Cerebus #71

Three framed portraits hang against an ornate wallpapered background on this February 1985 issue from Aardvark-Vanaheim, with gold coins tumbling through the air between them — Cerebus himself appears in clerical robes in the upper left, a stern nun-like figure occupies the upper right, and a third figure seen from behind fills the lower frame. The cover title "Hovering Below the Fray" is woven cleverly into the layout itself, its words scattered around the portraits as decorative text. Dave Sim and Gerhard bring their characteristically refined collaboration to this striking composition, giving the whole scene a formal, almost Old Master portrait-gallery feel that sets it distinctly apart from conventional superhero fare.