Adventure Comics Special Featuring the Guardian #1

Part of DC's ambitious "New Krypton" crossover event, this 2009 one-shot puts the Guardian front and center in a cover by Aaron Lopresti that crackles with kinetic urgency — the gold-masked, shield-bearing hero bursts through shattering glass alongside a fleeing young figure, while a looming fist holds what appears to be a photograph in the foreground. Writer James Robinson and artist Pere Pérez bring their talents to a story subtitled "The Worst Night of His Life," which promises exactly the kind of high-stakes, personal drama that makes superhero comics compelling.