Most comic book fans have a solid idea about what they’re going to buy every week as they descend upon their local comic shop. With that said, there’s still a lot of fun to be had just glancing at the week’s new releases and taking a chance on a book that looks promising, funny, scary, etc. That’s where covers come in. A fantastic image can make the difference between trying something new or saying, “Nah, not this week.”
In that spirit, here are the covers that captured our attention this week, with entries from comics editor Chris Coplan. This is Judging by the Cover.
Guardians of the Galaxy #1
Cover by Marco Checchetto
Am I jaded enough to think we’re only getting a new Guardians of the Galaxy comics series as the film franchise readies its grand olde swan song? Sure — it’s effectively Marketing 101. That doesn’t mean, however, that it’s not the perfect time to “rebuild” the Guardians after their nearly break up (or dismantling, depending upon how you look at it). And what better creative team to lead the charge then writers Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing (the superstar duo behind titles like Captain America: Sentinel of Liberty) and Predator artist Kev Walker, who have promised a story that explores if the Guardians can “rediscover their heroism and humanity on the bleakest frontier?” And based on the Marco Checchetto cover for #1, things aren’t just bleak but like some badass space cowboy opera, where everyone broods heavily (like a CW drama) and everything just feels saturated with a heavy air of despair and longing. Sure, it ain’t the laugh-fest of the movies, but it’s all just so dark and sexy — without feeling overbearing, either — and a great start for a powerful new era.
Danger Street #5
Variant cover by Mitch Gerads
There’s a ton going on in Danger Street. The way the many characters and storylines weaves in and out of each other is a testament to writer Tom King’s overt skill, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot to track at one time. And in a story with a group called the Dingbats, the Creeper, and the promise of Darkseid in the first issue, some stuff hasn’t gotten nearly the same amount of time and/or attention. The Manhunter, for instance, feels like an important part of the story but also one that doesn’t immediately dazzle like some of those other bits. Luckily, artist Mitch Gerads has decided to give our boy the spotlight in this killer variant in time for issue #5 to focus primarily on the Man in Red (nickname pending). I love how Gerads has captured something essential about Manhunter — both a vintage quality and an updated feel as well as something deeply human and yet removed entirely. The end result casts him as something bordering an unstoppable force, with plenty of story-smashing potential, without stripping him of something primal that’s hugely essential to explore and let resonate. It doesn’t take much to give a character their spotlight to absolutely deliver.
West of Sundown #10
Cover by Aaron Campbell
It’s been a hot second since we’ve checked in with West of Sundown. The first five or so issues were really compelling — but as happens sometimes, even a really entertaining Old West vampire story can get lost in the shuffle of it all. But issue #10 just caught my eye (as tends to happen when writer-artist Aaron Campbell picks up the old pen and paints), and I had to talk about it. Because, as we promise a kind of convergence for all the characters across Sangre De Moro, Campbell’s cover seems truly interesting. Sure, we get all the prerequisite vibes and images you’d expect from this story, including a mad scientist, just enough blood, and a severed (albeit well dressed) head. And yet it’s this aesthetic of it all — sort of like a Wild West version of Re-Animator — that makes this all the more compelling. As if it fosters a level of psychic dissonance, and spins in ideas and energies that feel fresh and novel and yet still connected to something essential about this decidedly different tale of both cowboys and vampires. The final cover feels really powerful, and whether you’re up-to-date or coming in blind to this “chapter,” it’s going to make for quite the declaration.
The Great British Bump Off #1
Cover by Max Sarin
(Editor’s Note 4/10/23 at 11:32 a.m: We’ve updated the artist per the creative team’s correction.)
If there’s one thing I love in this world, it’s puns. If there’s two things I like, it’s puns and baked goods. And if there’s three things I love in this world, it’s puns, baked goods, and satire. And it looks like I get to indulge in all three with the perfectly-titled The Great British Bump Off, in which a baking show and a murder-mystery smash head on for a series that could prove to be as sweet as it is bloody good. Artist Max Sarin has baked us up a truly delightful treat, as the cover hits all the important parts — silly energies, ample blood, and both dark undertones and playful sentiments alike. At the same time, though, I think there’s something more here; we get a lot of great character development in such a simple and powerful image, which is doubly important in this multi-layered (cake) mystery tale. Before even cracking this book open, I’m already deciding who to like and who I should watch, and that’s what makes these kinds of stories so dang fun. Toss in some fudge brownies or pain au chocolat, and it’s all the more scrumptious.
