The Mighty Thor #126 (1966)

Iconic characters spring from the minds of iconic creators. Such is the case of The Mighty Thor, brainchild of comics legend Jack Kirby. As the cover of issue #126 aptly demonstrates Kirby's classic style translates particularly well to the revitalization of mythology to the modern age. Demigod trappings abound and otherworldly sinews strain as the Asgardian prince pits his Norse strength against the ancient Greek might of Hercules. Vince Colletta's inks bring the toil of combat to vivid life, as the titans cause the Earth to tremble in their battle for the affections of Jane Foster.

Atom and Hawkman #40 (1968)

DC Comics has a long tradition of pairing heroes to boost sales of flagging titles or capitalize on popular trends: Superman & Batman, Green Arrow & Green Lantern, even Hawk & Dove. One famous, albeit short-lived pairing, was the seven issue run of Atom and Hawkman of the late 1960s. Elevating two B-list heroes to a level of popularity normally unachievable for either outside of their involvement in the Justice League of America. The enduring quality of the team-up owes much of its memorability to the unforgettable pencils and inks provided by Joe Kubert, as evidinced by this forced perspective cover. Hawkman looms larger than life, almost belittling the raging storm elements, cradling the crumpled forms of Atom and, for scale, a wounded bird.

Doctor Strange #14 (1976)

Continuing a storyline begun in Tomb of Dracula #44 from the same year, readers find the Master of the Mystic Arts, Doctor Strange confronting the Lord of the Vampires, Dracula. The cover by Gene Colan and Tom Palmer draws a casual glance closer immediately, as the vampire gloats disdainfully over the seemingly vanquished sorcerer (mockingly referring to Stephen Strange as a "magician"), all the while unaware that the battle is far from over as the good Doctor's astral form prepares to renew the conflict. The fluid lines and exaggerated facial expressions convey completely the free-wheeling Marvel mayhem of the mid-1970s, when mysticism and pop culture combined to revitalize staid storylines in the comics industry.