Most comic book fans have solid ideas about what to buy each week when they come down to their local comic store. That being said, there’s still plenty to be enjoyed just by watching this week’s new release and taking the opportunity with a book that looks promising, entertaining, and scary. That’s where the cover comes in. A great image can make the difference between trying something new or saying “not this week.”
In that spirit, here is the cover that caught our attention this week, and an entry from comic editor Chris Coplan. This is determined by the cover.
Absolute Wonder Woman #11
Covered by Hayden Sherman and Geordy Beller
Have you skipped the other 10 issues with absolute Wonder Woman? (How about living under that rock? Is it so warm and cozy?) How this employs Diana is particularly cruel and intense. However, based on her big, blue eyes, deep emotions and humanity are still involved. Furthermore, her silhouette here suggests 1) a deeper darkness in this corner of the absolute DCU, and 2) Diana aims to cast as a hero for everyone interested in serving as an appropriate icon for everyone. Ah, and there was no chance that this could even be a reference homeage for The Dark Knight/Frank Miller. Read seriously!
Imperial War: Planet Shehark #1
Variant Cover by Nimit Malavia
How can you give us a mere outlook of Jonathan Hickman and Stephanie Phillips writing She Hulk in space? Of course, why this excellent Nimit Malavia variant cover is covered in issue #1. Frank Frazetta has acid and reads the heavy metal issue and feels like he’s covering this side of Molly Hatchett’s album cover. Maravia was able to capture She-Hulk on a measure of Grace and quiet strength, even within a sword-length sword. Ultimately, it shows that there are true odds and layers above the grand flood of space action and general splendor. New sakaar, you should be careful as things will become very sexy and very heavy.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder #1
Variant Cover by Michele Bandini
Again: If you want to use variant covers, please select the covers from the series artist. And in the case of Michele Bandini, he really captures what appears to be the core essence of the series already achieved just to lead the Shredder. Is the shredder, altered by “an unthinkable ordeal” ready to carve a large apple into a chunk, or instead/preserve it in some way? Either way, even if the idea and energy feel very sharp, there is a new shade of rage and gloomy intensity towards the trope “standing in the rain” that immediately grounds the book in some traditions. Without anything else, some big blades are wanted criminals and are perfectly visible at the intersection of the Western world.
His voice said Kill #2
Cover by Vanesa R. Del Rey
We already know that from a storyline perspective, we said that the voice has some real layers to kills. But that is the same with the art of Vanesa R. Del Rey. While Del Rey’s work has not only nailed the despair and sweaty humanity that defines this book, the cover of #2 shows that her work can continue to speculate on us even more. Who are some of those people, and are they friends or enemies of Park Ranger Mary? This is one of those pictures, and the longer we look, the worse we can find? And what is the land, and what is the water here, and how does reality work exactly? Without a doubt there is nothing in this gorgeous landscape, I will wander into the marsh unfolding of Del Rey’s mysterious heart.
Benjamin #3
Covered by Christian Ward
As a longtime fan/fan, I can say this is one of the most direct works from Christian Ward that I’ve seen for a while. We know the eerie and unsettling excellence he can convene in some books, but even this “simpler” piece somehow speaks of volume. It cleverly nails the metaphysical madness that comes to define the first two chapters of Benjamin. There is some real “Gulliver’s Ecstasy Journey” vibe going on here. Plus, there’s the ongoing metaification of this book, as Benjamin J. Koi is made to feel like an action figure of this universe’s kerfuffle. I’m sure we’ve all felt this way. It’s great to reconnect with these insignificant emotions in the universe without having to plate LSDs.
Speed Racer #2
Variant Cover by Chris Batista
I’m not a car guy. (The only vehicles I care about are the 1967 Lincoln Continental and Chevrolet El Camino.) But I know the genius moves that reuse race car magazines for the second issue of Speed Racer. A playful tone of blurred leaning against the fantastic, cheap quality of the franchise. And even the cool collected attitude of X only brings it all to the house. (Well, and those, and those cool pants, of course.) Because ’90s wizards suddenly feel like they’ve been hired by cars and drivers with false and false identity.
The Immortal Legend Batman #1
Covered by Dan Mora and Tamura Bonvillain
I feel I was able to draw this Batman as a child. Dan Mora and Tamra Bonvillain are undeniable legends in their craft, and I have the art skills of a melting turnip, so it’s not like actually drawing them. I mean, if I could somehow reveal my Dark Knight as a young man, he would be inspired by this bold, wandering around, cartoons as this very cosmic spin. And that’s exactly what we need. With the corresponding bright colors, dope ship design, obvious emotional strength, and endless dedication to a cliched but meaningful superhero, Batman is an opportunity to tell a crazy sci-fi story if he is cast in the Tokyo series. If I had access to this book as a child, I would have lost my constant love. And I’m not too far from the very emotions of 39.
Imperial War: Black Panther #1
Variant covers by Francesco Mobili and Moreno Dinisio
And the gloomy heroes operating in space, we come to the Imperial War: Black Panther #1. Here, T’Challa must fight both the world-breaking Hulk and Amadeus Cho (Supes Easy). As you can see from this Francesco Mobili Moreno Dinisio variant, things are swimming, but I could see this as he was being thrown or trying to land a murder. (Or what is that combination?) The fact that I don’t know what’s most important here is something that should feel novel and original considering that this whole war is even more “superhero but universe.” Plus, I love whenever the Hulk throws those very clever sandals.
Universal Monster: Invisible Man #1
Variant Cover by Joshua Middleton
And say what you do about the horror story, but the Universal Monster Line has always provided some great variant covers. Invisible Man #1 is no exception. You’ll get gems like this pulp-ish David Aja variant, Scotty Young’s more playful options, and this inventive Rosemary Valero O’Connell offering. But these are good things, but the awards go to the cover of Joshua Middleton for several important reasons. These are: 1) How Jack Griffin bleeds in the background (how thematically in the brand). 2) How we have a deep understanding of Jack’s physicality/looks, even if it’s all wrapped up at first glance. 3) The mix of fear and sadness that defines this work (and the book, the book). That, and I’m a big sucker for the turn-of-century castle/tower in any story.
