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Conan the Barbarian (1970) 172 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 July 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. ⁠ T

What first stands out about Cloak and Dagger (1985) 1 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 July 1985 as part of Cloak and Dagger, with Dagger providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Cloak with questions of loyalty and belonging. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The most persuasive passages in Cloak and

Captain Britain (1985) 7 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 July 1985 as part of Captain Britain, with Mastermind 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

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Captain America (1968) 307 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 July 1985 as part of Captain America, with Captain America providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Steve Rogers with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The most persuasive passages in Capta

There is something inviting about the way Avengers (1963) 257 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 July 1985 as part of Avengers, with Captain Marvel providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Savage Land with questions of discovery and technology. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The most persuasive passages in Avengers (

Thing (1983) 24 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 10 June 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 most persuasive passages in Thing (1983) 24 are the on

Reading Rocket Raccoon (1985) 2 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 10 June 1985 as part of Rocket Raccoon, with Rocket Raccoon providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the supporting cast with questions of affection and trust. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The most persuasive passag

Doctor Strange (1974) 71 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 10 June 1985 as part of Doctor Strange, with Doctor Strange providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Dark Dimension with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The most persuasiv

Alpha Flight (1983) 23 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 June 1985 as part of Alpha Flight, with Alpha Flight providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Snowbird with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ At narrative level, Alpha Flight

What first stands out about Web of Spider Man (1985) 3 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 June 1985 as part of Web of Spider Man, with Adrian Toomes providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Vulture with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ At narrative level, Web

Wally the Wizard (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 June 1985 as part of Wally the Wizard, with Wally the Wizard providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the supporting cast with questions of fear and power. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ At narrative level, Wally

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Uncanny X Men (1981) 194 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 June 1985 as part of Uncanny X Men, with Nimrod Sentinel providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the X with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ At narrative level, Uncanny X Men (19