Aquaman #52

This February 1999 issue plunges Aquaman into a blazing underwater confrontation, and Erik Larsen's cover — both penciled and inked by him — captures the stakes vividly: a wild-haired, glowing figure dives aggressively toward a smoldering red creature while a young woman lies vulnerable below, all set against a churning clash of fire and deep-sea blue. The bold cover copy "King of the Fire Trolls!" tells you exactly what kind of elemental threat the Sea King is facing, and the visual collision of scorching flame and ocean water makes for a genuinely striking image. With interior art from Jim Aparo and Eric Battle, inked by Bill Sienkiewicz, "Same As It Never Was!" looks like a worthwhile chapter in Aquaman's late-'90s run.