Aquaman #12

This December 1963 issue from DC pits Aquaman against a desperate alien gladiator in a spectacular aquatic arena, both riders mounted on massive sea-horse creatures and trading energy-lance blasts before a packed crowd of spectators. Nick Cardy's cover crackles with kinetic energy — the challenger's plea, "I must destroy you, Aquaman… it is the only way to win my freedom from this evil world!", gives the confrontation a surprisingly sympathetic edge. Promising two full novelettes starring the King of the Seven Seas and his young ally Aqualad, this issue — also featuring "The Cosmic Gladiators!" — is a fine showcase for Cardy's dynamic underwater storytelling.