What makes the best comic book covers? It is a great topic for debate. For us, as individuals, there is no wrong answer, of course; it is purely subjective. But, with a little thought it’s possible to explain what it is about a particular image that grabs you. The best images are the ones that make you stop and check out something you weren’t previously planning to purchase – and in some cases, you even end up picking up a title you’ve never even heard of before.

Since his dramatic debut as one of Superman’s foremost foes way back in the 1940s, Lex Luthor has played perhaps the Man of Tomorrow’s most vile villain, and played it well. But, what if, to quote David Bowie, Mr. Luthor had become a hero for just one day? That is the powerful premise behind Action Comics #544 (June 1983) from DC Comics.

Donning the then-new costume designed by George Pérez, Luthor travels to his own self-adored planet, Lexor, where he has a wife and child, and many beloved devotees who follow his unabashed heroic deeds and amazing scientific acumen. Taking the high road – literally to the planet’s skies – the paradoxical hero defends his distant planetary sanctuary from all foes. And, it is there he not only wins the population’s hearts but the reader’s too.

A must-have Superman epic minus the Man of Steel, look for this classic comic book treasure to add to your collection toot sweet!

-Scott Braden