Justice League of America #178

In "The Chess-Master of Mars," the Martian Manhunter faces off against the cunning Despero in a high-stakes psychic duel across the red planet, using the Justice League as unwitting pawns in a game of cosmic strategy. Written by Gerry Conway and illustrated by Dick Dillin with inks by Frank McLaughlin, this 1980 issue sees J'onn J'onzz relying on his allies to decipher a cryptic clue he leaves behind—only time will tell if they can outthink the mind of Mars. The cover by Jim Starlin captures the tension with a striking, otherworldly scene.