The Savage Sword of Conan #83

High in a wind-scoured mountain pass, Conan grapples bare-handed with a massive winged demon — leathery bat-wings spread wide, grotesque fanged face recoiling from the Cimmerian's crushing grip — and Jeff Easley's painted cover crackles with raw physical energy. The deep purples and fiery amber sky behind them give the whole scene a brooding, supernatural weight that fits perfectly with the story title "The Demon in the Dark!" waiting inside. This December 1982 issue of Marvel's black-and-white magazine series showcases the barbarian at his most elemental, with interior art from the striking creative team of Esteban Maroto, Neal Adams, and Ernie Chua bringing Roy Thomas's script to life.