Superman: Birthright #5

Lex Luthor dominates this cover with a menacing, close-up grin that practically dares Superman to step up — and the Man of Steel, cape billowing, looks ready to do exactly that. A frightened woman recoils in the upper corner, driving home the "Menace to Metropolis!" tagline that anchors the composition. Mark Waid's retelling of Superman's origins continues here in fine form, with Leinil Francis Yu and Gerry Alanguilan delivering a cover that crackles with tension between two of comics' greatest rivals.