The All New Atom #9

Sudden Death!" declares the cover of this May 2007 DC series, and José Ladrönn's painted-style artwork delivers exactly that tension — the All New Atom, in his distinctive blue-and-red costume, is caught in the clutches of a trio of decaying, bloodied zombies, one of whom wields a glowing energy ring overhead. Gail Simone, Eddy Barrows, and Trevor Scott bring their sharp storytelling instincts to issue #9, launching a new chapter titled "Jia: Part One: Her Name Meant Beauty" that promises something more personal beneath the visceral cover image. A great pick for anyone following Ryan Choi's adventures in Ivy Town.