Superman: The Man of Tomorrow #2

A golden-armored Alpha-Centurion dominates this 1995 DC cover, clutching a woman in one hand and Superman's shredded cape in the other while a battered Man of Steel kneels helplessly at his feet — it's a striking image that immediately sells the threat this Roman-inspired powerhouse poses to Metropolis. The tagline "Alpha-Centurion Takes Metropolis!" leaves little doubt that Superman is in serious trouble in "Pawns," the story within. Tom Grummett and Brett Breeding bring real dynamism to the composition, making this quarterly series feel every bit as compelling as the main Superman titles of the era.