Batman #520

In "Fades to Black," Batman moves through Gotham’s shadows as the Black Mask gang tightens its grip, while Harvey Bullock navigates a fragile new romance and James Gordon grapples with the strain on his marriage—his wife now holding his old job. Written by Doug Moench and brought to life with moody precision by Eduardo Barreto, this 1995 issue captures the city’s decay and its heroes’ quiet desperation. Kelley Jones’ cover art perfectly frames the mood, a stark silhouette against a blood-red sky.