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Secret Wars II (1985) 2 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 1985 as part of Secret Wars II, with Steve Rogers providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Beyonder with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Secret Wars II (1985) 2 builds tension b

What first stands out about Power Pack (1984) 13 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 1985 as part of Power Pack, with Power Pack providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Batman Bates with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Power Pack (1984) 13 builds tensi

Planet Terry (1985) 5 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 1985 as part of Planet Terry, with Planet Terry providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the supporting cast with questions of discovery and technology. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Planet Terry (1985) 5 bui

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider Man (1976) 105 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 August 1985 as part of Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider Man, with Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider Man providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the supporting cast with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the openin

There is something inviting about the way New Mutants (1983) 30 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 August 1985 as part of New Mutants, with New Mutants providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Gladiators with questions of loyalty and belonging. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ New Mutants (1983) 30 builds tension by ma

Marvel Age (1983) 29 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 1985 as part of Marvel Age, with Marvel Age 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. ⁠ Marvel Age (1983) 29 builds tension by mak

Reading Iron Man (1968) 197 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 1985 as part of Iron Man, with SECRET WARS II providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Thundersword with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Iron Man (1968) 197 builds tension by making

Incredible Hulk (1962) 310 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 1985 as part of Incredible Hulk, with Bruce Banner 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. ⁠ Incredible

Gargoyle (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 August 1985 as part of Gargoyle, with Gargoyle providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Isaac with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story momentum in Gargoyle (1985) 3 comes from t

What first stands out about Fantastic Four (1961) 281 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 1985 as part of Fantastic Four, with Sue Storm providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Hate Monger with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story momentum in Fantasti

Defenders (1972) 146 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 1985 as part of Defenders, with New York providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Doctor Strange with questions of truth and suspicion. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story momentum in Defenders (1972) 146 come

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Daredevil (1964) 221 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 August 1985 as part of Daredevil, with Venice providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Heather with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story momentum in Daredevil (1964) 221 comes from