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Iron Man (1968) 198 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 Iron Man, with Iron Men providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Obediah Stane with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Iron Man (1968) 198 treats the cent

What first stands out about Incredible Hulk (1962) 311 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 Incredible Hulk, with Bruce Banner providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the supporting cast with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Incredible Hulk (1

Gargoyle (1985) 4 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 Gargoyle, with Isaac providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Derwyddon with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Gargoyle (1985) 4 treats the central conflic

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Fantastic Four (1961) 282 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 September 1985 as part of Fantastic Four, with Psycho Man providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Mister Fantastic with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Fantastic Four (1961) 28

There is something inviting about the way Defenders (1972) 147 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 September 1985 as part of Defenders, with the Defenders providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Hotspur with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Defenders (1972) 147 treats the central conflict

Daredevil (1964) 222 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 Daredevil, with Glori O'Breen providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Mudd Brothers with questions of loyalty and belonging. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Daredevil (1964) 222 treats the central conflict

Reading Conan the Barbarian (1970) 174 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 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.

Cloak and Dagger (1985) 2 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 Cloak and Dagger, with Cloak and Dagger 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. ⁠ Cloak and Dagge

Captain Britain (1985) 9 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 Captain Britain, with Captain Britain providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Cherubim with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The most persuasive p

What first stands out about Captain America (1968) 309 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 Captain America, with Yancy Street providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Nomad with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The most persuasive pass

Avengers (1963) 259 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 Avengers, with Captain Marvel providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Nebula with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The most persuasive passages in Avengers (19

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Thor (1966) 358 understands that principle. The issue was published on 10 August 1985 as part of Thor, with Beta Ray Bill providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Thor with questions of affection and trust. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The most persuasive passages in Thor (1966) 358 are the ones wh