Weekly Update 7/14/19

Something I've been thinking about a lot looking at these comics is how fair my criticisms are. What I mean is, are the expectations I bring to these comics and the criteria I use to judge them appropriate for the medium and the era? A modern comic explicitly written for an adult audience is easier to feel comfortable critiquing, because I more fully understand the parameters of what success is for the comic. But with an Avengers' issue from 1971, is it wrong of me to expect more than pulpy action? Was depth of characterization, efficient prose, and intelligent integration of social issues a serious goal for the creators, or am I bringing modern expectations to the early days of a medium?

I'm not saying I'm wrong to like/dislike a comic because of any of those reasons; just because it was noteworthy in its day doesn't mean it's enjoyable any longer. But I think while judging the success of an issue, it's worth keeping in mind what the goal of the creators was in their time.

This week's episode is Marvel Year Ten: 1971 Pt. 2, due out tomorrow 7/15/19. Please get any 1971 feedback for us to discuss on our next Variant Cover episode by 7/16/19. You can send it to mymarvelousyear@gmail.com

THE COMICS COVERED FOR 1971, PT. 2 ARE:

Amazing Adventures #8
Astonishing Tales #8, page 23 onward only
Avengers #89 - 94
Amazing Spider-Man #100 - 102
Captain America #144

In addition, $3+ Patrons will get access to Extra Issues, the bonus newsletter that fleshes out each year's readings.

Extra Issues: 1971 will cover T'challa's origin, Red Wolf, Red Skull vs. Dr Doom, and more!

EXTRA ISSUES 1971:

Captain America # 134
Astonishing Tales #4-5
Avengers #87
Savage Tales #1
Captain America # 139
Marvel Spotlight #1
Dardevil #81

UPCOMING PODCAST SCHEDULE:

July 15: Marvel Year Ten: 1971 Pt. 2
July 16: Feedback for 1971's Variant Cover Due
July 22: Marvel Year Ten: 1971 Variant Cover
July 29: Marvel Year Eleven: 1972 Pt. 1
August 5: Marvel Year Eleven: 1972 Pt. 2
August 6: Feedback for 1972's Variant Cover Due
August 12: Marvel Year Eleven: 1972 Variant Cover

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You can find all the My Marvelous Year reading lists here and check out the rest of what Comic Book Herald has to offer here.
Thanks for joining us on this journey through Marvel comics!