Captain America #23

Part of Marvel's sweeping Civil War crossover event, this 2006 issue finds Ed Brubaker and Mike Perkins deep into "The Drums of War" trilogy. Steve Epting's cover captures the tension perfectly — the Winter Soldier strides forward armed and armored at center, flanked by Captain America on the left and Iron Man on the right, all three figures set against a stark red-and-gold backdrop that crackles with conflict. It's a striking visual snapshot of a Marvel universe at war with itself.