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Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider Man (1976) 118 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 September 1986 as part of Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider Man, with Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider Man providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the supporting cast with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives t

What first stands out about Marvel Fanfare (1982) 28 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 September 1986 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

Iron Man (1968) 210 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 September 1986 as part of Iron Man, with Happy Hogan providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Tony Stark with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Iron Man

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Incredible Hulk (1962) 323 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 September 1986 as part of Incredible Hulk, with Bruce Banner providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Vision with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Inc

There is something inviting about the way Howard the Duck (1976) 33 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 September 1986 as part of Howard the Duck, with Howard the Duck providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the supporting cast with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest w

Fantastic Four (1961) 294 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 September 1986 as part of Fantastic Four, with Black Dome' providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects FF with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Fantastic Four (1961) 294 a

Reading Daredevil (1964) 234 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 September 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. ⁠ The plot is strongest when

Conan the Barbarian (1970) 186 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 September 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 advent

Cloak and Dagger (1985) 8 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 September 1986 as part of Cloak and Dagger, with Marseilles providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Cloak with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Cloak a

What first stands out about Captain America (1968) 321 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 September 1986 as part of Captain America, with Flag Smasher providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Captain America with questions of affection and trust. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Ca

Alpha Flight (1983) 38 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 September 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. ⁠ The storytelling i

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and X Factor (1986) 7 understands that principle. The issue was published on 10 August 1986 as part of X Factor, with X Factor providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Glow Worm with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in X Factor (1986) 7 works through accumula