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Peter Porker, the Spectacular Spider Ham (1985) 17 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 1987 as part of Peter Porker, the Spectacular Spider Ham, with Fat Cat providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Fat Cats with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another

What first stands out about Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider Man (1976) 130 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 1987 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

Nightmask (1986) 11 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 1987 as part of Nightmask, with Everything Lucian providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Tullius with questions of loyalty and belonging. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Nightmask

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Marvel Fanfare (1982) 34 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 September 1987 as part of Marvel Fanfare, with Warriors Three providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Volstagg the Voluminous with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest whe

There is something inviting about the way Iron Man (1968) 222 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 September 1987 as part of Iron Man, with Tony Stark providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Stark Enterprises with questions of loyalty and belonging. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Iron Man (1

Incredible Hulk (1962) 335 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 1987 as part of Incredible Hulk, with Hulk 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 Incredi

Reading Fantastic Four (1961) 306 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 1987 as part of Fantastic Four, with Diablo providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Four with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Fantasti

Fallen Angels (1987) 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 September 1987 as part of Fallen Angels, with Fallen Angels providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Multiple Men with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is stronges

Daredevil (1964) 246 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 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. ⁠ The storytelling in Darede

What first stands out about Conan the Barbarian (1970) 198 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 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 adventur

Classic X Men (1986) 13 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 1987 as part of Classic X Men, with Encountering Eric providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects X Men with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Class

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Captain America (1968) 333 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 September 1987 as part of Captain America, with Captain America 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 storytelli