Guardians of the Galaxy #12

A white-haired woman in a black-and-red skull-emblazoned costume strides forward with sword in hand, her tattered cape billowing behind her — and looming over everything is an enormous skeletal face in the cosmos, making this 2009 issue feel genuinely ominous. Paul Renaud's cover composition is striking, with shadowy chess pieces at her feet hinting at a much larger game being played. Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning continue their celebrated run here, with Wes Craig and colorist Wil Quintana bringing the story "Sacrifice" to life inside.