Blackhawk #12

This Autumn 1946 issue puts Blackhawk front and center in his sharp blue captain's uniform and peaked cap, his jaw set with cool determination as a squadron of red enemy planes swirls through billowing smoke clouds behind him — a composition that captures the pulse-pounding aerial tension the series does so well. Cover artist Al Bryant gives the image a strong cinematic quality, balancing the hero's close-up portrait against the dynamic sweep of the attacking aircraft. With a story titled "The Winged Death" waiting inside, this is a fine example of Quality Comics' wartime adventure storytelling at its most atmospheric.