Captain Marvel Adventures #85

The cover of this June 1948 Fawcett issue, rendered by C. C. Beck, says it all: Captain Marvel soars in his bright orange costume above a sleek streamliner — labeled "Spirit of '76" — trailing dynamic speed lines as billowing clouds fill the sky behind him. The bottom banner promises a complete four-part action thriller, "Captain Marvel and the Freedom Train," all in one issue — a satisfying package for any reader picking this up off the spinner rack. It's a confident, cleanly composed cover that captures the Big Red Cheese at his high-flying best.