New Avengers #17

Three of Marvel's heaviest hitters — Ms. Marvel front and center in her black-and-gold costume, Wolverine crouching with claws fully extended at lower left, and Captain America stern-faced behind her — strike a tense, unified pose against a warm golden backdrop. The cover pencils by Steve McNiven, inked by Dexter Vines, give the trio a sleek, dynamic energy that perfectly sets the stage for "The Collective Part One," written by Brian Michael Bendis with interior art by Mike Deodato Jr. Whatever threat has assembled this team in 2006, the New Avengers look ready to meet it head-on.