Guardians of the Galaxy #20

Part of Marvel's 2010 "Realm of Kings" crossover event, this issue of Guardians of the Galaxy brings together a tense, atmospheric cover by Alex Garner that immediately signals high stakes — Rocket Raccoon crouches front and center with a massive assault rifle, flanked by a bald, pale-skinned figure and a helmeted, goggle-eyed warrior bristling with heavy weaponry, all looming against an enormous skull-faced, skeletal entity that spreads its jagged form across the cosmic blue background. Writers Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning, with interior art by Brad Walker inked by Victor Olazaba, deliver "Fault Lines" as the team faces what the cover makes unmistakably clear: something ancient and terrifying has set its sights on the Guardians. If you've been following this run's ambitious cosmic storytelling, issue #20 looks every bit as gripping as the series' reputation demands.