The Shadow: Year One #8

The Shadow himself parts a pair of deep crimson curtains on this moody cover by Matt Wagner — wide-brimmed hat low, red scarf masking his face, pistol in one gloved hand and a glowing ring on the other, every detail radiating the classic pulp menace that makes the character so enduring. Dynamite's The Shadow: Year One has been a sharp, atmospheric series, and issue #8 keeps that visual promise in full. With Matt Wagner writing and Wilfredo Torres on interior art, this 2014 entry is a fine addition to any shelf devoted to crime and shadow.