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Avengers Annual (1967) 17 | Published 1 November 1988 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 November 1988 as part of Avengers Annual, with Avengers 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.

What first stands out about Avengers (1963) 297 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 November 1988 as part of Avengers, with Black Knight providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the Avengers with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Avengers (196

Alpha Flight (1983) 64 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 November 1988 as part of Alpha Flight, with Alpha Flight 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 stronge

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Wolverine (1988) 14 | Published 15 October 1988 understands that principle. The issue was published on 15 October 1988 as part of Wolverine, with Wolverine 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 pl

There is something inviting about the way Uncanny X Men (1981) 236 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 15 October 1988 as part of Uncanny X Men, with X Men providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Genegineer David Moreau with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest

Uncanny X Men (1963) 236 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 15 October 1988 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. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Unc

Reading Thor (1966) 387 | Published 13 October 1988 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 13 October 1988 as part of Thor, with Between Pegas providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Thunder God with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest whe

West Coast Avengers Annual (1986) 3 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 October 1988 as part of West Coast Avengers Annual, with High Evolutionary providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Wonder Man with questions of fear and power. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The pl

West Coast Avengers (1985) 37 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 October 1988 as part of West Coast Avengers, with Moon Knight providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects West Coast Avengers with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelli

What first stands out about Strange Tales (1987) 19 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 October 1988 as part of Strange Tales, with Strange Tales 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 storytellin

Speedball (1988) 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 10 October 1988 as part of Speedball, with Doctor Haven providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the supporting cast with questions of truth and suspicion. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Speedball (198

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Psi Force (1986) 24 understands that principle. The issue was published on 10 October 1988 as part of Psi Force, with Psi Force 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 storytelling in Psi Force (198