Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis #46

The cover of Aquaman: Sword of Atlantis #46 sets up a thrilling underwater confrontation, with a muscular, bare-chested Aquaman straining against heavy chains while the massive, looming form of King Shark lurks beneath and around him — and the bold tagline "But Which Aquaman?" promises that identity itself is part of the tension. Butch Guice's cover art delivers real dramatic weight, the deep blue underwater setting amplifying the sense of isolation and danger as Aquaman fights to break free. With Kurt Busiek, Karl Kesel, and Phil Winslade also on board for "Crown of Thorns," this December 2006 issue looks like a genuinely gripping chapter in the series.