Illuminati #2

The second issue of Marvel's 2016 Illuminati series announces itself with a striking crimson cover by Riley Rossmo, presenting a group of red-cloaked figures that radiates an air of shadowy menace — the central figure raises a smoking gun while a hulking companion at his side clutches what appears to be a massive chained sphere. A blonde woman and a spiky-costumed younger figure flank them on the left, and a stocky, red-bearded man rounds out the right, while a lone tiny silhouette stands dwarfed at their feet below. Writer Joshua Williamson and artist Shawn Crystal, with colors by John Rauch, bring this ensemble of Marvel's underworld together in what promises to be a tense chapter for this morally complicated crew.