The Dragon #3

The third issue of Image's The Dragon arrives in 1996 with a cover by Erik Larsen that's hard to look away from — a cracked, American-flag-patterned mask dominates the composition, its goggle lenses reflecting a green-skinned face as spent shell casings and debris explode outward in every direction. Titled "Born Again Patriot," this issue pairs that striking imagery with Larsen handling the full writing and art duties, with colors from Gregory Wright, Steve Oliff, and Olyoptics bringing the fiery chaos to vivid life. At just 99 cents, it's a punchy slice of mid-'90s Image energy that wears its themes right on its cover.