Avengers #26

Part of Marvel's 2012 Avengers vs. X-Men crossover event, this issue features a cover by Walter Simonson that crackles with raw power — Thor and a heavily armored opponent are locked in a brutal mid-air clash, Mjolnir raised high while golden energy explodes between them. Simonson's dynamic linework gives the whole image a kinetic, almost mythic energy that feels right at home with the god of thunder. With Bendis scripting and Scott Hanna and Jason Keith rounding out the creative team, this is a striking chapter in one of 2012's most ambitious Marvel storylines.