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There is something inviting about the way Defenders (1972) #7 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 10 August 1973 as part of Defenders, with Avenging Marksman Hawkeye providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Defenders with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story momentum in Defenders (1972)

Werewolf By Night (1972) #8 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 August 1973 as part of Werewolf by Night, with Krogg 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. ⁠ Story momentum in Werewolf By Night (1972) #

Reading Warlock (1972) #7 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 August 1973 as part of Warlock, with Von Doom providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Reed Richards with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story momentum in Warlock (1972) #7 comes from the ga

Vampire Tales (1973) #1 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 August 1973 as part of Vampire Tales, with Vampire Tales providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the supporting cast with questions of affection and trust. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story momentum in Vampi

Tomb of Dracula (1972) #11 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 August 1973 as part of Tomb of Dracula, with Tomb of Dracula 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

What first stands out about Thor (1966) #214 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 August 1973 as part of Thor, with D Man providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Dark Nebula with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Thor (1966) #214 allows one decis

The Amazing Spider Man (1963) #123 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 August 1973 as part of The Amazing Spider Man, with Spider Man providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Power Man with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Supernatural Thrillers (1972) #5 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 August 1973 as part of Supernatural Thrillers, with Supernatural Thrillers 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.

There is something inviting about the way Sub Mariner (1968) #64 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 August 1973 as part of Sub Mariner, with NOT Atlantis providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Zephyreans with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Sub Mariner (19

Shanna the She Devil (1972) #5 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 August 1973 as part of Shanna the She Devil, with Enter Nekra providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Priestess of Darkness with questions of loyalty and belonging. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest whe

Reading Sgt Fury (1963) #113 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 August 1973 as part of Sgt. Fury, with Sgt. Fury 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 Sgt

Rawhide Kid (1955) #114 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 August 1973 as part of Rawhide Kid, with Rawhide 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 plot is stronge