Action Comics #538 COVER by Buckler, 1982 Superman vs Jackhammer!

A great Superman cover by Buckler and Giordano from the days when the cover image really told a story, complete with word balloons.

This issue continues a story arc involving a new villain named Jackhammer. In the previous couple issues, Superman has been split by Lord Satanis and Syrene into two halves, one of which is stuck in the past. Their powers are also split in two, and the Superman of the present (seen on this cover) lacks invulnerability and heat vision.

In this issue, when Jackhammer and his crooks attempt to rob a theater, Superman freezes their weapons and baits Jackhammer out of the place. Superman fights hard, but without his invulnerability, he is overwhelmed by Jackhammer's hydraulic punches and armor. Nonetheless, when a crowd sees Superman being beaten they attack Jackhammer to save Superman, distracting him long enough to allow Superman to knock Jackhammer out by punching his unprotected lower face.

Superman receives the multitude's congratulations, but he insists he's the one who is grateful. Because they fought their fears and faced a danger, they gave him one chance to win.

I love this kind of story, because it shows that even when Superman is outmatched, he never gives up. And I also like how ordinary people stepped up to help their beloved alien protector when the need arose.