Conan the Barbarian #213

Conan hurls himself onto the back of a massive, snarling tiger-striped beast mid-leap, blade in hand, in this December 1988 Marvel issue — a cover by Val Semeiks and Geof Isherwood that radiates raw, kinetic energy against a lush jungle backdrop. The struggle between man and creature dominates the image with real visceral weight, promising the kind of sword-and-sorcery action that defines the Cimmerian's world. With James Owsley and Val Semeiks steering the story — "The Gate" — and inks from Alfredo Alcala inside, this is a finely crafted entry in Conan's long run at Marvel.