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There is something inviting about the way Defenders (1972) 150 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 December 1985 as part of Defenders, with the Defenders providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Star Thief with questions of truth and suspicion. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ At narrative level, Defenders (1972) 150 un

Daredevil (1964) 225 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 1985 as part of Daredevil, with Heather Glenn providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Has Foggy with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ At narrative level, Daredevil (1964) 225 underst

Reading Conan the Barbarian (1970) 177 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 1985 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.

Captain Britain (1985) 12 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 1985 as part of Captain Britain, with Captain Britain 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 narr

Captain America (1968) 312 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 1985 as part of Captain America, with Flag Smasher providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Earth with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Captain America (1968) 312

What first stands out about Avengers (1963) 262 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 1985 as part of Avengers, with Sting Ray providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Namor with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Avengers (1963) 262 builds tension by making each

West Coast Avengers (1985) 2 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 10 November 1985 as part of West Coast Avengers, with Wonder Man providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Grim Reaper with questions of fear and power. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ West Coast Avengers (1985) 2

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Thor (1966) 361 understands that principle. The issue was published on 10 November 1985 as part of Thor, with Thor providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Hel with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Thor (1966) 361 builds tension by making each apparent solution

There is something inviting about the way Marvel Fanfare (1982) 23 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 10 November 1985 as part of Marvel Fanfare, with Doc Ock providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Iron Man with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Marvel Fanfare (1982) 23 builds t

Balder the Brave (1985) 1 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 November 1985 as part of Balder the Brave, with Asgard providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Balder with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Balder the Brave (1985) 1 builds tension by m

Reading X Men/Alpha Flight (1985) 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 November 1985 as part of X Men/Alpha Flight, with X Men providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Madelyne Pryor with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ X Men/Alpha Flight (1985) 1 b

Web of Spider Man (1985) 8 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 November 1985 as part of Web of Spider Man, with Web of Spider Man 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. ⁠ We