He-Man #1

In 1952, a young dreamer named Juan Belmonte defies his father's wishes and pursues an impossible dream—to become a matador in the Spanish bullfighting arena. After years of secret practice and rejection, he finally gets his chance in 1910, facing down massive bulls with a courage and grace that captivates crowds and launches him toward legendary status. This is the true chronicle of how an ambitious boy from the slums of Seville became Spain's greatest torero.

"Tiger" Ted Temple, an amateur light-heavyweight and industrial chemist, gets a chance to spar with Marty Marden, the heavyweight champion of the world, at a charity event—and lands a stunning upset with a perfectly timed uppercut. When the impressed champion agrees to a private fifteen-round bout for charity, Marden's wary manager insists on London Prize Ring Rules: bare knuckles, no rounds, fight to a finish. Temple accepts the brutal challenge, and what unfolds is a grueling test of stamina, cunning, and sheer will as two fighters with very different advantages clash under the most savage conditions boxing has to offer.

In 1952, this historical account traces the ruthless rise of Attila, who became king of the Huns in 433 A.D. and spent the following years conquering vast stretches of Europe with devastating brutality—including a plot on his life by his own interpreter, Vigilas, and a massive assault on the Western Roman Empire in 451 A.D. The story chronicles how this legendary conqueror pushed his campaigns until his unexpected death in 453, cementing his legacy as history's most tyrannical ruler.

This non-fiction account examines Mount Everest—the 29,002-foot peak that has resisted conquest despite numerous expeditions—and explores the hardy breed of mountaineers who dedicate years to scaling its dangerous slopes. The piece details the mountain's brutal challenges: the narrow 45-day climbing window, exposure to relentless winds, thin air, and hazards like snow-blindness that have defeated even experienced climbers. As of 1952, Everest remains unconquered, standing as an enduring test of human determination against nature's most formidable barrier.

A British slave named Ursus is purchased by the Roman citizen Vatinius and forced into gladiatorial combat, where his brutal skill in the arena earns him fame—and a promise of freedom if he wins one final match. As Ursus battles for his liberty and a chance to remain with Tertia, the slave girl he loves, he discovers that the price of freedom may be far higher than blood spilled on sand. This tale of ancient Rome explores what a man will sacrifice when trapped between chains and the sword.