Most comic book fans have a solid idea of what they buy each week when they go to their local comic book store. That said, there’s still a lot of fun to be had in skimming through the week’s new releases and trying out books that look promising, interesting, or scary. That’s where the cover comes in. Great images make a difference. You can either try something new or you can say, “No, I’m not going to do it this week.”
In that spirit, we present the covers that caught our attention this week, along with an entry by comics editor Chris Coplan. This can be determined by the cover.
Two Face #1
Variant cover by Christian Ward
Sometimes, on “Judging by the Cover,” I have to drop the kayfabe and remind some people that I often read certain books faster. Two-Face is just one of those books. I actually read it several times because I think it’s a really good book in general. That’s pretty much everything author Christian Ward promised – the duality at the heart of Harvey Dent, and whether such a man as the twisted ex-prosecutor can truly experience a rebirth and return to decency. Explore with this edgy and original exploration. That idea and theme is well illustrated in Ward’s own alternate cover for issue #1. Admittedly, the whole “Weights of Justice” thing is a bit overblown as a gimmick, but Harvey, in the role of “Blind Justice,” serves as a neat little commentary that speaks volumes about the path and intent of this story. are. And speaking of subverting expectations a bit, Dent makes an interesting choice as the two people he’s “weighing.” It’s about the actual choices and effects, and trying to use this “gimmick” as a way to really delve into these characters with enthusiasm and curiosity. This jacket is just a snapshot of what’s in store for inspired takes in general, and may help define and solidify Two-Face’s place in DC’s brave new era. It’s a thing.
All-New Venom #1
Variant cover by Humberto Ramos
From the dark and complex character’s debut series to the latest solo series with an equally brawny character, the all-new Venom #1 is here! After the events of the past few months, including the Venom War event, while we’re all left to gleefully wonder about the big events, writer Al Ewing (and artist Carlos Gomez) have announced that the brand new Venom is taking it “in a completely new direction.” A man’s new identity. Since it could be any of the “journalist, terrorist, sidekick…even mayor,” I decided to focus on this great, character-defining variant cover by Humberto Ramos. Does that remind you of your beloved favorite The Maxx? Well, that connection has really served me well. But I chose this one because this cover strikes the perfect balance between weird and evil. Yes, Venom’s row of jagged teeth scares me, but I’d also like to see a version of this same very twisted, very weird Saturday morning cartoon. Your Venom might play out a little differently, but I want a symbiote that’s both relatable and unsettling, gory but oddly relatable. In short, it’s a “creature” that distills years of story and character development and attempts to connect the past with an unwritten future. The fact that I think this new Venom might eat me doesn’t influence the decision.
Snot Girl #16
Cover by Leslie Han
If you’ve lived your life in the face of hardship (or if you’ve been isolated after the past four years or so have felt like a lifetime in hell), Snotgirl is back! March 2020 After issue #15 was published literally four days before the COVID-19 shutdown in March, writer Brian Lee O’Malley and artist Leslie Hung are back with an all-new story arc. And in this work, as you may have already guessed from the main cover of Hun himself, Lottie Parson gets everything she ever wanted by winning the girl of her dreams, Caroline. The cover celebrates this fresh coupling with the sophisticated, alternative-leaning magic you’ve come to expect from Snotgirl. If printed in the Bay Area or Portland, it would be like a 90s version of Cosmo. But don’t be fooled by this cover’s cute charm, sex appeal, and overall grace and courage. I think we are beginning to see some sort of turning point. As great as everything looks, there’s some kind of tension, or some unknown “quiet before the next shoe drops” vibe that makes me anxious (in the best sense of course) in). As much as we probably all wanted this moment, this story always teaches us that perfection doesn’t last long. And while we wait for the roller coaster to really drop, we begin to reach emotional peaks. It may have taken over four years to complete, but we can’t wait to see what’s next for this cute yet quirky little vehicle.
Hack/Slash = Body Bag #2
Cover by Scott Hepburn
Back in October, Tim Seeley, Stefano Caselli, and Steve Kurth published a pretty genius new story called “Hack/Slash = Body Bag.” If the title wasn’t clear enough, it’s basically “slash hunter Cassie Hack and Vlad” meets body bugger expert Mac “Clownface” and Panda Delgado, and it’s got plenty of ” It’s a story that promises “big knives, short skirts, and badmouthing.” (Or, if you’re in this league, it’s the only criteria you need to truly judge a story). I almost featured this debut in my recent Judge by the Cover, but there was just too much competition for this charming but overly direct work. Fortunately, Scott Hepburn’s suggestions for issue two paid off in a big way, giving us a different feel that helped us capture the “magic” of this story. Direct comparison/reflection would be great. Both teams are different, but it’s great to see their specific dynamics and energy shine through without compromising their individuality. It also gives proper space to both the Delgado family’s more overtly manic intensities and Vlad/Cas’s more horror-centric and inevitably nostalgic tendencies, which creates even more layers to the piece. Masu. Just using color here can really help place these beloved characters in a way that feels exciting and new. Some monsters may lose, but we are all clear winners here.
long cold winter #1
Cover by Stefano Caldoselli
Like talking badly about Scott Summers (have you seen this?!) and talking way too much about my childhood, Stefano Caldocelli gets a lot of attention with this column. I am. And whether it’s Don’t Spit in the Wind or Love Me: A Romance Story, Caldocelli brings it to life with dystopian-adjacent, robot-centric action. Now, that trend seems to be continuing, with Caldoselli reuniting with Francesca Perillo (Love Me) for The Long Cold Winter, in which ex-soldier Peach Dog takes a young child to the “world’s best” Help them escape from a dangerous and crowded city in a world that has run out of air. I couldn’t breathe. ” What’s not to love is not just its painfully relatable storyline, but the first preview with a #1 cover. In this universe or any universe, a giant sword always wins. Young children are cute, but they’re also strangely foreign, and that feeling feels important. Peace Dog’s design feels especially human for a Cardoselli robot. The logo is a fresh step up in terms of design. And even heavy rain is just right. In other words, it’s a snapshot of how Caldocelli looks to the future and distills its tensions, destruction, and glimmers of hope against our frenzied consumption. It’s the kind of art that fills you with fear and hope for what’s to come, and prepares you for a future where even if everything goes to hell, the best parts of us can triumph. is. Also, and I can’t stress this enough, it’s a robot with a sword.
