Sandman #71

Part of "The Wake" arc concluding Neil Gaiman's landmark run, this September 1995 issue features a Dave McKean cover that is as haunting as it is beautiful — a darkened, almost planetary sphere of decayed organic matter, draped in deep shadows and warm rust tones, floats against a cool blue-grey background, evoking something both ancient and intimate. The ribbon of text bearing Gaiman's and Michael Zulli's names curls beneath it like a mourning garland, lending the whole composition a quiet, ceremonial weight. It's the kind of cover that lingers — somber and strangely tender.