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Uncanny X Men (1963) 241 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 February 1989 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. ⁠ Uncanny X Men (

What first stands out about Thor (1966) 400 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 February 1989 as part of Thor, with Father Odin providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Surtur with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Thor (1966) 400 treats the central conflict as a chain of

The Sensational She Hulk: Ceremony (1989) 2 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 February 1989 as part of The Sensational She Hulk: Ceremony, with Wyatt providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Jennifer with questions of fear and power. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The Sen

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and The Punisher (1987) 16 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 February 1989 as part of The Punisher, with Kingpin providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Frank Castle with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The Punisher (1987) 16 treats the central confli

There is something inviting about the way The Mutant Misadventures of Cloak and Dagger (1988) 3 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 February 1989 as part of The Mutant Misadventures of Cloak and Dagger, with Cloak of Darkness 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

The Amazing Spider Man (1963) 312 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 February 1989 as part of The Amazing Spider Man, with Green Goblin providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Harry Osborn with questions of loyalty and belonging. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The Amazing Spider Man (19

Reading The 'NAM (1986) 27 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 February 1989 as part of The 'Nam, with Nam providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the supporting cast with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The 'NAM (1986) 27 treats the central conflict a

Strikeforce: Morituri (1986) 26 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 February 1989 as part of Strikeforce: Morituri, with Morituri Brave providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Horde with questions of discovery and technology. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Strikeforce:

Solo Avengers (1987) 15 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 February 1989 as part of Solo Avengers, with Black Widow providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects AIM with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The most persuasive passages in Solo Aveng

What first stands out about Silver Surfer (1987) 20 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 February 1989 as part of Silver Surfer, with Silver Surfer 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 persua

Saga of the Sub Mariner (1988) 4 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 February 1989 as part of Saga of the Sub Mariner, with Human Torch providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the supporting cast with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The most p

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and New Mutants (1983) 72 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 February 1989 as part of New Mutants, with New Mutants providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Darkchilde with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The most persuasive passages in New Mutants (198