Adventures of Superman #601

A mysterious armored figure dominates the foreground of this April 2002 issue, wielding a glowing energy weapon whose reflective blade reveals Superman himself — cape flowing, poised and alert — caught within its surface. The tagline "The Power of Persuasion!" sets a compelling tone for Part 1 of the two-part "Cult of Persuasion" story, brought to life by writer Joe Casey and artist Pete Woods. Cover artist John Paul Leon delivers a striking design that uses shadow and cool electric light to draw the eye straight into the tension at the heart of this DC adventure.