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There is something inviting about the way Fantastic Four (1961) 292 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 July 1986 as part of Fantastic Four, with It's the FF providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Nick Fury with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story momentum in Fantastic Four

Daredevil (1964) 232 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 July 1986 as part of Daredevil, with Super Soldier providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Karen with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story momentum in Daredevil (1964) 232 comes from the gap between w

Reading Conan the Barbarian (1970) 184 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 July 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. ⁠ St

Cloak and Dagger (1985) 7 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 July 1986 as part of Cloak and Dagger, with Tyrone providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects France with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story momentum in Cloak and Dagger (1985) 7

Captain America (1968) 319 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 July 1986 as part of Captain America, with Captain America providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Steve Rogers with questions of truth and suspicion. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when C

What first stands out about Avengers (1963) 269 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 July 1986 as part of Avengers, with Kang providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Avengers with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Avengers (1963) 269 allows on

Alpha Flight (1983) 36 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 July 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 plot is strongest w

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and X Factor (1986) 5 understands that principle. The issue was published on 10 June 1986 as part of X Factor, with Sue Nowlan providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects X Factor with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when X Factor (1986) 5 allow

There is something inviting about the way West Coast Avengers (1985) 9 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 10 June 1986 as part of West Coast Avengers, with Master Pandemonium providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the supporting cast with questions of fear and power. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is stronge

Thor (1966) 368 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 June 1986 as part of Thor, with Warriors Three providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Thor with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Thor (1966) 368 allows one decision to create the

Reading New Mutants (1983) 40 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 June 1986 as part of New Mutants, with Emma Frost providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Earth’s Mightiest Heroes with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when New Mu

Doctor Strange (1974) 77 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 June 1986 as part of Doctor Strange, with Enter the Khats providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Doctor Strange with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when D