The Amazing Spider-Man #612

A blood-red sky hangs over a silhouetted New York City skyline as a massive, looming eye-lens — unmistakably Spider-Man's — fills the cover, with a crackling bolt of lightning and a menacing, glowing-eyed face reflected within it. That reflected visage, combined with the Electro banner in the corner, signals that "The Gauntlet Begins" is no idle threat, and Mark Waid, Paul Azaceta, and Dave Stewart bring the tension to life inside. A Black Cat bonus story by Kelly and Niimura rounds out the issue, making this a genuinely satisfying package as one of Marvel's most ambitious 2010 storylines kicks into gear.