Astonishing X-Men by Joss Whedon & John Cassaday Ultimate Collection #1

Three adamantium claws catch a burst of light against a stark black background — it's a quietly powerful image that captures Wolverine's presence without showing a single face, and John Cassaday's cover art makes it feel both menacing and elegant. This 2012 Marvel Ultimate Collection brings together Joss Whedon and Cassaday's celebrated Astonishing X-Men run in one substantial volume, colored throughout by Laura Martin. If you've been looking for a well-packaged way to experience this era of X-Men storytelling, this collection is a genuinely satisfying place to start.