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Secret Wars (1984) 12 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 April 1985 as part of Secret Wars, with NOTHING TO FEAR providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Doctor Doom with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ At narrative level, Secret Wars (1984)

What first stands out about Doctor Strange (1974) 70 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 April 1985 as part of Doctor Strange, with Mystic Arts Doctor providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects of Doc with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ At narrative level, Doctor Stra

Alpha Flight (1983) 21 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 April 1985 as part of Alpha Flight, with Alpha Flight providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Gilded Lily with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ At narrative level, Alpha Fli

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Web of Spider Man (1985) 1 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 April 1985 as part of Web of Spider Man, with 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. ⁠ At narrative level, W

There is something inviting about the way Wally the Wizard (1985) 1 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 April 1985 as part of Wally the Wizard, with VASTAR THE VILE providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Royal Castle with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ At narrative level, Wa

Uncanny X Men (1981) 192 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 April 1985 as part of Uncanny X Men, with Magus providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Earth with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ At narrative level, Uncanny X Men (1981) 192 understands that spee

Reading Uncanny X Men (1963) 192 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 April 1985 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. ⁠ At narrative level,

Top Dog (1985) 1 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 April 1985 as part of Top Dog, with Top Dog 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. ⁠ At narrative level, Top Dog (1985) 1 unders

The Savage Sword of Conan (1974) 111 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 April 1985 as part of The Savage Sword of Conan, with The Savage Sword of Conan 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 ano

What first stands out about The Amazing Spider Man (1963) 263 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 April 1985 as part of The Amazing Spider Man, with Spider Man providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Spectacular Spider with questions of affection and trust. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The Amazing

Star Wars (1977) 94 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 April 1985 as part of Star Wars, with R2 D2 providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Ewoks with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Star Wars (1977) 94 builds tension by making each apparent s

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Power Pack (1984) 9 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 April 1985 as part of Power Pack, with Snake Eyes providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Power Pack with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Power Pack (1984) 9 builds tension by making