Detective Comics #777

Tim Sale's cover for this February 2003 issue is a striking study in red and black — Batman looms large in the upper right, cape billowing dramatically against a deep teal sky, while his own massive shadow swallows the Gotham rooftops below. The bold two-tone palette gives the image an almost noir-expressionist feel that suits Ed Brubaker's "Dead Reckoning Part One" perfectly. This issue also boasts a backup "Spore" feature by Nancy and Michel Gagné, making it a genuinely satisfying package from a strong creative lineup.