John Carter, Warlord of Mars #9

Marvel's 1978 "Giant Battle Issue!" of John Carter, Warlord of Mars delivers exactly what it promises — the cover by Gil Kane and Rudy Nebres erupts with a massive, sword-wielding green Martian warrior dominating the foreground as John Carter and a mob of combatants clash in the chaos below, with fire blazing in the background. A bold speech bubble calls out Tars Tarkas by name, signaling that this chapter of "Armageddon... at Last!" pits allies against a tide of enemies in a battle of life-or-death stakes. Fans of Edgar Rice Burroughs' Barsoom will find plenty to love in this oversized installment of one of Marvel's more ambitious sword-and-planet adaptations.