Captain America #12

Part four of "The Winter Soldier" arrives with one of 2005's most striking cover compositions — a massive, shadowy Winter Soldier looms over a diminutive Captain America, sniper rifle aimed directly at the viewer, his cybernetic arm gleaming as scattered documents litter the ground below. The scale contrast brilliantly telegraphs the threat Steve Rogers faces, with pencils and inks by Steve Epting delivering a mood that is equal parts espionage thriller and superhero tension. Ed Brubaker's run is in full swing here, and this cover alone makes clear why this arc had readers eagerly counting down to each new installment.