The Uncanny X-Men #480

In "The Rise and Fall of the Shi'ar Empire Chapter Six: Vulcan's Progress (Redux)," the mutant warlord Vulcan unleashes chaos against the Shi'ar Imperial Guard, cutting a bloody path before facing Gladiator in a brutal clash that leaves one eye lost and the fate of the empire hanging in the balance. Written by Ed Brubaker and brought to life by Clayton Henry’s dynamic art, with inks by Mark Morales and colors by Frank D'Armata, this pivotal issue sets a trap within the Shi'ar prison system, where an unexpected reunion awaits Vulcan—courtesy of a mysterious escape orchestrated by the Shi'ar’s secret army. The cover by John Watson captures the intensity of the moment, a striking image of Vulcan’s fall and the looming shadow of what comes next.