Superman #120

Superman #120 brings a striking February 1997 image that says everything without a word: the Man of Steel, seen from behind, strains head-back against heavy chains coiled around his body, shattering them with raw, unstoppable force. The bold red-and-yellow S-shield on his back anchors the cool teal palette, making the moment feel both monumental and intimate. With Jurgens writing and the Frenz/Rubinstein art team delivering a cover this visceral, "To Be a Superman" promises exactly the kind of story its title suggests.