Batman Annual #18

In "Black Masterpiece," Batman faces a modern-day art heist when a sophisticated thief steals the Mona Lisa, forcing the Dark Knight into a high-stakes chase across Gotham. Flashing back to the Renaissance, a young apprentice of Da Vinci—guided by the master’s sketches—steps into a shadowed role as a protector to save the real Mona Lisa from a similar fate. Written by Doug Moench and illustrated by Federico Cueva with inks by Alberto Pez, the story blends historical intrigue with noir suspense, all rendered in bold, atmospheric art. The cover, a striking piece by Mike Mignola, captures the eerie elegance of the tale’s dual timelines.