Journey into Unknown Worlds #49

Atlas Comics' Journey into Unknown Worlds #49 from September 1956 delivers a vivid snapshot of Cold War-era science fiction dread, with Russ Heath's cover depicting towering metal-suited invaders striding through a city reduced to fire and rubble while a desperate human figure reaches out amid the chaos. The bold cover tagline — "The World Wasn't Ready for the 'Invasion of the Metal-Men!'" — sets the stage for the kind of apocalyptic thriller that made Atlas anthology titles such a satisfying read in the mid-'50s. With Carl Wessler writing and Joe Maneely on interior art, this is a ten-cent package that punches well above its price.