New Gods #4

The cover of this May 1989 DC "New Format" issue says it all: a wild-eyed, snarling Mantis — green-skinned and sporting his distinctive yellow insectoid helmet — has a hapless hero in a crushing grip right above what appears to be a DEFCON control panel, fist raised and fury written across his face. The tag line "Mantis Goes Mad!" promises that Jack Kirby's Fourth World is about to get very dangerous, very fast. With Starlin and Cullins crafting "The Armageddon Trap! Part One," and cover art by Cullins and Al Vey delivering that raw, kinetic energy, this is a fine entry point into one of DC's most cosmic corners.