Astonishing X-Men #3

Wolverine comes barreling straight at the viewer on John Cassaday's cover for this 2004 installment of Joss Whedon's "Gifted" arc — claws fully extended on both fists, teeth bared, and decked out in his blue-and-gold costume against a sunburst yellow background that makes the image crackle with energy. It's a wonderfully dynamic composition that puts you right in the path of Marvel's most ferocious X-Man. Part three of the story means things are well and truly in motion, and this cover sets the tone with real conviction.