The Flash #3

Part of DC's New 52 initiative, this January 2012 issue puts the Scarlet Speedster in serious trouble — the cover by Francis Manapul shows the Flash being overwhelmed by a swarm of identical masked figures armed with guns and blades, the tagline "Mauled by Mob Rule!" making their threat unmistakably clear. Manapul's dynamic linework captures the chaos of being outnumbered from every angle, with the Flash fighting to keep his footing against what appears to be a coordinated, relentless assault. With Manapul and Brian Buccellato sharing both writing and art duties, this series was already earning attention for its inventive visual storytelling.