Starman #39

Plasmax is back, and Starman is paying for it — the cover of this October 1991 DC issue tells the story vividly, with a massive close-up of Starman screaming in agony as oversized, fleshy hands crush and claw at his face while crackling energy streaks across his features. A small inset of Starman in his black-and-white costume flying confidently in the corner makes the contrast all the more striking. Writer Len Strazewski and the artistic team of Chas Truog and Andrew Pepoy bring real menace to this "Great Starman Search!" chapter, and the cover — penciled by Rick Bryant and inked by Joe Rubinstein — ensures you won't be setting this one back on the rack.