The Savage Sword of Conan #122

Ernie Chan's painted cover for this 1986 Marvel magazine issue delivers everything fans of sword-and-sorcery expect: a red-caped Conan stands triumphant, sword raised, shielding two fallen figures at his feet while armored warriors and strange creatures press in from the shadows behind him. Looming above the chaos is a darkly ornate tower crowned with skulls, setting an ominous tone that pairs perfectly with the interior tale, "The Blossoms of the Black Lotus," written by Charles Dixon with art by Val Semeiks. It's a richly atmospheric package that captures the brooding, blood-and-thunder spirit of Robert E. Howard's Hyborian Age in fine form.