Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-Man #312

Part of Marvel's Spider-Geddon crossover event, this issue pulls readers straight into the chaos with a cover by Philip Tan that says everything without a word: a battered Spider-Man is cradled in the arms of an older, determined-looking man in a suit and tie, both surrounded by roaring flames and the looming, red-eyed silhouette of something monstrous in the shadows above them. The image carries real emotional weight — Spider-Man looks spent, and the man holding him looks like someone who refuses to give up. Sean Ryan, Juan Frigeri, and Jason Keith bring "Spider-Geddon Part 2" to life, and if this cover is any indication, the stakes are as high as they get.