1985 as part of Secret Wars, with ASSAULT ON GALACTUS providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Doctor Doom with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Secret

Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider Man (1976) 98 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 1985 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 identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announc

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Marvel Team Up (1972) 149 understands that principle. The issue was published on 10 January 1985 as part of Marvel Team Up, with New Mutants providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Incandescent Man with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest wh

There is something inviting about the way Marvel Fanfare (1982) 18 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 10 January 1985 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 stro

Dazzler (1981) 35 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 1985 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 plot is strongest when Dazzler (1981) 35 allo

Reading Alpha Flight (1983) 18 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 1985 as part of Alpha Flight, with Shaman providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Elizabeth with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Alpha Fli

X Men Annual (1970) 9 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 January 1985 as part of X Men Annual, with X Men providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects New Mutants with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when X Men Annual (

Web of Spider Man Annual (1985) 1 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 1985 as part of Web of Spider Man Annual, with Web of Spider 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 adven

What first stands out about Uncanny X Men (1981) 189 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 1985 as part of Uncanny X Men, with Sebastian Shaw providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Magma with questions of fear and power. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Uncanny X Men (1981)

Uncanny X Men (1963) 189 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 1985 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 storytelling

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Thor Annual (1966) 13 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 January 1985 as part of Thor Annual, with Thor 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 Thor Annual (196