Batman Beyond Universe #15

The cover of this December 2014 issue says it all — a pale, sharp-featured figure looms large over a small but defiant Batman Beyond, surrounded by swirling purple energy, with the teasing tagline "Guess who's back?? And she's deadlier than ever!" It's a striking composition by cover artist Matteo Scalera that frames the futuristic Dark Knight as decidedly outmatched, building real tension before you've even cracked the spine. Writers Kyle Higgins and Alec Siegel, alongside artist Thony Silas and colorist Guy Major, bring their "All In: Royal Bluff" chapter to a head in what looks like a genuinely dangerous encounter for Terry McGinnis.