The Unwritten #18

From Vertigo's literary dark-fantasy series, this December 2010 issue features a striking cover by Yuko Shimizu — a figure in red, bound by ropes and surrounded by gilded bladed weapons, plunges headlong through what appears to be a stone tunnel, while a small pistol tumbles in the shadows below. The disorienting, inverted composition gives the image a visceral sense of freefall and entrapment that perfectly suits Mike Carey and Peter Gross's blend of storytelling and danger. If you've been following The Unwritten, issue #18's cover alone promises that "Mix" won't let you catch your breath.