Batman: The Mad Monk #5

Part five of Matt Wagner's six-part "Dark Moon Rising" arc finds Batman in a moment of striking vulnerability — the cover depicts his suit torn open across the chest, revealing the bat-symbol slashed and smeared with vivid red, Batman's cape parting dramatically around the damage. Wagner's artwork delivers a visceral, moody image that makes it clear the Dark Knight has been pushed hard, with colorist Dave Stewart's bold reds cutting sharply against the grey tones. A compelling visual promise from a creative team firing on all cylinders as this limited series heads into its final stretch.