Superman / Batman #6

Lex Luthor dominates this cover in his imposing green-and-purple battle suit, leering with unmistakable menace as explosions erupt across the cityscape behind him — and dangling from his armored fist is a torn Superman cape, a chilling trophy. Ed McGuinness and Dexter Vines bring their bold, kinetic style to this climax of "The World's Finest," with that combined Superman/Batman logo looming overhead as a reminder of just how much is at stake. Jeph Loeb's six-part opener to this series wraps up here in 2004, and this cover promises a showdown that's been building all arc long.