Howling Commandos of S.H.I.E.L.D. #1

Frank J. Barbiere and Brent Schoonover launch a wild new corner of the Marvel Universe with this 2015 opener, sending S.H.I.E.L.D.'s most unconventional squad into action under the tagline "To fight the monsters of the world, it takes the monsters of the night!" Schoonover's cover assembles a striking ensemble beneath a full moon: a towering clay-like behemoth and a multi-tentacled creature loom behind the group, while a werewolf crouches at their feet and a fish-faced reptilian figure stands center — all flanked by human-looking agents in S.H.I.E.L.D. tactical gear, including a white-haired gunslinger and a blonde operative. Nick Filardi's moody, earthy colors give the whole scene a classic creature-feature atmosphere that makes "Mission 001: Earth Idol" feel like a genuinely fresh and entertaining ride.