Marvel Tales #266

Released in 1992 to mark Spider-Man's 30th anniversary, this reprint issue kicks off "The Saga of Venom's Alien Costume Begins!" — and the cover by Ron Lim and Larry Mahlstedt sets the tone perfectly, with a determined Spider-Man in his classic red-and-blue suit lunging forward while a massive, looming black-costumed figure dominates the background, its white spider emblem and wide white eyes unmistakable. The contrast between the two figures — one vibrant and defiant, the other dark and overwhelming — captures exactly the kind of tension that made this storyline so compelling. Inside, the story "Homecoming" is brought to life by the creative team of Roger Stern, Tom DeFalco, Ron Frenz, Brett Breeding, Glynis Wein, and Joe Rosen, making this a fine showcase of the era's craftsmanship.