What makes the best comic book covers? It is a great topic for debate. For us, as individuals, there is no wrong answer, of course; it is purely subjective. But, with a little thought it’s possible to explain what it is about a particular image that grabs you. The best images are the ones that make you stop and check out something you weren’t previously planning to purchase – and in some cases, you even end up picking up a title you’ve never even heard of before.

One of comic book master Alan Moore’s final efforts for the DC Comics-acquired WildStorm Productions was his love letter to the British comics he read in his youth, as chronicled in the six-part sleeper hit, Albion.

Plotting this epic story, while handing off the scripting chores to his daughter Leah Moore and her husband John Reppion, this tale also features art by master illustrator Shane Oakley and renowned Canadian inker George Freeman of Captain Canuck fame.

Although the collected trade paperback contains an introduction by New York Times bestselling author Neil Gaiman, it is the cover of the sixth issue that I am focusing on which spotlights the mysterious Brit crimefighter, The Steel Claw – a both esoteric and relentless champion of justice who is invisible except for his right hand, which dons an angry steel glove.

Published in 2006, this engaging work may not have seen tremendous sales at the time of its release, but unlike many other titles of the period, it still stands up today – and stands up well.

Buy it. Read it. And read it again. You will thank me.

-Scott Braden