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There is something inviting about the way Fantastic Four (1961) #142 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 January 1974 as part of Fantastic Four, with Fantastic Four providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Only Medusa with questions of loyalty and belonging. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Fa

Conan the Barbarian (1970) #34 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 January 1974 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. ⁠ The plot is s

Reading Captain Marvel (1968) #30 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 January 1974 as part of Captain Marvel, with Captain Marvel 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 st

Captain America (1968) #169 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 January 1974 as part of Captain America, with Captain America providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Black Panther with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is

Avengers (1963) #119 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 January 1974 as part of Avengers, with Tom Fagan providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Black Panther with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Avengers (1963) #119 wo

What first stands out about Amazing Adventures (1970) #22 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 January 1974 as part of Amazing Adventures, with Washington providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects DC with questions of discovery and technology. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Amazing

Uncanny X Men (1981) #85 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 December 1973 as part of Uncanny X Men, with Reprint of Uncanny providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects X Men with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Unc

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Two Gun Kid (1948) #115 understands that principle. The issue was published on 10 December 1973 as part of Two Gun Kid, with Two Gun Kid 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 Two G

There is something inviting about the way Daredevil (1964) #106 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 10 December 1973 as part of Daredevil, with Daredevil 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 storytelling in Daredevil (1964)

Werewolf By Night (1972) #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 December 1973 as part of Werewolf by Night, with Hangman 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 storytelling in Werewolf By Nigh

Reading Tomb of Dracula (1972) #15 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 December 1973 as part of Tomb of Dracula, with Dracula providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the supporting cast with questions of fear and power. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Tomb of Dra

Thor (1966) #218 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 December 1973 as part of Thor, with Black Stars providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Asgard with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The storytelling in Thor (1966) #218 works through accu