Captain America #2

A battered, battle-worn Captain America stands amid a surreal alien landscape of glowing crystal formations and drifting mist, his iconic shield gripped at his side alongside what appears to be a makeshift weapon — and notably, a young child stands close beside him, suggesting an unexpected protective bond at the heart of this story. Rick Remender's writing paired with John Romita Jr.'s pencils and Klaus Janson's inks gives the cover a raw, gritty energy that feels worlds away from anything familiar. This 2013 Marvel NOW! entry promises a Captain America pushed well beyond his comfort zone, and the tension radiating from that cover image alone makes it easy to see why readers kept turning pages.