Mutant X #12

The cover of this special double-sized September 1999 issue makes its promise boldly: "The Long-Awaited Final Showdown!" Penciled by Cary Nord and inked by Andrew Pepoy, the image assembles a striking ensemble — a horned, flame-haired demoness spreading her arms wide at center, flanked by a masked, cloaked figure, a red-helmeted villain, a green-haired woman, a blond figure crackling with blue energy, and a dark-haired hero in blue commanding the foreground. As a bonus, the issue also comes packed with an all-star pin-up gallery, making this a satisfying milestone for fans who've followed the series through its first year.