Paklis #6
Cover by Dustin Weaver
If you saw the “#6” and thought you’d missed some amazing new series from artist-writer Dustin Weaver, you’re only half right. Paklis is a pretty great, critically-celebrated anthology series, but this issue is the first since #5 way back in September 2017. And as far as “returns” are concerned, Weaver (alongside co-writer Jeremy Barlow) are bringing the noise with two tales: the “surreal Euro-Western” called “They’ll Bury You Where You Stand!” and a “tech-noir mystery” titled simply “1949.” Based on Weaver’s own cover, we appear to be getting a snapshot of the former, which is solid choice even if “tech-noir mystery” does sound a tad more interesting. But this western looks to be both spot on — you can practically feel the grit and dust rolling off this image — and yet there’s some other elements (the color and design of the outfits) that hint at something all the more daring and inventive. If nothing else, though, Weaver is an expert at both body language and perspective, and this cover feels especially personal and powerful for this resulting perspectives. Still, let’s hope #7 doesn’t take five-ish years.
The Gimmick #2
Cover by Erica Henderson
I’d like to think that with last month’s coverage (including an interview and a shiny write-up in an edition of Judging by the Cover) that The Gimmick would be fully hyped. Whether or not you’ve already jumped aboard this story — which follows a pro wrestler, Shane, who murdered a guy with his secret superpowers and has to go on the run — I can’t imagine you’ll be off that train much longer. Because based solely on the cover for issue #2 by Erica Henderson, the creative team (writer Joanne Starer and artist Elena Gogou) are getting super-weird with it pronto. Is a baby with (seemingly) super strength and a deep love for rasslin’ in and of itself a little odd and funny? Sure, especially given mom’s reaction. But it’s also one of those images that surprises you after the initial “LOLZ” dies down, and you start to connect the image with the story thus far and start to feel the weight of it all. Even if you don’t, grappling baby is funny, and enough of a “gimmick” itself to get you into the ring and in on the action.
Fantastic Four #6
Cover by Alex Ross
I get that, this long into his seminal career, it may be silly to still stare, slack-jawed as ever, at the work of Alex Ross. Especially when, even as a long-time devotee, even I can admit that sometimes his work feels stuck in the same modes. (Read: “Badass heroes posturing for the camera.”) But then he comes in from way out there in left field with this utterly smashing piece. I could talk about how it connects to the story, but I’d rather just spend the space I have talking about all the perfect parts. Like, how does he make rocket jets look so amazingly perfect (and both appealing and terrifying)? Or that I can somehow feel the weight of the moon/that celestial body. Even that it took a few minutes to “find” Johnny Storm, or how Reed Richards’ outstretched arm speaks volumes about his whole character. All of it (and so much more) expertly demonstrates why Ross continues to be a master among some real pros and geniuses, and how when he “steps up” a bit we get some truly amazing stuff that should be considered outside the confines of “just comics art.” In a phrase, it’s truly out of this world stuff.
Superman: Lost #2
Variant Cover by Lee Weeks
If you were like me, you were excited and a little scared for last month’s launch of Superman: Lost. Excited because it’s a Christopher Priest-penned story involving a Superman stranded in space, and scared because you’re only a recent “convert” to the Man of Steel. But the creative team (which includes artist Carlo Pagulayan) nailed it out of the park in issue #1, setting up a thoughtful exploration of a vulnerable Superman and what it truly means to be the world’s strongest hero. And if this Lee Weeks variant cover is any indication, issue #2 will continue that very heartbreaking trend. Because not only is it disarming to see a deeply vulnerable Supes (seriously, I’m almost physically scared), but the other details add to the story here. Like, the way Lois Lane’s heels are strewn about, or the way his cape has sort of folded in on itself. All of it together speaks to the sheer emotionality of this book, and the way we’re cutting down to the deepest parts of the shimmery mythos. It’s a ride that promises to be devastating and compelling in equal measures.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles / Usagi Yojimbo: WhereWhen #1
Variant cover by Kevin Eastman
From time to time, I come upon an issue or title that generates a real dilemma. This latest crossover tale between TMNT and Usagi Yojimbo — in which the former travel back in time and have to help the latter beat the oh-so nasty Dr. WhereWhen — represents said dilemma with its many amazing covers/variants. The main cover, from writer Stan Sakai, is both epic and cutesy — and its only real “crime” is that it “cuts out” the Turtles’ second best member, Raphael. So, then, maybe I instead opt for this epic Sarah Myer piece — it’s both inventive and similarly epic, even if the whole idea of a Usagi-TMNT battle isn’t likely to happen. (The books sell because they become a supergroup of anthropomorphized animal butt-kickers). I even thought about celebrating this gritty piece from Skan Srisuwan, but this level of “photo-realism” proved even too much for me. In the end, the final nod went to this Kevin Eastman variant. Not only is he the TMNT’s co-creator — and thus you almost default to him for a lot of depictions — but I love the mood here (facilitated by the line work); the sense of action and camaraderie; and that there’s heaps of personality even amid a fairly “generic” battle scene. Regardless, there’s more than enough covers to please even the most niche TMNT fan.
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