Guardians of the Galaxy #23

Rocket Raccoon surges across this stunning watercolor-style cover by Christian Ward, rendered in sweeping bursts of gold, orange, and violet that give the familiar Guardian an almost elemental energy. The painterly treatment is a real standout for 2015 Marvel — fluid and expressive in a way that feels genuinely fresh. Inside, Brian Michael Bendis and Valerio Schiti continue their run on Marvel's cosmic crew, so the adventurous spirit on full display here carries straight through to the story.