Uncle Sam and the Freedom Fighters #3

Issue three of this eight-part DC series from November 2006 announces a dramatic new development right on the cover: "Enter: Black Condor!" The winged figure dominates the composition, massive dark wings spread wide against a roiling explosion of flame, while a green-clad female hero and a smaller airborne figure struggle in the chaos around him. Written by Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray with Daniel Acuña handling both art and colors, this is the kind of visually striking chapter that makes a mid-series entry genuinely compelling.