Marvel Comics Presents #12

This 1989 anthology issue promises two distinct thrills on a single cover: on the left, the towering, moss-covered Man-Thing looms over a figure in purple trousers, promising the chilling climax to his saga; on the right, a steel-skinned Colossus in his X-Men uniform hoists what appears to be a military aircraft near a domed government building as a suited agent looks on, teasing a confrontation with the C.I.A. Ron Frenz and Joe Sinnott deliver a split-panel cover that efficiently sells both stories' stakes with punchy energy. With Scott Lobdell, Frank Springer, and the rest of the creative team handling the interior, this issue packs genuine variety into its $1.25 price tag.