Gotham Central #21

In "Unresolved Part Three," detectives Driver and Josie Mac press forward in their investigation into the bombing of a high-school baseball team, following a tense encounter with Harvey Bullock. Their path leads them to Arkham, where the Mad Hatter attempts an escape—only to be shot in a moment of sudden violence. Written by Ed Brubaker and illustrated by Michael Lark, with inks by Stefano Gaudiano, colors by Lee Loughridge, and letters by Clem Robins, this 2004 Gotham Central issue delivers a gripping, grounded noir thriller. The cover, by Michael Lark, captures the tension with stark, precise detail.