Hulk #17

Earl Norem's painted cover for this October 1979 magazine-format issue says everything you need to know: the Hulk looms large against a fiery orange-red background, green fist thrust forward and teeth bared in a ferocious snarl that practically leaps off the page. The tagline "Now That He's Seen You, Pray That He's On Your Side!" perfectly captures that mix of menace and raw power Marvel was riding high on, timed to the character's TV sensation status. Inside, writer Doug Moench and artist Bill Sienkiewicz — inked by Klaus Janson — bring "The Biggest Game" to life in what promises to be a worthy match for such a commanding cover.