A killer Todd McFarlane SPIDER-MAN cover. The key to this one is how torn up and ruined Spider-Man’s costume is, which sells the extent of the building collapse that he’s just been involved with. The intensity of his scream, through his typically-concealed mouth, provides energy and emotion.
Possibly THE classic Jim Lee WOLVERINE cover, this one is all movement and energy and savagery. I don’t love the bits of copy stuck in on the left side, but they don’t do enough to completely ruin the composition. This one works completely based on how well Lee captures the essential qualities that everybody loves … Continue reading Great Covers – WOLVERINE #27
Another in Kaare Andrews’ great run of HULK covers, here the title character is abstracted down to simply a massive shape, one that still dominates the image. The reticule graphics provide some good viewer context–you are the tank commander confronted by the unstoppable power of the Hulk. And the fact that the Hulk is mostly … Continue reading Great Covers – INCREDIBLE HULK #37
It is an obvious and blatant homage to Maurice Sendak, but this Kaare Andrews HULK cover totally works even on its own in the manner in which it channels Bruce banner’s inner rage demons into monsters following in his wake. The typical logo is modified for this issue as well, to better evoke the source … Continue reading Great Covers – INCREDIBLE HULK #49
It’s been homaged an awful lot over the years, which is a testament to how striking this John Byrne X-MEN cover is. That wanted poster calling out the final fate of so many characters is immediately riveting, as are the figures of an older Wolverine and Kitty Pryde. The damaged and cracked logo at the … Continue reading Great Covers – UNCANNY X-MEN #141
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
The Tom Brevoort Experience 