The Amazing Spider-Man #626

Part of Marvel's "Gauntlet" storyline, this 2010 chapter finds Spider-Man at a breaking point — literally crouched and masked-up in a darkened alley, head in his hands, surrounded by glowing billboard images of a woman's face and a scorpion, with a sign reading "Victim of the Gauntlet" looming ominously overhead. Michael Del Mundo's cover composition is quietly striking, with that vast white spider-symbol framing Peter's weary figure against the moody urban backdrop. Fred Van Lente and Michael Gaydos bring "The Sting!" to life in what promises to be one of the more emotionally charged installments of this fan-favorite arc.