Lady S. #8

Framed by a stunning stained-glass rose window, a sharp-eyed blonde woman crouches in a darkened space, training a sniper rifle directly at the viewer — it's a striking opener to Staatsraison, the eighth volume of Jean Van Hamme and Philippe Aymond's espionage series Lady S. Aymond's cover work is precise and atmospheric, balancing the sacred beauty of the church setting against the cold menace of a weapon's laser sight. If you enjoy your spy thrillers with style and nerve, this 2012 Dupuis release looks like a very compelling addition to the series.