Superman: The Man of Steel #9

High above Metropolis — with the Daily Planet building visible far below — a massive, armored Brainiac figure dominates the cover as Superman squares off against him in a dramatic aerial standoff, energy crackling between them. Jon Bogdanove and Dennis Janke deliver a cover with a real sense of scale, the Man of Steel looking almost small against the looming mechanical threat overhead. Part of the "Panic in the Sky!" crossover event, this March 1992 issue kicks things off with its "First Strike" chapter, written by Louise Simonson.