Neon Genesis Evangelion: The Shinji Ikari Raising Project #7

In "Stage 39," Shinji Ikari grapples with a new challenge in his training: while he can synchronize with Rei or Asuka individually, bringing both into harmony at once proves elusive. Written by Osamu Takahashi, Michael Gombos, and Carl Gustav Horn, and illustrated by Takahashi with inks by Takahashi and John Clark, this 2010 Dark Horse issue captures the emotional weight of connection and the pressure of perfection. The cover by Osamu Takahashi perfectly frames the tension of the moment.