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Alpha Flight (1983) 98 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 1991 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. ⁠ The plot is strongest w

What first stands out about Marvel Comics Presents (1988) 78 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 30 June 1991 as part of Marvel Comics Presents, with Weapon X providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Barry Windsor Smith with questions of fear and power. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strong

Spider Man (1990) 11 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 June 1991 as part of Spider Man, with Spider Man’s Canadian providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Wolverine with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Silver Surfer (1987) 50 understands that principle. The issue was published on 10 June 1991 as part of Silver Surfer, with Infinity Stones providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Thanos with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Silver Surfer (1987)

There is something inviting about the way Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD (1989) 24 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 10 June 1991 as part of Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., with Nick Fury providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Mister Fantastic with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The p

Doctor Strange, Sorcerer Supreme (1988) 30 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 1991 as part of Doctor Strange, Sorcerer Supreme, with Sorcerer Supreme providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects ANOTHER with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The p

Reading X Factor (1986) 67 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 1991 as part of X Factor, with Inhumans’ 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 X Factor

Wolverine (1988) 40 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 1991 as part of Wolverine, with Elsie Dee providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Logan with questions of discovery and technology. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Wolverine (1988) 40

What If (1989) 26 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 1991 as part of What If?, with What If? 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 What If (1989) 2

What first stands out about West Coast Avengers (1985) 71 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 1991 as part of West Coast Avengers, with West Coast providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Pearl Harbor with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in West

Web of Spider Man (1985) 77 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 1991 as part of Web of Spider Man, with Web of Spider Man 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 stor

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Uncanny X Men (1981) 277 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 June 1991 as part of Uncanny X Men, with X Men providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Lila Cheney with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Uncanny X Men (1981) 277 works t