Action Comics #426

The cover of this August 1973 issue captures one of comics' most satisfying images: Clark Kent mid-transformation, his suit jacket flying off as a rapid-fire blur of Superman streaks toward a crashing jet aircraft, with onlookers in the park below crying out "Superman!" — all rendered with terrific kinetic energy by cover artist Nick Cardy. Inside, Cary Bates scripts the main Superman tale ("Master of the Moon Rocks!") with art by the dependable Curt Swan inked by Murphy Anderson, a pairing that defined the Man of Steel's look for a generation of readers. Bonus features starring Green Arrow and the Human Target round out this packed 20-cent package, a fine example of the value DC was delivering in 1973.