Akame Ga Kill! Zero #9

Volume 9 of *Akame ga Kill! Zero* puts a fighter front and center — a young woman with auburn hair and flower accessories raises a revolver overhead with both hands, her frilled lavender-and-brown outfit adding a deceptive air of innocence to the clearly combat-ready pose. Takahiro's story and Kei Toru's art have consistently delivered sharp action wrapped in striking character design, and this cover is a confident showcase of both. If you've been following this prequel series, volume 9 keeps the tension wound tight.