Damn #1
Cover by Eric Heaven
You may know Eric Haven from his books and projects such as Vague Tales and Compulsive Comic. Or this is somehow your introduction. Either way, Haven and Fantagraphics are promising “a fun, crazy one-shot of pure comic book bliss.” But first, the book’s solicitation asks all sorts of questions about a woman named Meg Tempera, the “brutal assassin” Desica, and strange dreams with deeper meanings and purposes. However, I have my own doubts regarding this cover. Is that an adult Tintin, and if so, how is that possible given what I’m assuming is a trademark registrant’s pile of paperwork and headaches? Do cats have guns too (we just can’t see them)? Is that the case with the bar in front of the window? If so, is the Death Squid more of a threat than dual-wielding handguns? (If it weren’t for Death Squid, I’d definitely fall off my chair laughing.) Finally, perhaps the biggest question. If a solicitation promises “ham sandwiches for everyone,” does that somehow include the reader? The only thing I don’t really question is the promise of weird, wild comics pouring out of this one-shot, and how this cover is poking the best part of my brain with a 10-foot pole. is. Also, I’m pretty sure cats don’t have guns. surely.
DC’s Batman Smell, Robin Lays an Egg #1
Variant cover by Lee Bermejo
Admittedly, it would be nice if both DC and Marvel released their holiday compilations a little closer to the actual holidays. But if one of them smells like DC’s Batman and gets called #1 Robin Egged, I’d take that indiscretion more than a kid on a naughty list offering a hefty bribe. I forgive you quickly. And this year’s offering is truly packed with more content than Santa’s sack, as it features not only Dr. Midnight and the Bat-Family, but also a Deadman story written by Marv Wolfman. Speaking of DC’s spookiest and most haunted, Deadman is the star of this wonderful Lee Bermejo variant cover, which may be the single best giveaway this one-shot has to offer. As a dead man, Boston Brand is definitely jacked and he must obviously be avoiding all cookies and milk. Meanwhile, the role of “Deadbeat Santa” is expertly played by the Joker, who adds both a bit of depravity and a bit of disappointment to the role in a funny and effective way. Maybe this isn’t your grandpa’s Christmas, but it’s cute, weird, silly, and downright gross, and exactly the kind of things that continue to make these holiday goodies such important gifts. (It’s not just a gimmick drop). Forget whether Santa is watching you or not, if you misbehave, the Deadman may strike immediately.
boy #1
Cover by Jesus Orellana
As my interview with writer and artist Jesús Orellana made clear, Juvenile is a really interesting book. It might not be my favorite of the year, but the way this movie attempts to tell the story is that a supervirus kills all the new adults, but some teens discover a shocking secret. I think stories about doing (!) are really thoughtful and always deeply human. And if you want to understand the story and the greater value of this title (apart from the interview, of course), check out Orerin’s own cover of issue #1. Here, the aforementioned secret is fully revealed. I won’t go into too much detail, but you can tell these aren’t normal kids, right? The book’s sensitive approach to the “hook” is neat enough, but I mainly thought it was I love what you say about the teen cast. So while this is a story about the confusion and uncertainty of adolescence, these kids have a depth and insight that belies their age. We would all be wise to pay attention to these kids, and if they really are the future, they see through all the BS and have the clarity to actually change things. Because I have it. The simple but stark cover speaks not only to the “cool” events of the story, but also to a larger meaning and value as it explores the complex inner workings of youth movements in 2024. No, I would say that he has matured quite a bit.
Marvel Holiday Tales to Astonish #1
Variant cover by Leonardo Romero
Sure, you can’t compete in that department when your competitors call their books “Batman Smells, Robin Laid the Egg.” But Marvel Holiday Tales to Astonish #1 isn’t about playing tricks on Christmas Day, it’s about putting on a new sweater and reading a book by the fire while you go to bed while eating ham baked by your grandpa. Something like that. As well as the story of Hanukkah with Kitty Pryde and the tag-team affair with Peter Parker and Miles Morales, there’s also “The Fantastic Four’s Holiday Party” (which, given the capitalization, is well-known) What better way to provide comfort than with a story about )? / Famous for being Logan’s beer lover in the Marvel Universe). We’re not on the guest list, but Leonardo Romero’s variant cover is the only sneak peek we need. Do you like the idea that someone stole the Silver Surfer’s board and gave it to you? To which I respond, “Does Santa have a beard?” And, admittedly, I don’t know why Sue would have to snoop around or ruin someone’s gift, but she’s happier than a million Norman Rockwell holiday items combined. And that doesn’t even get to the question of whether Johnny Storm becomes a star and whether he burns down the Baxter Building or has to stay there indefinitely to remain a star. Either way, this piece covers why Marvel does the holiday season right. It’s sweet, adorable, a little weird, and the kind of food that warms your heart hotter than Storm’s own supernova powers.
