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Uncanny X Men (1963) 223 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 1987 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 str

What first stands out about Thor (1966) 385 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 1987 as part of Thor, with Jade Giant providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Thor with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Thor (1966) 385 allows

The Punisher (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 November 1987 as part of The Punisher, with Sammy Smith providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects False God with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when The

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and The Amazing Spider Man (1963) 294 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 November 1987 as part of The Amazing Spider Man, with Kraven's Last Hunt providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Spider Man with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plo

There is something inviting about the way The 'NAM (1986) 12 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 November 1987 as part of The 'Nam, with Ed Marks providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Agent Orange 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 (1986

Strikeforce: Morituri (1986) 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 1 November 1987 as part of Strikeforce: Morituri, with Morituri providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Earth with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Strikef

Reading Power Pack (1984) 33 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 November 1987 as part of Power Pack, with Power Pack 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

Iron Man (1968) 224 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 November 1987 as part of Iron Man, with Iron Man providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Justin Hammer with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Iron Man (1968

Incredible Hulk (1962) 337 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 1987 as part of Incredible Hulk, with Gray Hulk providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects X Factor with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Incred

What first stands out about Fantastic Four (1961) 308 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 1987 as part of Fantastic Four, with Fantastic Four providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Fasaud with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Fantastic Fo

Fallen Angels (1987) 8 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 1987 as part of Fallen Angels, with the Fallen providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Angels with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Fallen Angels

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Daredevil (1964) 248 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 November 1987 as part of Daredevil, with Daredevil 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 Daredevil (19