Green Lantern #124

Green Lantern #124 (May 2000) delivers one of the more striking cover images of the year — Kyle Rayner, ring blazing with green energy, punching his way through the iris of a massive, bloodshot eye in a visceral "Break On Through!" moment that feels equal parts surreal and thrilling. The cover by Darryl Banks and Greg Adams uses that giant eye as both a literal and symbolic barrier, with Kyle's determined grimace suggesting whatever stands between him and his goal won't stay standing for long. Ron Marz, Banks, and Andy Smith bring "Control Freak" to life inside, and if the cover is any indication, this issue wastes no time on subtlety.