Batman and the Outsiders #17

One of the most striking covers of January 1985, this issue presents Batman and the Outsiders rendered as ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic figures — a genuinely clever visual conceit that immediately signals an adventure steeped in pharaonic intrigue. Batman squares off at the center, flanked by a sword-wielding Outsider in red-and-yellow and a crouching figure in blue, while a towering red adversary looms at right — all depicted in the flat, profile style of tomb wall art, complete with hieroglyphs and cartouche borders. Mike W. Barr and Jim Aparo (who handles both pencils and inks here, alongside cover co-penciler Ed Hannigan) bring their trademark energy to a team book that consistently found fresh ways to frame its heroes.