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There is something inviting about the way The Savage Sword of Conan (1974) 108 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 January 1985 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 announcing anot

The Amazing Spider Man (1963) 260 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 January 1985 as part of The Amazing Spider Man, with Harry Osborn providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Friendly Neighborhood Spider with questions of loyalty and belonging. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storyte

Reading Star Wars (1977) 91 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 January 1985 as part of Star Wars, with Knife providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Wookiees with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Star Wars (1977) 91 works through ac

Power Pack (1984) 6 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 Power Pack, with Power Pack providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects New York with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Power Pack (198

Power Man (1974) 113 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 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. ⁠ Rather than crowding every p

What first stands out about New Mutants Special Edition (1985) 1 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 New Mutants Special Edition, with New Mutants providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Shadow King with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Rather tha

New Mutants (1983) 23 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 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. ⁠ Rather than crowding ev

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

There is something inviting about the way Marvel Age (1983) 22 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 January 1985 as part of Marvel Age, with Marvel Age 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. ⁠ Rather than crowding every pa

Machine Man (1984) 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 1 January 1985 as part of Machine Man, with Iron Man providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Sunset Bain with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Rather than crowding every page with explanation,

Reading Kitty Pryde and Wolverine (1984) 3 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 January 1985 as part of Kitty Pryde and Wolverine, with Kitty Pryde 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.

Iron Man (1968) 190 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 Iron Man, with Iron Man providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Scarlet Witch with questions of fear and power. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Rather than crowding every page with explanatio