Iron Man Annual #9

This 1987 Giant-Sized Annual delivers a high-altitude standoff as Iron Man clashes in open space with Stratosfire — a gold-and-orange-suited woman hurling energy blasts — while Sunturion lurks in the background, heralded by the cover's own bold declaration that he's returned from oblivion. The tag line "Savior or Assassin?" perfectly frames Stratosfire's ambiguous threat, and the dynamic cover composition by penciler M. D. Bright and inker Bob Layton crackles with kinetic energy. With David Michelinie and Bob Layton scripting and Mark Bright on interior art, this oversized issue is a satisfying showcase of the creative team that made late-'80s Iron Man such a compelling read.