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There is something inviting about the way The 'NAM (1986) 20 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 July 1988 as part of The 'Nam, with Rob Little providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Chu Chi Twelfth with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when The 'NAM (198

Strikeforce: Morituri (1986) 20 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 July 1988 as part of Strikeforce: Morituri, with Morituri providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Vyking with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Strikeforce: Morit

Reading Solo Avengers (1987) 8 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 July 1988 as part of Solo Avengers, with Solo 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. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Sol

Power Pack (1984) 38 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 July 1988 as part of Power Pack, with Julie Power 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 whe

Nick Fury Vs SHIELD (1988) 2 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 1988 as part of Nick Fury Vs. S.H.I.E.L.D., with Nick Fury providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the Depths with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytellin

What first stands out about New Mutants (1983) 65 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 1988 as part of New Mutants, with New Mutants providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Freedom Force with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in New Mutants

Incredible Hulk (1962) 345 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 1988 as part of Incredible Hulk, with Middletown providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Rock with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Incredible Hu

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Fantastic Four (1961) 316 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 July 1988 as part of Fantastic Four, with Earth providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects AIM with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Fantastic Four (1961) 316 w

There is something inviting about the way Daredevil (1964) 256 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 July 1988 as part of Daredevil, with Karen Page providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Matt with questions of loyalty and belonging. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Daredevil (1964) 256 works through

Conan the Barbarian (1970) 208 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 July 1988 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. ⁠ The storytelling

Reading Classic X Men (1986) 23 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 July 1988 as part of Classic X Men, with Savage Land providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects X Men with questions of affection and trust. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Classic X Men (1986) 23 w

Captain America (1968) 343 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 July 1988 as part of Captain America, with D Man providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Captain America with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Captain America