Captain America #26

Part of Marvel Knights' bold 2004 run, this issue finds Captain America mid-leap above a swarm of armored, yellow-suited enemies, his vibranium shield already ricocheting through their ranks. Dave Johnson's cover crackles with kinetic energy — Cap is outnumbered but completely in command, scattering opponents in every direction with focused, purposeful force. With Robert Morales writing and Chris Bachalo on interior art, it's a strong chapter in one of the more thoughtful takes on the Star-Spangled Avenger from this era.