Conan the Barbarian #11

Barry Smith's cover for this November 1971 issue pulls no punches: a massive, snarling ape-creature identified as Thak dominates the scene, grappling with a blue-haired woman while scattered treasure and a flaming object litter the floor — and a sword-wielding Conan charges in from the background, ready to even the odds. The cover proudly promises "the longest, greatest Conan epic ever," and with Roy Thomas writing and Smith handling both pencils and inks on the interior as well, there's real craftsmanship behind that claim. A vivid, energetic snapshot of the Hyborian Age at its pulpy best.