Detective Comics (Vol. 1) 982 Original Cover Art

Detective Comics (Vol. 1) #982 Original Cover Art (August 2018). This cover, for the story "The Cursing of Gotham City!", features Batman, brandishing an axe, leaping into battle against a demonic horde. This story featured the Cult of Deacon, who live in the subterranean areas of Gotham and are led by Deacon Blackfire. It was a one shot story written by Michael Moreci after James Tynion IV completed his long run (934 - 981) on Detective. The story featured a more nightmarish and fear theme with art throughout that was almost hallucinogenic and dreamlike, making you wonder what is real and what is not. This cover is no exception, featuring the overlooking Deacon appearing ghost-like, drawing your attention to the intense battle at hand. The shading of the characters in the foreground is quite detailed and not given justice in the photo, and the style feels like something I would see in an old horror illustration. The cover is done by Argentinian artist Sebastian Fiumara on 11" X 17" art board. He laid out the pencils digitally, printed in blue line, and then inked by hand. And though I realize not everyone is a fan of digital pencils, the style and detail in the inks more than make up for it in my opinion. It is quite striking to look at in person!