Swords of the Swashbucklers #5 (1986) pages 2-3: The fuming empress

This space pirate series features numerous pulp elements which George Lucas also used in Star Wars. In this scene at the imperial court, the Empress discusses her concern that the Swashbucklers will destabilize her rule. Note the television camera pointed at her throne.

This was the first issue of the series for incoming artist Geof Isherwood, on both pencils and inks. He had been inking Conan the King over Marc Silvestri. In good Kirby tradition, pages 2 and 3 of each issue are a double page spread. The center panel teems with dozens of space galleons, people near and far, a light house, and more, giving the Imperial throne world a sense of life.