A very simple FANTASTIC FOUR cover by John Byrne that focuses on arch-nemesis Doctor Doom, who’d be the focus of the issue. Especially fun here is the fact that the splash page glimpsed through the crumpled, torn cover is indeed the splash the reader will see when he opens the book.
Another cover where the copy puts it over the top. This Bob Layton SECRET WARS cover has a strong idea behind it, hearkening back to Steranko’s classic HULK ANNUAL #1 cover. But it’s the copy that sets the stakes and the tone, and helps to create the overall effect.
Here’s an instance where the cover copy makes all the difference. This Jim Lee PUNISHER WAR JOURNAL cover is a nice drawing, but not especially a grabber. But the cover blurb is so ridiculous and over-the-top and tongue-in-cheek that it makes the entire image work, and sets a very specific tone. It’s funny because it’s … Continue reading Great Covers – PUNISHER WAR JOURNAL #19
This Mike Zeck CAPTAIN AMERICA cover is all about contrasts and expectations. It’s a pretty shocking image, in that we expect to see Cap brandishing a shield, rather than an automatic weapon, and the look of anger and hatred on Cap’s face is similarly unexpected. How could you not want to crack open the book … Continue reading Great Covers – CAPTAIN AMERICA #321
Similarly, artist Andrew Robinson uses strong design in his cover compositions. On this cover to WINTER SOLDIER: THE BITTER MARCH, he incorporates the logo lettering into the image in the manner of Will Eisner. And while the figures are all relatively small, they tell a full story for readers who pay enough attention–with Hydra agents … Continue reading Great Covers – WINTER SOLDIER: THE BITTER MARCH #2
Mike Del Mundo has come to prominence as a cover artist adept at using design and concept as the foundation of his covers. This ELEKTRA cover is a good example. The manner in which the ninja army surrounding Elektra becomes a bullseye with her at the center is clever, and is accentuated by the coloring. … Continue reading Great Covers – ELEKTRA #9
Super-clean and dramatic, this John Cassaday ASTONISHING X-MEN cover uses the outline of the hole Cyclops has just blown through the wall to perfectly frame the characters. Stance and body language conveys something about the individual heroes. And the red background provided by colorist Laura Martin grabs your attention like the center of a bullseye. … Continue reading Great Covers – ASTONISHING X-MEN #7
Feel like I’ve been featuring mostly older covers, so for today some more recent ones. Artist Steve Epting reworked his ideas for this crucial CAPTAIN AMERICA cover a few times before finally hitting on this approach. But it’s very effective. The red of the one glove and the droplets of blood silhouette beautifully against the … Continue reading Great Covers – CAPTAIN AMERICA #25
Here’s another excellent Jack Kirby cover to X-MEN. It’s a bit strange for a super hero cover in that we’re seeing almost all of the heroes from the back, where common wisdom would want at least one of them turned towards the camera, so as to engage the reader–nothing commands the attention of a viewer … Continue reading Great Covers – X-MEN #16
A very basic but very dramatic FANTASTIC FOUR cover by Jack Kirby, emphasizing the scope of the cast and implying the energy and excitement of the story within. In rare restraint, this cover features no copy whatsoever, allowing the image itself to do the work of selling it. A white background here was almost a … Continue reading Great Covers – FANTASTIC FOUR #82
