The Avengers Annual #11

This 1982 king-size annual from Marvel pits the Avengers against the Defenders in a sprawling clash that fills Al Milgrom's jam-packed cover with heroes in full collision — Captain America, Thor, and the Silver Surfer on his gleaming board are front and center, while figures including a white-costumed woman and a flame-winged flier trade blows across the chaotic scene. A tantalizing cover blurb asks who the mystery woman is that Nebulon has fallen for, adding an intriguing wrinkle beyond the sheer hero-versus-hero spectacle. As a bonus, the issue promises a first look inside the official Avengers Manual, making this a particularly generous package from J. M. DeMatteis and Milgrom.