The Books of Magic #35

Published in 1997 by DC Comics under their Vertigo imprint, The Books of Magic #35 is part of the long-running series following Timothy Hunter, a boy destined to become the world's most powerful magician. This specific issue falls within the era overseen by writer Peter Gross, who took over the series following the departure of John Ney Rieber. The narrative was heavily influenced by the dark, sophisticated tone established by Neil Gaiman’s original miniseries, focusing on the intersection of modern adolescence and arcane occult traditions.

The cover art for this issue features the distinct illustrative style of Charles Vess, a frequent collaborator on the series known for his ethereal, fantasy-oriented aesthetic. Vess’s work on the title was instrumental in visually defining the Vertigo imprint's unique blend of gritty realism and high-fantasy surrealism. Critically, the series was well-regarded for its slow-burn character development and its ability to expand the magical boundaries of the DC Universe without being tethered to traditional superhero tropes.