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There is something inviting about the way Silver Surfer (1987) 118 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 July 1996 as part of Silver Surfer, with Silver Surfer 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

Sensational Spider Man (1996) 6 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 July 1996 as part of Sensational Spider Man, with Ben Reilly providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Uncle Ben with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Sensational

Reading Punisher (1995) 9 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 July 1996 as part of Punisher, with Punisher 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 Punisher (

New Warriors (1990) 73 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 July 1996 as part of New Warriors, with New Warriors providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the supporting cast with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when New

Iron Man (1968) 330 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 1996 as part of Iron Man, with War Machine providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Morgan Stark with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Iron Man (1968) 330 works thr

What first stands out about Incredible Hulk (1962) 443 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 July 1996 as part of Incredible Hulk, with Hulk providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the supporting cast with questions of discovery and technology. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Incred

Green Goblin (1995) 10 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 July 1996 as part of Green Goblin, with Ricko providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Murderworld with questions of truth and suspicion. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Green Goblin (1995) 10 wor

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Further Adventures of Cyclops & Phoenix (1996) 2 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 July 1996 as part of Further Adventures of Cyclops & Phoenix, with Doctor Nathaniel Essex 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 announcing

There is something inviting about the way Fantastic Four (1961) 414 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 July 1996 as part of Fantastic Four, with Franklin Richards providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Has Franklin with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Fan

Excalibur (1988) 99 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 July 1996 as part of Excalibur, with Nightcrawler providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Colossus with questions of fear and power. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Excalibur (1988) 99 works through accumulation,

Reading Doom 2099 (1993) 43 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 July 1996 as part of Doom 2099, with Doom 2099 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 Doom 2099 (19

Daredevil (1964) 354 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 July 1996 as part of Daredevil, with Matt Murdock providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects NEW Spider Man with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Daredevil