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There is something inviting about the way Iron Man (1968) 199 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 October 1985 as part of Iron Man, with Tony Stark providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Obediah Stane with questions of loyalty and belonging. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Iron Man (1968) 199 builds tension by making

Incredible Hulk (1962) 312 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 October 1985 as part of Incredible Hulk, with Bruce Banner providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Hulk with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Incredible Hulk (1962) 312 builds tension b

Reading Fantastic Four (1961) 283 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 October 1985 as part of Fantastic Four, with Psycho Man providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Sue Storm with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Fantastic Four (1961) 283 builds ten

Defenders (1972) 148 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 October 1985 as part of Defenders, with Patsy Hellstrom providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Lesser Grey God with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Defenders (1972) 148 builds ten

Daredevil (1964) 223 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 October 1985 as part of Daredevil, with Matt Murdock providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Beyonder with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story momentum in Daredevil (1964) 2

What first stands out about Conan the Barbarian (1970) 175 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 October 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) 10 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 October 1985 as part of Captain Britain, with Captain Britain providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Doctor Crocodile with questions of loyalty and belonging. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story momentum in Ca

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Captain America (1968) 310 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 October 1985 as part of Captain America, with Serpent Society providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Consisting of Sidewinder with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story momen

There is something inviting about the way Avengers (1963) 260 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 October 1985 as part of Avengers, with Nebula providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Thanos with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story momentum in Avengers (1963) 260 comes from the gap bet

Web of Spider Man (1985) 6 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 September 1985 as part of Web of Spider Man, with Mary Jane providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Spider Man with questions of discovery and technology. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story momentum in Web of Spider Man (1

Reading Thor (1966) 359 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 September 1985 as part of Thor, with Thor's Asgardian providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Lorelei with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story momentum in Thor (1966) 359 comes from the gap

Squadron Supreme (1985) 1 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 September 1985 as part of Squadron Supreme, with the Squadron providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Squadron Supreme with questions of affection and trust. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story momentum in