The Avengers #146

The cover of this April 1976 Marvel issue pulls you right into the action, with Thor, hammer raised and red cape billowing, charging forward alongside Captain America (shield at the ready), Iron Man, the Vision, and Hawkeye — five Avengers surging out of a circular city-street vignette against a stark black background. The tagline "Caught in the Crossfire of the Uncanny Assassin!" sets an ominous tone, while the story title "The Assassin Never Fails!" promises serious stakes for Earth's Mightiest Heroes. Gil Kane's pencils and Al Milgrom's inks give the lineup real momentum, making this feel like one of those mid-1970s Marvel issues where the roster alone is reason enough to pick it up.