The American #3

Dark Horse's 1987 series delivers a grittily compelling portrait on the cover of issue #3: the American stands wide-legged in a rain-soaked alley, dual pistols raised, bandoliers crossing his chest, camouflage pants and a superhero-style eagle-emblazoned vest making for an striking mix of soldier and symbol. Chris Warner's cover art—both pencils and inks—captures a figure who looks battle-worn but unbroken, surrounded by chain-link fencing, debris, and the kind of urban decay that gives the title "America's Team" an edge of irony. Mark Verheiden's series was already staking out provocative territory in 1987, and this cover makes a strong case for what set it apart from the superhero mainstream.