All Articles

Uncanny X Men (1963) 220 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 August 1987 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. ⁠ Uncanny X Men (19

What first stands out about Thor (1966) 382 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 August 1987 as part of Thor, with Frost Giants providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Thunder God with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Thor (1966) 382 treats the central conflict

The Punisher (1987) 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 1 August 1987 as part of The Punisher, with Frank Castle 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 Punisher (1987) 2

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and The Amazing Spider Man (1963) 291 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 August 1987 as part of The Amazing Spider Man, with Mary Jane Watson providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Peter Parker with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The Amazi

There is something inviting about the way The 'NAM (1986) 9 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 August 1987 as part of The 'Nam, with The 'Nam 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 'NAM (1986) 9 treats the central

Strikeforce: Morituri (1986) 9 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 August 1987 as part of Strikeforce: Morituri, with Strikeforce Morituri providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the supporting cast with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Strikeforce: Morituri

Reading Power Pack (1984) 31 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 August 1987 as part of Power Pack, with Power Pack 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. ⁠ Power Pack (1984) 31 treats

Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider Man (1976) 129 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 August 1987 as part of Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider Man, with FRIEND OR FOE providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Spider Man with questions of loyalty and belonging. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announc

Nightmask (1986) 10 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 August 1987 as part of Nightmask, with New Orleans 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 most persuasive passages

What first stands out about Iron Man (1968) 221 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 August 1987 as part of Iron Man, with Tony Stark 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. ⁠ The most persuasive passages in Iron Man

Incredible Hulk (1962) 334 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 August 1987 as part of Incredible Hulk, with Bruce Banner providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Rick Jones with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The most persuasive pas

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Fantastic Four (1961) 305 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 August 1987 as part of Fantastic Four, with Thing providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Susan with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The most persuasive passages in Fantastic F