Marvel/DC - October 1994
Writer - Chuck Dixon
Artist - John Romita Jr.
A crossover that seemed inevitable and necessary, the Punisher and Batman encounter each other in Gotham City leading to the lines of inter-company continuity being blurred and John Romita Jr being given the chance to draw Batman; it's a lot of fun, and features some of the best renderings of Batman and the Joker ever printed.
139. Starman #3
DC - January 1995
Writer - James Robinson
Artist - Tony Harris
The final chapter of the first Starman arc showed just how good James Robinson's series was going to become; the character of Jack Knight finally comes into his own and some great action solidifies the book's place in comic book history.
138. Spider-Man: Blue #1Marvel - July 2002
Writer - Jeph Loeb
Artist - Tim Sale
One of Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale's successful colour books, Spider-Man: Blue was released to capitalize on the movie's release and featured an exploration of Peter's relationship with Gwen Stacy and the introduction of Mary Jane Watson; the story has a generally emotional feel, while the action is lifted straight from classic issues of the early Lee/Romita era.
137. The Sandman #69
Vertigo - July 1995
Writer - Neil Gaiman
Artist - Marc Hempel
The jaw-dropping final instalment of "The Kindly Ones" story arc that ties Sandman further into regular DC continuity; the most striking part of the issue, though, is the unexpected demise of the title character leading into his funeral arc over the next six issues.
136. Amazing Spider-Man #546
Marvel - September 2008
Writer - Dan Slott
Artist - Steve McNiven
The first issue of the "Brand New Day" era for Spider-Man, following years of average storytelling, Spider-Man finally became a series worth reading again; the unique style and weekly format meant the series flowed better as a serial and the characters came to life more vibrantly.
135. Final Crisis #2
DC - August 2008
Writer - Grant Morrison
Artist - J. G. Jones
Still in it's early stages, Final Crisis was already turning into a super-tense event; this issue focused on the return of Barry Allen to the regular timeline and teased of the horrific events that were to come as the series continued.
134. Ultimate Spider-Man #111
Marvel - September 2007
Writer - Brian Michael Bendis
Artists - Mark Bagley & Stuart Immonen
The final issue of Mark Bagley's run on the title was presented in a one-shot as Peter explains to Aunt May how his day pans out as Spider-Man; as the art transitions into the new era of Stuart Immonen, the Spot is introduced as a new villain, and the series carries on providing perfection in comic book form.
Vertigo - May 1991
Writer - Garth Ennis
Artist - William Simpson
The first instalment of Garth Ennis' legendary run on the Hellblazer title; the first arc, Dangerous Habits, focuses on John Constantine's discovery that he has cancer, and how he attempts to cope with this revelation, leading to various encounters with old friends and new enemies.
DC - July 2000
Writer - Mark Waid
Artist - Howard Porter
The greatest part of Mark Waid's run on JLA began here with Ra's al Ghul methodically taking out the JLA using a plan developed by Batman in case his teammates ever went rogue; it's a great example of how badass Batman is, and how brutal he could be if he really cut loose.
131. The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen #1
America's Best Comics - March 1999
Writer - Alan Moore
Artist - Kevin O'Neill
The first issue of Alan Moore's reinvention of classic literature proved to be one of the most engaging and controversial pieces of work in his career; the presentation of the comic is the highlight, with the cover and back matter giving the impression of an old 1800s magazine.
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