幻魔大戦 [Genma Taisen] [Genma Wars] #1

A striking opening volume of Genma Taisen, this 1968 Akita Shoten release showcases the dynamic artwork of 石森章太郎 (Shotaro Ishinomori), whose cover presents a bold young hero in a dark uniform stepping forward against a blazing red cosmic backdrop dominated by a massive, ghostly face with swirling eyes. Flanking him are three companions — a girl in a flowing cape, a blue armored figure, and a smaller character in red — suggesting a team assembled against something vast and otherworldly. Written by 平井和正, this first volume promises the kind of sweeping science-fiction adventure that made the Genma Wars saga a compelling collaboration between two of Japan's most imaginative storytelling talents.