All Articles

Marvel Fanfare (1982) 22 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 10 September 1985 as part of Marvel Fanfare, with Iron Man providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Doc Ock with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Ma

What first stands out about Dazzler (1981) 39 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 10 September 1985 as part of Dazzler, with Dazzler 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 Dazz

Alpha Flight (1983) 26 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 September 1985 as part of Alpha Flight, with Omega Flight providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Alpha Flight with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest wh

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Wally the Wizard (1985) 6 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 September 1985 as part of Wally the Wizard, with Terror Mountain providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Merlin with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when

There is something inviting about the way Uncanny X Men (1981) 197 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 September 1985 as part of Uncanny X Men, with Kitty Pryde providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Colossus with questions of truth and suspicion. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Uncanny X M

Uncanny X Men (1963) 197 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 1985 as part of Uncanny X Men, with Uncanny X Men 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 Un

Reading Thing (1983) 27 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 1985 as part of Thing, with Thing 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 Thing (1983)

The Savage Sword of Conan (1974) 116 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 1985 as part of The Savage Sword of Conan, with The Savage Sword of Conan 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 announc

The Ewoks (1985) 3 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 1985 as part of The Ewoks, with The Ewoks 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 The Ewok

What first stands out about The Amazing Spider Man (1963) 268 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 1985 as part of The Amazing Spider Man, with Spider Man providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Kingpin with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storyt

Star Wars: Ewoks (1985) 3 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 1985 as part of Star Wars: Ewoks, with Ewoks providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Kneesaa with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Star Wars: Ewoks (198

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Star Wars (1977) 99 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 September 1985 as part of Star Wars, with Captain Drebble providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Dancing Goddess with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Star Wars (1977) 99 wo