Crying Freeman #7

Ryoichi Ikegami's cover art for this 1990 Viz edition is a striking introduction to the world of Crying Freeman — a powerfully built man with a sword gripped between his teeth stands shirtless, his torso adorned with an elaborate dragon tattoo, while a dark-haired woman leans close beside him against a moody, rain-soaked cityscape backdrop. The composition radiates both danger and intimacy, perfectly capturing the series' blend of action and sensuality. With story by Kazuo Koike and art by Ikegami carrying through the interior, Portrait of a Killer Part 1 promises exactly the kind of stylish, intense storytelling the series delivers.