Journey into Mystery #516

This January 1998 issue of Journey into Mystery puts Shang-Chi, Master of Kung Fu, front and center — literally — as he squares off in a rooftop confrontation against a bare-chested martial arts opponent while a massive, smoke-wreathed fortress looms behind them and two bystanders watch nervously nearby. The cover's bold "FINAL SHOWDOWN!" banner leaves no doubt that writer Ben Raab and cover artists Brian Hagan and Sandu Florea are delivering high-stakes action. If you've been following Shang-Chi's adventures in this anthology series, this is exactly the kind of charged, kinetic cover that makes you want to dive straight inside.