The Shadow Strikes #14

The Dark Avenger swoops down from the shadows in Eduardo Barreto's dynamic cover for this 1990 DC series — twin pistols drawn, black cloak billowing like wings as the Shadow descends on a pair of struggling figures while a frightened blonde woman recoils against a brick wall behind them. The banner declares it plainly: "The Dark Avenger vs. The Chicago Mob," and the scene crackles with that hard-boiled pulp energy Gerard Jones and Barreto bring to the title. Part three of "Blood Gutters" promises the confrontation is well and truly underway.