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A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Iron Man (1968) #48 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 July 1972 as part of Iron Man, with Iron Man providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Enter Firbrand with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Iron Man (1968) #48 allows on

Sub Mariner (1968) #48 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 April 1972 as part of Sub Mariner, with Namor Doctor Doom providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Cosmic Cube with questions of truth and suspicion. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Sub Mariner (1968) #48 builds tension by making e

Daredevil (1964) #48 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 1969 as part of Daredevil, with Foggy Nelson providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects District Attorney with questions of affection and trust. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Daredevil (1964) #48 treats the central conflict a

Uncanny X Men (1981) #48 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 September 1968 as part of Uncanny X Men, with Girl providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Hive with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Uncanny X Men (1981) #48 treats the ce

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Uncanny X Men (1963) #48 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 September 1968 as part of Uncanny X Men, with Uncanny X 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. ⁠ Uncanny X Men (1963)

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Avengers (1963) #48 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 January 1968 as part of Avengers, with Dane Whitman providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Black Knight with questions of fear and power. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The most persuasive passages in Avengers (1963) #48 a

Sgt Fury (1963) #48 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 November 1967 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. ⁠ Story momentum in Sgt Fury (

The Amazing Spider Man (1963) #48 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 May 1967 as part of The Amazing Spider Man, with Spider Man providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Kraven the Hunter with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The sto

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Fantastic Four (1961) #48 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 March 1966 as part of Fantastic Four, with Coming providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Galacus with questions of identity and responsibility. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ Story momentum in Fantastic Four (1961) #

Rawhide Kid (1955) #48 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 October 1965 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. ⁠ Rawhide Kid (1955)

Reading Tales of Suspense (1959) #48 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 1963 as part of Tales of Suspense, with Mister Doll providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Iron Man with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ At narrative level, Tales of Sus

A strong comic issue should offer a reason to care before the machinery of the plot takes over, and Tales to Astonish (1959) #48 understands that principle. The issue was published on 1 October 1963 as part of Tales to Astonish, with Ant Man providing the clearest point of entry. Its premise connects Wasp with questions of duty and courage. That combination gives the opening a purpose beyond simply announcing another adventure. ⁠ The plot is strongest when Tales to Astonish (