Sandman Mystery Theatre #23

The masked figure of the Sandman looms in close-up on this atmospheric 1995 Vertigo cover — his goggled gas mask and wide-brimmed hat rendered with an almost photorealistic texture, while the shadow of an embracing couple plays hauntingly against the purple backdrop behind him. The tagline "…skin on skin, their secrets fell away with the night" sets a mood that's equal parts noir and dread, perfectly in keeping with this mature-readers series. "Dr. Death Act Three" marks the penultimate chapter of this four-part arc, with cover art by Gavin Wilson and Richard Bruning and interior work from the creative team of Wagner, Seagle, and Guy Davis making this a compelling read for fans of dark, pulp-tinged storytelling.