Shadowman #1

Valiant's 2013 relaunch of Shadowman kicks off with "Birth Rites Part 1," written by Justin Jordan with art by Patrick Zircher — and the cover makes an immediate impression. Shadowman himself stands defiantly in a murky, flame-lit landscape of bare trees, his skull-masked face wreathed in smoke and his clawed hand outstretched, staff in hand, radiating an eerie supernatural menace. It's a striking visual introduction to one of Valiant's darkest heroes, rendered with moody atmosphere by Zircher's bold linework.