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There is something inviting about the way Further Adventures of Cyclops & Phoenix (1996) 4 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 September 1996 as part of Further Adventures of Cyclops & Phoenix, with Mister Sinister providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Phoenix with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcin

Fantastic Four (1961) 416 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 September 1996 as part of Fantastic Four, with Fantastic Four providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the FF with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story momentum in Fantastic Four (1961)

Reading Excalibur (1988) 101 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 September 1996 as part of Excalibur, with X Mansion providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Shinobi Shaw with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story momentum in Excalibur (1988)

Daredevil (1964) 356 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 September 1996 as part of Daredevil, with Misty Knight providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Mister Hyde with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story momentum in Daredevil

Cable (1993) 35 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 September 1996 as part of Cable, with Onslaught providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Apocalypse with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Cable (1993) 35 a

What first stands out about Avengers (1963) 402 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 September 1996 as part of Avengers, with Onslaught providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Avengers with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Avengers (1963) 402

Adventures of the X Men (1996) 6 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 September 1996 as part of Adventures of the X Men, with X Men providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Missile Crisis with questions of loyalty and belonging. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is str

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Adventures of Spider Man (1996) 6 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 September 1996 as part of Adventures of Spider Man, with Spider Man providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Puppet Master with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot

There is something inviting about the way Classic Star Wars: Devilworlds (1996) 1 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 21 August 1996 as part of Classic Star Wars: Devilworlds, with Clat the Shamer providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Lurr with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is

Star Wars: X Wing Rogue Squadron (1995) 11 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 14 August 1996 as part of Star Wars: X Wing Rogue Squadron, with Jabba the Hutt providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Firith Olan with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is

Reading Untold Tales of Spider Man (1995) 12 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 August 1996 as part of Untold Tales of Spider Man, with Scarlet Beetle providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Spidey with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The

Uncanny X Men (1981) 335 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 August 1996 as part of Uncanny X Men, with Watcher 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 stronge