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There is something inviting about the way Iron Man (1968) 215 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 February 1987 as part of Iron Man, with Tony Stark providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Iron Man with questions of discovery and technology. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The most persuasive passages in Iron Man (196

Incredible Hulk (1962) 328 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 1987 as part of Incredible Hulk, with Bruce Banner 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 passage

Reading Fantastic Four Vs X Men (1987) 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 February 1987 as part of Fantastic Four Vs. X Men, with Mutant Massacre providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects X Men with questions of fear and power. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The most persuasive pa

Fantastic Four (1961) 299 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 February 1987 as part of Fantastic Four, with Alicia Masters providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Johnny with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The most persuasive pa

Daredevil (1964) 239 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 February 1987 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. ⁠ At narrative level, Daredev

What first stands out about Dakota North (1986) 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 1 February 1987 as part of Dakota North, with Sheik Ibn Bheik providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects SJ with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ At narrative level, Dakota North (1986) 5 un

DP7 (1986) 4 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 February 1987 as part of D.P.7, with Clinic 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. ⁠ At narrative level, DP7 (1986) 4 understan

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Conan the Barbarian (1970) 191 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 February 1987 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. ⁠ At

There is something inviting about the way Classic X Men (1986) 6 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 February 1987 as part of Classic X Men, with Jean Grey providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Love Story with questions of affection and trust. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ At narrative level, Classic X Men (1986)

Captain America (1968) 326 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 1987 as part of Captain America, with Captain America providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Red Skull with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ At narrative level, Captain Americ

Reading Alpha Flight (1983) 43 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 1987 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. ⁠ At narrative level,

Fantastic Four Annual (1963) 20 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 20 January 1987 as part of Fantastic Four Annual, with Fearsome Fate providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Franklin Richards with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