Star Wars #9

Part three of the "Outlander" arc finds this 1999 Dark Horse series in gripping form, with a cover by Ken Kelly that throws two cloaked figures — one brandishing a blue lightsaber — directly into the path of a massive, snarling beast with glowing eyes and snapping fangs. The creature dominates the composition with raw, menacing scale, making the two fighters look almost recklessly brave as they stand their ground. Tim Truman's script and Rod Pereira's interior art continue the story of Sharad Hett's exile, and with a cover this visceral, issue nine is a fine place to jump into one of Star Wars comics' more underrated corners.