Defenders #5

The grand finale of this 2006 Marvel limited series brings the full chaos of the Defenders to a head, with Kevin Maguire's cover delivering a gloriously packed battle scene: Doctor Strange channels swirling mystical energy at the center while Namor and the Hulk brawl alongside him, all surrounded by a menacing crowd of armored and shadowy adversaries. It's a fitting curtain call for the Giffen/DeMatteis/Maguire team, whose sharp wit and dynamic character work made this five-issue run a genuine treat. If you've been following along, issue #5 is the satisfying payoff the series has been building toward.