Jack Kirby's Fourth World #7

John Byrne brings his vision of Jack Kirby's cosmic mythology to a head in this September 1997 installment, subtitled "Hard Lessons!" on the cover itself. Walter Simonson's cover art crackles with kinetic energy, depicting two armored combatants — one in red and gold, one in blue and gold — locked in a fierce mid-air clash, energy lines streaking across the composition while a crowded arena of onlookers watches from above. It's a visceral snapshot of New Gods-scale conflict that makes "The Way of the Warrior" a fitting story title for what's clearly a brutal confrontation.