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Black Panther (1988) 1 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 Black Panther, with Black Panther providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Panther Spirit with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Rather than crowding every

What first stands out about Avengers (1963) 293 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 Avengers, with Doctor Pym providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Doctor Druid with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Rather than crowding every page with explanati

Alpha Flight (1983) 60 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 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. ⁠ Rather than crowding ev

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and West Coast Avengers (1985) 33 understands that principle. The issue was published on 10 June 1988 as part of West Coast Avengers, with Ant Man providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Hank Pym with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Rather than crowding every page with e

There is something inviting about the way Strange Tales (1987) 15 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 10 June 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. ⁠ Rather than crowding e

Silver Surfer (1987) 12 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 10 June 1988 as part of Silver Surfer, with Cap'n Reptyl providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Nenora’s Skrull with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Rather than crowding every page with explanation,

Reading Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider Man (1976) 139 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 10 June 1988 as part of Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider Man, with Tombstone 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 announcin

Marvel Fanfare (1982) 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 10 June 1988 as part of Marvel Fanfare, with Marvel Fanfare 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. ⁠ Rather than c

Iron Man (1968) 231 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 June 1988 as part of Iron Man, with Iron Man providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Tony Stark with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Iron Man (1968) 231 treats the central conflict as a

What first stands out about DP7 (1986) 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 10 June 1988 as part of D.P.7, with D.P.7 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. ⁠ DP7 (1986) 20 treats the central conflict as

X Factor (1986) 29 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 June 1988 as part of X Factor, with Villainess Infectia 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. ⁠ X Factor (1986) 29 treats the ce

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Wolverine (1988) 8 | Published 1 June 1988 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 June 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. ⁠ Wolverine (1988