The Black Beetle: Kara Bocek

Francavilla is best known for his impeccable, pulp-inspired covers for books from Moon Knight to Archie, but the Black Beetle series is where he puts all his interests together. This latest episode opens in grand, Raiders of the Lost Ark–esque romantic retro-pulp glory and barely lets up. Thomas Sawyer, aka the titular masked vigilante, arrives in Constantinople at the same time as a team of skulking Nazis. They’re all chasing a MacGuffin that’s best not spoiled, but originates in an entirely separate pulp discipline that should make no sense in a ’30s caper. But Francavilla’s command of the story is so authoritative that he can make nearly anything work. All the proper elements are here, from blond German agents named Elsa to dagger-wielding assassins and meetings that are heavy on smoking and scotch. Francavilla’s artwork is swoonworthy in its lustrous drama, all delicate minarets against bright moons and a caped hero darting through the night. The biggest complaint readers are likely to have about this book is that it’s just too short. (Sept.)