The Savage Sword of Conan #138

Joe Jusko's painted cover for issue #138 says everything you need to know about why The Savage Sword of Conan kept readers coming back — a rain-soaked, lightning-wreathed Conan stands triumphant atop a heap of fallen enemies, sword in one hand and a bladed weapon in the other, his expression fierce and unyielding. The dramatic blue storm atmosphere crackles with energy, making the Barbarian look like a force of nature rather than merely a man. Inside, Charles Dixon and artist Fraja Bator take Conan into the "Lair of the Lizard God," promising exactly the kind of pulpy, sword-and-sorcery adventure this Marvel magazine delivered so well in 1987.