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There is something inviting about the way Iron Man (1968) 213 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 December 1986 as part of Iron Man, with Dominic Fortune providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Sabbath with questions of truth and suspicion. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ At narrative level, Iron Man (1968) 213 unders

Incredible Hulk (1962) 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 December 1986 as part of Incredible Hulk, with Rick Jones providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Hulk with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ At narrative level, Incredible Hulk (1962) 326 understa

Reading Fantastic Four (1961) 297 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 December 1986 as part of Fantastic Four, with White House providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Johnny with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ At narrative level, Fantastic Four (1961

Daredevil (1964) 237 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 December 1986 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, Dare

Dakota North (1986) 4 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 December 1986 as part of Dakota North, with Dakota providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Amos with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Dakota North (1986) 4 builds tension by m

What first stands out about DP7 (1986) 2 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 December 1986 as part of D.P.7, with D.P.7 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. ⁠ DP7 (1986) 2 builds tension by making each

Conan the Barbarian (1970) 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 December 1986 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.

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Classic X Men (1986) 4 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 December 1986 as part of Classic X Men, with Big Dare providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Wolverine with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Classic X Men (1986) 4 builds tension

There is something inviting about the way Captain America (1968) 324 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 December 1986 as part of Captain America, with Masters of Evil providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Captain America with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Captain America

Alpha Flight (1983) 41 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 December 1986 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. ⁠ Alpha Flight (1983) 41 builds tens

Reading West Coast Avengers (1985) 14 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 November 1986 as part of West Coast Avengers, with West Coast Avengers providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Daimon Hellstrom with questions of fear and power. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ West Coast Ave

Thor (1966) 373 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 November 1986 as part of Thor, with Morlock Tunnels providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the God with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Thor (1966) 373 builds tension by makin