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New Mutants (1983) 64 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 June 1988 as part of New Mutants, with New Mutants providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Cypher with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ At narrative level, New Mutants (1983) 64 understa

What first stands out about Incredible Hulk (1962) 344 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 June 1988 as part of Incredible Hulk, with Betty Ross providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Redeemer with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ At narrative level, Incredib

Fantastic Four (1961) 315 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 Fantastic Four, with Fantastic Four providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Master Pandemonium with questions of truth and suspicion. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ At narrative level, Fanta

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Daredevil (1964) 255 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 June 1988 as part of Daredevil, with Attorney Matt Murdock providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Typhoid Mary with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ At narrative level, Daredevil (1964) 255

There is something inviting about the way Conan the Barbarian (1970) 207 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 June 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. ⁠ At n

Classic X Men (1986) 22 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 June 1988 as part of Classic X Men, with Sun People providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Savage Land with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ At narrative level, Classic X Men (1986) 22 un

Reading Captain America (1968) 342 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 June 1988 as part of Captain America, with Black Panther providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Serpent Society with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ At narrative level,

Avengers (1963) 292 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 June 1988 as part of Avengers, with Doctor Druid providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Namor with questions of affection and trust. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ At narrative level, Avengers (1963) 292 understan

Alpha Flight (1983) 59 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 June 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. ⁠ Alpha Flight (1983) 59

What first stands out about Hercules: Prince of Power: Full Circle (1989) 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 31 May 1988 as part of Hercules: Prince of Power: Full Circle, with Wilamean providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Galactus with questions of discovery and technology. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adve

West Coast Avengers (1985) 32 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 May 1988 as part of West Coast Avengers, with WC Avengers providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Grand Canyon with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ West Coast Avengers (1985) 3

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Strange Tales (1987) 14 understands that principle. The issue was published on 10 May 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. ⁠ Strange Tales (1987) 14 bu