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There is something inviting about the way Conan the Barbarian (1970) 173 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 August 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. ⁠ St

Captain Britain (1985) 8 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 Captain Britain, with Captain Britain 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. ⁠ Story momentum in Captain Br

Reading Captain America (1968) 308 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 Captain America, with Secret Wars II providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Captain America with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story momentum in Captain Am

Avengers (1963) 258 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 Avengers, with Savage Land providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects National Security Council with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story momentum in Avengers (

Avengers Annual (1967) 14 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 30 July 1985 as part of Avengers Annual, with the Avengers providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Fantastic Fours with questions of discovery and technology. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest w

What first stands out about Thor (1966) 357 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 July 1985 as part of Thor, with Beta Ray Bill providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Thor with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Thor (1966) 357 allows one decisio

Rocket Raccoon (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 10 July 1985 as part of Rocket Raccoon, with Rocket Raccoon providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Lord Dyvyne with questions of affection and trust. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Rocket

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Dazzler (1981) 38 understands that principle. The issue was published on 10 July 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 Dazzler (1981) 3

There is something inviting about the way Alpha Flight (1983) 24 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 10 July 1985 as part of Alpha Flight, with Walter Langkowski 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 when

Web of Spider Man (1985) 4 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 July 1985 as part of Web of Spider Man, with Web of Spider Man 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 wh

Reading Wally the Wizard (1985) 4 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 July 1985 as part of Wally the Wizard, with the Wizard providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Wally with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Wally

Uncanny X Men (1981) 195 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 July 1985 as part of Uncanny X Men, with the Power providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Kitty Pryde with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when U