Avengers #8

Part of Jonathan Hickman's expansive 2013 Avengers run, issue #8 carries the intriguing title "Starbranded" — and the cover by Dustin Weaver, colored by Justin Ponsor, makes a striking visual argument for what's at stake. A massive fist blazing with a star emblem dominates the foreground, its energy lashing outward in brilliant streaks toward Iron Man, Captain America, Thor crackling with lightning, the Hulk, Captain Marvel, and at least two other figures arrayed across a rubble-strewn battlefield. It's a powerful image that positions Earth's Mightiest Heroes against something — or someone — radiating tremendous cosmic force.