Hellspawn #12

Hellspawn #12 closes out this chapter of Image's darkest Spawn spinoff with a cover by Ben Templesmith that burns with raw, infernal energy — the masked, bare-chested figure of Hellspawn looms forward, bat-like wings spread wide, fists wreathed in open flame, and heavy chains coiling at his feet against a scorched amber backdrop. Templesmith's painted style gives the whole image a molten, almost feverish quality that perfectly suits a series titled "Call Her Hel." Steve Niles and Templesmith make a genuinely compelling creative team, and this 2002 issue is a fine showcase of their brooding, atmospheric collaboration.