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

Reading Shanna the She Devil (1972) #1 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 1972 as part of Shanna the She Devil, with Shanna the She Devil 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 The Cat (1972) #1 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 November 1972 as part of The Cat, with THE CAT STALKS providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects AT NIGHT with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The most persuasive passages in The Cat (

What first stands out about Night Nurse (1972) #1 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 November 1972 as part of Night Nurse, with Linda Carter providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Metro General Hospital with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ At narrative leve

What first stands out about Jungle Action (1972) #1 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 October 1972 as part of Jungle Action, with Lorna the Jungle providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Jungle Action Vol with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is str

Gunhawks (1972) #1 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 October 1972 as part of Gunhawks, with Gunhawks 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 Gunhawks (1972) #1 a

Werewolf By Night (1972) #1 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 1972 as part of Werewolf by Night, with Jack Russell providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Buck Cowan with questions of loyalty and belonging. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Rather than crowding ev

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Warlock (1972) #1 understands that principle. The issue was published on 10 August 1972 as part of Warlock, with Warlock 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 most persuasive passages in Warlock (1972) #1 ar

What first stands out about Defenders (1972) #1 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 1972 as part of Defenders, with Sub Mariner providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Doctor Strange with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Defenders (1972) #1 builds tension by ma

There is something inviting about the way Luke Cage, Hero for Hire (1972) #1 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 June 1972 as part of Luke Cage, Hero for Hire, with Seagate Prison providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Carl Lucas with questions of courage and justice. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Rather than crowd

Combat Kelly and the Deadly Dozen (1972) #1 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 1972 as part of Combat Kelly and the Deadly Dozen, with Combat Kelly and the Deadly Dozen 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

What first stands out about Tomb of Dracula (1972) #1 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 10 April 1972 as part of Tomb of Dracula, with Frank Drake providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Count Dracula with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Tomb of Dracula (1972