Tom & Jerry Comics #94

Tom's scheming grin says it all — on this May 1952 Dell cover, penciled and inked by Harvey Eisenberg, the crafty cat strides across a sunny yard clutching a red picnic basket that holds a very surprised Jerry (sandwich and all) as his captive cargo. Scattered banana peels and mushrooms at Tom's feet hint that the day's adventure is already off to a chaotic start. It's a warm, wonderfully drawn snapshot of the duo's endless rivalry that perfectly sets the playful tone for the stories inside.