Superman #314

Superman #314 (August 1977) hits hard with a cover by Curt Swan and Neal Adams showing the Man of Steel doubled over in apparent agony, while two fallen heroes — the Flash and Green Lantern — lie defeated at his feet. Lurking in the background is the purple-clad Amalak, whose cover declaration as Superman's "judge, jury, and executioner" sets an ominous tone that the story title — "Before This Night Is Over, Superman Will Kill!" — only intensifies. Martin Pasko's script, brought to life by Swan's pencils and Dan Adkins' inks inside, promises a night of genuine moral stakes for the Man of Steel.