All Articles

There is something inviting about the way The Punisher (1987) 7 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 March 1988 as part of The Punisher, with Times Square providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Punisher with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story momentum in The Punisher (1987)

The Pitt Marvel Graphic Novel (1987) 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 March 1988 as part of The Pitt Marvel Graphic Novel, with Ken Connell providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Pittsburgh with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story momentum i

Reading The Amazing Spider Man (1963) 298 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 March 1988 as part of The Amazing Spider Man, with Chance Encounter 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 'NAM (1986) 16 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 March 1988 as part of The 'Nam, with Sergeant Prikow 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. ⁠ Story momentum in The 'N

Strikeforce: Morituri (1986) 16 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 March 1988 as part of Strikeforce: Morituri, with Old West providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Morituri with questions of discovery and technology. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest

What first stands out about Spellbound (1988) 4 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 March 1988 as part of Spellbound, with Spellbound 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 S

Solo Avengers (1987) 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 March 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 S

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider Man (1976) 136 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 March 1988 as part of Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider Man, with Sin Eater 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 announ

There is something inviting about the way Incredible Hulk (1962) 341 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 March 1988 as part of Incredible Hulk, with Savage Bull providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the supporting cast with questions of loyalty and belonging. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest whe

Fantastic Four (1961) 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 March 1988 as part of Fantastic Four, with Fantastic Four providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Doctor Doom with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Fantastic F

Reading Daredevil (1964) 252 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 March 1988 as part of Daredevil, with New York providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Black Widow with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Daredevil (19

Conan the Barbarian (1970) 204 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 March 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.