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Conan the Barbarian (1970) #4 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 April 1971 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. ⁠ C

Astonishing Tales (1970) #4 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 February 1971 as part of Astonishing Tales, with Ka Zar providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Meanwhile Doctor Doom with questions of fear and power. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Rather than crowding every

Reading Avengers Annual (1967) #4 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 January 1971 as part of Avengers Annual, with Avengers 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. ⁠ Rather than crowding every

Amazing Adventures (1970) #4 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 1971 as part of Amazing Adventures, with Mandarin 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 most persuasive passage

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Tower of Shadows (1969) #4 understands that principle. The issue was published on 10 March 1970 as part of Tower of Shadows, with Tower of Shadows 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. ⁠ At narrative le

Young Men (1950) #4 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 31 December 1969 as part of Young Men, with Young Men 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. ⁠ Rather than crowding every page with expla

There is something inviting about the way Silver Surfer (1968) #4 establishes its world, its conflict and its emotional temperature with very little fuss. The issue was published on 1 February 1969 as part of Silver Surfer, with Surfer providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Thor with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Silver Surfer (1968) #4 a

Nick Fury, Agent of SHIELD (1968) #4 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 1968 as part of Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., with Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. 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 sim

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Sgt Fury and His Howling Commandos Annual (1965) #4 understands that principle. The issue was published on 10 August 1968 as part of Sgt. Fury and His Howling Commandos Annual, with Sgt. Fury and His Howling Commandos providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects the supporting cast with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening

Sub Mariner (1968) #4 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 1968 as part of Sub Mariner, with Atlantis 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. ⁠ Sub Mariner (1968) #4 builds tension b

Reading Iron Man (1968) #4 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 1968 as part of Iron Man, with Happy Hogan providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Tony Stark with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Iron Man (1968) #4 builds tension by mak

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Captain Marvel (1968) #4 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 August 1968 as part of Captain Marvel, with Captain Marvel providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Kree with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story momentum in Captain Marvel (1968) #4 come