1963 #5

The fifth installment of Image's 1963 series spotlights Horus: Lord of Light, and Rick Veitch's cover crackles with Silver Age energy — the helmeted, cape-wearing Horus swings his weapon against a lurking night demon while a frightened mortal stowaway clings nearby, all set against a vivid yellow-green backdrop populated by Egyptian-styled figures and architecture. Speech bubbles straight from the era sell the drama perfectly: Horus torn between protecting the great Ra and dealing with his unwanted companion, with a bold "12 Hours to Dawn!" banner driving home the urgency. Veitch's affectionate homage to early-'60s superhero comics is thoroughly charming here, with every visual detail — from the retro logo to the $1.95 cover price — committed to the bit.