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Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider Man (1976) 153 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 1989 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

What first stands out about New Mutants (1983) 78 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 1989 as part of New Mutants, with Freedom Force providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects New Mutants with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when New Mutants (

Marvel Comics Presents (1988) 26 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 1989 as part of Marvel Comics Presents, with Miyo Moshigo providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Black Panther with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is str

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Marvel Comics Presents (1988) 25 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 August 1989 as part of Marvel Comics Presents, with Panther’s Quest Part providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Miyo Moshigo with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The pl

There is something inviting about the way Marc Spector: Moon Knight (1989) 3 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 August 1989 as part of Marc Spector: Moon Knight, with Marc Spector: Moon Knight 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

Iron Man (1968) 245 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 1989 as part of Iron Man, with Iron Man providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Tony Stark with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Iron Man (1968) 245 allows one decisi

Reading Incredible Hulk (1962) 358 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 1989 as part of Incredible Hulk, with Necrophage providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Round with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Incr

Fantastic Four (1961) 329 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 1989 as part of Fantastic Four, with Fantastic Four providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Aron the Rogue with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is stro

Excalibur (1988) 11 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 1989 as part of Excalibur, with Nigel Frobisher providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Courtney Ross with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Excalibur

What first stands out about Death's Head (1988) 9 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 1989 as part of Death's Head, with Marvel's First Family providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Death's Head with questions of loyalty and belonging. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Death

Daredevil (1964) 269 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 1989 as part of Daredevil, with Brotherhood of Mutants providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Blob with questions of loyalty and belonging. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Daredevil (1964)

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Damage Control (1989) 4 | Published 1 August 1989 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 August 1989 as part of Damage Control, with Damage Control providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Gifted Mutants with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ T