Power Man #43

The cover of this 1977 Marvel issue tells you everything you need to know about the stakes: Luke Cage in his signature yellow shirt is locked in a fierce, close-quarters clash with the Man Called Mace, whose spiked weapon crackles with violent impact right at center frame, while onlookers scatter in the background. Cover pencils by Ron Wilson and inks by Frank Giacoia give the confrontation a raw, kinetic energy that pulls you right into the street-level chaos. With the cover boldly promising "The Death of Luke Cage," this is one of those issues that dares you not to pick it up.