The Darkness #40

Jackie Estacado crouches at the center of this striking Dale Keown and Jason Gorder cover, cigarette smoke curling from his hands as a wall of grotesque Darklings and snarling creatures press in around him from every angle — a genuinely unsettling image of one man surrounded by the supernatural forces he commands. The bold header announces that this issue marks the starting point for both the "Universe" and "Inferno: Hellbound" storylines, making it a clear pivot point in the Top Cow mythology of 2001. Paul Jenkins and the full creative team bring their considerable talents to bear here, and the sheer density of demonic imagery on this cover promises plenty of dark thrills within.