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.
Marvel/DC: Deadpool/Batman #1
Variant Cover by Daniel Warren Johnson
I have certainly struggled to pick the cover options for the latest, large releases. But given the surge in cross brand excellence emanating from Deadpool/Batman #1, I feel that all of that is small or insignificant. But after really breaking my brain, I had to choose this Daniel Warren Johnson variant. There is a selection of heroes (a solid Bish level talent from both Marvel and DC) and pure skill choices that make us feel like a blow to ourselves. In most cases, this is the best example of the “Yesy Factor of Hell.” The small metrics I have created arrive at a deep nerd joy that this “event” should promote and a sense of community that corresponds to it. (And likewise, it’s not just about grabbing another cash.) Still, a special cry for Waruan Stegman’s variant. Cute offerings from Skottie Young. This old-fashioned homage from Russell Daughterman. Another underrated team up from Marco Checchetto.
Phoenix #15
Cover by Lucas Wellneck
You thought you hated making difficult choices. As Jean Gray has to decide on the ultimate fate of her sister, this Lucas Wellneck cover feels perfectly suited to one of Phoenix’s most difficult choices to date. All that pure pain and weight may break her again, her very anger spills into the universe itself. scared? You don’t know half of it. But it is beautiful too, and every emotion that travels from man to universe speaks to our own status as imperfect humans, our quest for meaning, and our desire to transcend what we truly are. In this way, all of this universe may still feel human and friendly. That’s basically Jean Gray for Tea.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Casey Jones #1
Cover by Amankainar Erpan
Thirty years later, Casey Jones finally got his first solo book. I think 1) I’m spinning directly from the teenage mutant Ninja Turtles and 2) Alex Paknadel and Amansai Nahierpan are behind the wheel. But most of the time I’m jazzed on Naerpin’s own debut cover. This does some very correct things. This gives this version of NYC a proper balance between fantasy and grit. And the fools here feel that they are in fact a threat to our boy. (Or at least it’s quite a warm-up.) Jones does some important things as a character. And if they are maximized/emphasized as they are on this cover, this solo series hits the dome like hockey.
Creep Show #1
Cover by Lorenzo de Felici
As we’ve noticed before, horror-centric anthology is all rage now. But, for example, while a few titles on Oni Press make the most waves, Creepshow in Image kills it to the fourth volume. And if you peek at this Lorenzo de Felici cover in #1, you may understand why. Is it clearly an old-fashioned dedication to the OG Creep Show? You bet. Is it also how the bloody wash/dryer stirs even my stomach? It’s a big 10-4, buds! But most of the time, it’s the right combination of bloody horror and friendly humanity. The reality of this book is strange, approachable, frightening, and oddly quaint. In short, it’s a world that knows itself and invites us all to truly discover the insanity. I hope they used enough bleach.
Bloodletter #4
Covered by Christian Rosado
It feels like I’ve talked about how long I’ve loved Blood Letters than I had problems with the actual shelf. It is a sharp and fascinating writing from Tim Seeley and Joseph Illidge. This book is how to connect your own to the spawn’s Vessel. And the depth and nuance of the character, like Blood Letter himself. Still, it is primarily the work of artist Christian Rosado, who once again offers killer covers with the right layers. You see the obsession with the bed letter herself spawning and the dark and persuasive magic that infuses her corner of the world. But I can’t escape Bloodletter’s eyes completely. She holds the power and importance that can be seen as more than the story of Spawn’s Revenge. No, it’s still deeper and I’m actually hypnotizing it with the power and possibilities of this cover.
Godzilla: lets dead zone #2 escape
Variant Cover by Juan Gedeon
Here’s my theory about Godzilla: Escape the Dead Zone: It’s basically a living argument. Because for anyone wondering why Godzilla, a giant radioactive lizard, deserves his own universe when he doesn’t wear pants like a “traditional” hero, is worthy of his own universe, the book fights back. Because, as this cover shows, it explores either the groove or the proximity between insanity/terror/darkness and our own humanity. And just as our lead in ETDZ is not one or the other, this cover shows how interesting, uneven and generally important this kind of “discussion” is to track development compared to our own goals and natural goals. The fact that the cover appears to shine like a black light poster is just a dope bonus.
Nightwing #130
Variant Cover by Ethan Young
The following questions are included throughout this issue: Nightwing is coaching a new, super powerful hero, so will he break? This Bonker Ethan Young cover doesn’t touch on everything in itself, but it cleverly shows just how connected Nightwing is to his adopted hometown. (Is anyone else thinking of Darwin Cook’s work for some reason?) Next, Bludhaven gives Dick a place to be a hero-like place he thinks is the best. That’s how we recognize the bigger message of this issue. If Dick is good (or fails) as a mentor, it will be in his city and in his city.
Magic: Gathering: Untold Stories – Elspeth #1
Cover by Owen Guieni
I don’t know much about magic where cross-card gatherings are expensive. My brother stole a bunch to feed his deck. However, this book (the unpublished story of Theros beyond death is finally being sent to the world) already has a quick glance at the Wiki. Artist Owen Zieni has such a crisp, lush approach to your “standard” fantasy fare. Here we feel that this grit and edge can be ripped directly from the card. (It’s called “Elspeth’s Unconquered.”) It’s the best dynamic, best expressed by the monster behind the Golden Mask. Great Fantasy requires levels/layers, and balances aesthetics, inspiration, energy, emotions, and more, and you get something novel but contextually rich. Plus, I certainly love swords in complicated hilt situations.
Street Shark #1
Variant Cover by Kevin Anthony Catalan
In my own review of Question #1, I focused on how street sharks are “basic” in their approach, but the book was at least trying to build an inherent surge in nostalgia. That’s probably why I like this amazing Kevin Anthony Catalonia cover. Because almost all of it screams “Xtreme” from the 90s, and Dr. Pyranoid is depicted as graffiti from his brother breaking the wall. (It’s quite a tag when you ask me.) But there’s also this modern vividness and intention that occasionally enhances “cheesy” energy into something a little subtle and textured (::Check Team Roster: It never separates us completely with the Roller Blading Sharkman Hybrid). We still do something novel as we celebrate the past cultural era.
