Black Panther #4

Part four of Reginald Hudlin's opening arc arrives with a striking cover by John Cassaday that frames T'Challa in bold blue tones, arms spread wide, as the massive outline of a snarling panther's jaws open behind and above him — raw power rendered in stark, almost elemental simplicity. The contrast between the fully rendered Black Panther and the ghostly, uncolored big cat creates an arresting visual tension that perfectly suits a story asking who, exactly, this king and warrior truly is. With John Romita Jr. on interior art alongside inker Klaus Janson and colorist Dean White, this 2005 Marvel Knights chapter is a confident, compelling entry in one of the title's most ambitious runs.