Welcome to the twenty-eighth installment of Comic Book Cover-Up! Every week, We the Nerdy assistant editor Henry Varona weighs in on his choices for the best comic book covers coming out, along with some great honorable mentions worth checking out! Looking at the layout, artistic talent, and the overall craftsmanship, the covers are analyzed and ranked accordingly. At the end, each book will be given points based on their ranking. Then Henry adds up points for the various series, which will work towards earning further accolades in the future! Here’s a point breakdown for what every ranking will earn:
- First-10 Points
- Second-7 Points
- Third- 5 Points
- Fourth and Fifth- 3 Points Each
- Still Gorgeous- 1 Point Each
So without further ado, here’s the week’s best!
5. Bobs Burgers 1 by Devin Roth (Featured Image)
I really don’t like Bobs Burgers. The art style turns me off and the voice acting is grating. But I do recognize it as a funny show, just not one I have any interest in watching. However, I just might have to give it a shot for reading, because the cover for the first issue is really cool. It’s psychedelic, as the Belcher girls are twisted and turned into one another. Their bodies look like they’re melting and they couldn’t be happier about it. The bizarre approach makes them stand out, and with the definitive and recognizable art style of the show, the issue looks very different from everything else out there. It’s an oddball approach that is powerful in today’s comic book industry and will likely make many fans very happy.
4. Catwoman 34 (Selfie Variant) by Stephanie Roux
For Catwoman’s selfie, artist Stephanie Roux took a different approach from many other titles. Utilizing the mirror selfie, we get a little more insight into the world of Selina Kyle, which allows for a lot more fun. Throwing aside the typically sexual depiction, we instead see Catwoman hanging out with a bunch of cats in her dirty bathroom. Fog on the glass and little scratches bring a sincerity to the image that many would forgo, and help make the image real. Selina is very proud, but the cats seem like they were caught completely unaware. With one hanging from the shower curtain and another clinging to the counter-top, they bring much of the energy to the image. They’re absolutely adorable and endearing, making it one of the few selfie covers that manages to successfully capture what a selfie would be like for this character. It’s fun and would look right at home on Instagram or Facebook.
3. Thunderbolts 30 by David Yardin
David Yardin is one of my favorite cover artists in comics. Though he may not have the wealth of covers that many other big names have, he consistently delivers outstanding covers that capture my attention. Here, he makes his cover to Thunderbolts look like a 1950’s malt shoppe advertisement, with the Punisher and Elektra locking eyes over a tasty treat. The crafting of the image helps to get it over, as the two are washed in brush strokes, making it look like a painting without becoming distracting. Of course, since this is Thunderbolts, the two have their weapons firmly pointed at one another. With Thunderbolts ending soon and the Punisher being a major part of their downfall, it’s really fun to see that Yardin and the powers at be are letting the series have some fun with itself in it’s final hours.
2. Flash 34 (Selfie Variant) by Bryan Hitch
In what is easily one of my favorite selfie variants, Bryan Hitch plays with the familiar plot of the Superman/Flash race. Though we’ve yet to see them face off in such a fashion since the New 52 began, this looks exactly like what would happen. Blazing past Superman at incredible speeds, Barry is so confident that he pulls out his phone to snap a selfie. The joy on his face and the dismay on Superman’s are great, selling the concept immediately. The blurred background is simple and necessary, but further brings the attention to the Flash. However, the cover would not work if it wasn’t for Hitch, who is able to perfectly foreshorten the image (The technique of making the things closer to the viewer, bigger). It’s seamless and well-crafted, allowing you to just sit back and laugh at Superman, because the Flash is obviously so much better (I’m not biased).
1. Guardians of the Galaxy 18 by Alex Ross
This is one of my favorite covers of the year. Alex Ross, an artist who typically does classic renditions of major superheroes, took the time to give us a proper look at the modern day Guardians of the Galaxy, as only he could. The attention to detail is out of this world, with every hair on rocket and all of Groot’s branches so wonderfully painted. When Alex Ross paints something, they gain a legitimacy that few properties receive. This is how you know that the Guardians of the Galaxy have made it. The intensity of Drax permeates through his image, ax in hand. Gamora looks deadly, yet able to break your heart. Rocket and Groot look intimidating, something that is hard to get from a raccoon and a tree. And as the original Guardians look on, it’s Star-Lord that grabs your attention. The cold, red eyes staring at you as he raises his fist in triumph, heading towards adventure. It’s fun and excited and epic and beautiful.
Still Gorgeous:
- Emily and the Strangers Breaking the Record 3 by Cat Farris
- Godzilla Rulers of the Earth 15 by Paul Hanley
- Justice League Dark 34 (Selfie Variant) by Kyle Baker
- Pop 1 by Jason Copland
- Silver Surfer 5 by Mike Allred
Thanks for checking us out! Look into the archive, HERE!
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