Justice League America #59

Part 13 of the "Breakdowns" saga finds the Justice League in a genuinely dire — and genuinely funny — predicament: Martian Manhunter and Blue Beetle are seated stoically in an enormous black cauldron over a fire, tied-up teammates dangling from posts on either side, as Beetle deadpans, "Well, here's another fine mess…" The cover by Kevin Maguire and Terry Austin captures that signature Giffen/DeMatteis blend of absurdity and peril with easy charm. With story by Giffen and DeMatteis and interior art by Sears, Beatty, and Elliott, this 1992 issue is a fine snapshot of one of DC's most entertainingly self-aware team books.