Batman Eternal #17

Batman Eternal #17 brings the weekly New 52 saga to an unsettling place, with Dustin Nguyen's cover depicting a mysterious, pale-faced figure — cloaked in swirling teal-and-black fabric — looming over what appears to be a restrained, battered Batman, his distinctive yellow utility belt the only bright note against the darkness. The imagery radiates a sense of foreboding captivity, suggesting someone or something has gained a dangerous edge over the Dark Knight. With a deep creative bench including Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV, Ray Fawkes, John Layman, and Tim Seeley all contributing to "The Savior," this 2014 installment promises the kind of layered, Gotham-shaking tension that keeps readers coming back week after week.