Weekly Update - 1/27/19

Moving into the back half of our 1963 list, we see the introduction of three new series: X-Men, The Avengers, and Dr. Strange (in the B stories of Strange Tales). In defiance of my expectations given their modern success, X-Men and Avengers have something of a mediocre start. Over the next few years, I'll be fascinated to see how such iconic superhero groups emerge from these rocky beginnings.

A bit of Patreon admin: Extra Issues is switching up formats. In place of a podcast, it's going to be a newsletter. After putting a lot of work into the podcast, I discovered it's not the best way to deliver the content I envisioned it to be. I'm going to be making the same sorts of list, same recommendations, same observations on the issues, but now in written form (with the assistance of artwork)! I'll be catching up to 1963 ASAP, with 1962's issue being released today in a separate post. I hope you all enjoy reading the newsletter as much as I am enjoying making it!

With the switch in format and discussion with backers, we're also shuffling the backer tiers a bit. Extra Issues (the newsletter) is moving down to the $3 tier, and Slack membership is bumping up to the $5. To be fair to the handful of Patrons already here in the Slack at the $3 level, you'll be grandfathered in, so nothing will change for you (except access to the newsletter).

Thank you for your patience while we fine tune this project.  This should be the last change we see for awhile (besides additions of new benefits). And another thank you is in order for making the launch of the show so successful. I can't believe we're well over halfway to our second goal already!

This week's episode is Marvel Year Two: 1963 Pt. 2, due out tomorrow 1/28/19. All feedback for 1963 can be sent to mymarvelousyear@gmail.com, and the deadline is 1/29/19 by midnight. 

The comics we're covering for Marvel Year Two: 1963 Pt. 1 are:

Sgt. Fury and His Holwing Commandos #1
Tales to Astonish #44
Fantastic Four #16
Fantastic Four #17
Avengers #1
Uncanny X-Men #1
Strange Tales #110
Strange Tales #114
Strange Tales #115

 In addition, $3+ Patreons will get access to Extra Issues, the bonus newsletter that fleshes out each year's readings. This upcoming issue will cover the introductions of Sandman, The Hate Monger, Giant Man, Tales of Asgard, Happy Hogan/Pepper Potts, a very good Ant-Man issue (I know, I know, hard to believe, but I swear it's true), and many more. 

EXTRA ISSUES

Fantastic Four #11 Worth Reading
Fantastic Four #20 Skip
Fantastic Four #21 Read If Interested
Tales to Astonish #39 Worth Reading
Tales to Astonish #49 Skip
Journey into Mystery #88 Read If Interested
Journey into Mystery #89 Read If Interested
Journey into Mystery #93 Skip
Journey into Mystery #97 Read If Interested
Tales of Suspense #43 Read If Interested
Tales of Suspense #45 Read If Interested
The Incredible Hulk #5 Read If Interested
The Incredible Hulk #6 Skip
The Amazing Spider-Man #4 Worth Reading
The Amazing Spider-Man #6 Read If Interested

UPCOMING PODCAST SCHEDULE:

Jan 28:  Marvel Year Two: 1963 Part 2
Jan 29:  Deadline for feedback about 1963
Feb 4:  Marvel Year Two: 1963 Variant Cover
Feb 11: Marvel Year Three: 1964 Part 1 / Extra Issues 1964
Feb 18:  Marvel Year Three: 1964 Part 2
Feb 19: Deadline for feedback about 1964
Feb 25: Marvel Year Three: 1964 Variant Cover

 Come chat with us in the Slack channel (available to $3+ patrons), and find us on Instagram or Twitter.
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!