Batman #24

Part of the "Zero Year" arc reshaping Batman's early history, this oversized 2013 issue opens "Dark City" with a cover by Greg Capullo and Danny Miki that says everything without saying a word — Batman's cowled head looms large and low, glowing white lenses staring outward while gauntleted hands grip the sides of his mask, the whole image radiating quiet, coiled intensity against a cool blue-grey backdrop. It's a striking, stripped-down portrait that makes the Dark Knight feel both monumental and deeply focused. Scott Snyder leads the writing team on what promises to be a pivotal chapter in this celebrated New 52 run.