Batman #22

Part of the New 52's "Zero Year" arc, Batman #22 pulls readers in with one of the most evocative covers of 2013 — molten metal pouring from a massive, clawed gauntlet into a mold that forms the unmistakable Batman symbol, all bathed in fierce amber light. It's a stirring visual metaphor for creation and transformation, rendered with striking detail by Greg Capullo. Scott Snyder and Capullo continue their celebrated New 52 run here, and this image alone makes a compelling case for why their collaboration resonated so strongly with readers.