Books of Magic #12

Part of DC's Sandman Universe line, Books of Magic #12 brings writer Kat Howard and artists Tom Fowler and Brian Churilla together for a chapter titled "Great Expectations." Kai Carpenter's cover painting captures Tim Hunter mid-struggle — glasses on, coat flying, a crackling bolt of magical energy in one raised fist while dark, grasping hands reach toward him from the shadows, a glowing arcane circle swirling at his back. It's a vivid image of a young magician fighting to hold his ground, and colorist Marissa Louise bathes the whole scene in deep blues that make the spellwork crackle with real urgency.