In terms of getting across the concept of a series, it would be difficult to top this cover to THE GENERIC COMIC BOOK by, well, nobody. It’s a perfect replica of the generic brand packaging of the era, and communicates exactly what the gag of this one-shot is all about in a way that any … Continue reading Great Covers – GENERIC COMIC BOOK #1
Another crowded and overwhelming Alex Schomburg masterpiece, this cover to USA COMICS is typical of his output for Timely Comics. The figures of Cap and Bucky are large, ridiculously so in proportion to the other elements of the piece. But it works–even if it does look like Bucky is shooting down a toy plane with … Continue reading Great Covers – USA COMICS #7
This Dan Adkins TALES TO ASTONISH illustration really isn’t anything special, but what makes this cover noteworthy is the monochromatic blue color, in this instance applied even to the corner box and Marvel logo. Stan Lee would occasionally favor such an approach to a cover, often to good effect (as on the X-MEN #17 cover … Continue reading Great Covers – TALES TO ASTONISH #98
An often-homaged cover, this CAPTAIN AMERICA piece by Mike Zeck combines detail and composition into something of a synthesis of the approaches of Neal Adams and Jim Steranko. Deathlok’s red eye right at the center is focal point, and the diagonal of the gun and hand takes the viewer to the image of Captain America … Continue reading Great Covers – CAPTAIN AMERICA #286
A simple and iconic John Byrne IRON FIST cover. This piece was done during a period where most covers were cluttered with figures and drowning in copy, so the impact of just being a shot of Iron Fist doing his thing right at your face would have been heightened. I’m not in love with that … Continue reading Great Covers – IRON FIST #8
Another modern image, this one by Ed McGuinness for CAPTAIN MARVEL. Again, a very simple image, but one that works even if you aren’t familiar with the Rosie the Riveter piece that it’s meant to evoke. It was images like this one that helped make Carol Danvers legitimately be Captain Marvel, rather than Ms Marvel … Continue reading Great Covers – CAPTAIN MARVEL #2
An arresting HULK cover by Todd McFarlane, one that’s been imitated and homaged dozens of times by now. I’m pretty sure that this was the first instance of a cover image where somebody else is reflected in Wolverine’s claws.Great intensity on Wolverine’s face as well.
A very clever and concept-driven cover to X-MEN LEGACY by Mike Del Mundo. This image clearly and emotionally gets across the idea of Legion’s telepathic powers run amok. Incorporating the logo and credits into the image helps to increase the effect.
A beautiful Jim Steranko image from X-MEN. a series that was decidedly third class for most of the 1960s period in which this cover was produced. Great overall composition and use of white negative space, and those skull-eyes gazing upwards at our heroes are very cool. Steranko reportedly hated the logo, so for the next … Continue reading Great Covers – X-MEN #49
An exquisitely drawn image by Moebius for this first BLUEBERRY collection.
The Tom Brevoort Experience 