The Spectacular Spider-Man #32

The cover of this July 1979 issue says it all — Spider-Man leaps back against a stark pink-and-black backdrop as the massive, clawed form of the Reptile lunges toward him, all coiled tail and savage menace, perfectly setting the stage for "A Zoo Story." Bob Layton's cover composition uses dramatic negative space to make the creature feel genuinely threatening, dwarfing the web-slinger in a way that feels tense without being overwrought. Bill Mantlo and Jim Mooney deliver what looks to be one of the more visually striking match-ups in this series' run.