Superman #177

This 2002 issue from Loeb, McGuinness, and Smith sports one of the most delightfully playful covers of the year — a chibi-style Superman rendered as a Japanese import action figure, punching straight through his own packaging with a grin that radiates pure, good-natured fun. A second figure, partially visible in its own packaging below, hints that the Man of Steel isn't the only hero getting the collectible toy treatment. The whole design, complete with katakana lettering and a cheerful "Really Flies!" badge, is a love letter to action figure culture that's hard not to smile at.