Batman Beyond Universe #9

The futuristic Batman looms large over a chaotic street brawl on Trevor McCarthy's striking cover for this 2014 issue, his sleek black-and-red suit glowing against a blood-red moon as a colorful cast of villains — including what appear to be Joker and Harley Quinn-inspired figures — clash in the foreground. Kicking off "Justice Lords Beyond" Part 1 of 4, this issue signals a major escalation in the Batman Beyond universe, with the cover itself teasing the return of Wonder Woman. Writers Kyle Higgins and Christos Gage team with artist Thony Silas to deliver what promises to be an ambitious, multihero storyline that fans of the animated era's future DC universe will want to follow from the start.