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.
Thor #35
Cover by Nic Klein
Say what you will about the Thor series, but it certainly has seen its share of uncertainty. The book changed creative teams midway through its run, and even had some delays and other obstacles to manage. And while it’s been smooth sailing as of late, all good things must come to an end as Immortal Thor officially launches in August. But don’t let this little series that could be forgotten, as it’s done some compelling things across its various teams and narrative transformations. Case in point: Nic Klein’s cover to issue #35. Klein, who has been a steady presence on the book, seemingly delivers gnarly viking zombies and the sort of dark and grizzled imagery that would also be found on a random black metal album cover. And, sure, you can enjoy it for what it is (a terrifying sight ripped from the dying mind of a viking warlord) but I also think it represents something about this series. This idea that dead ain’t nothing, and how it’s managed to remain alive through sheer force of will and badass feats of comics magic from its various creators. Sure, it’s pretty much Ragnarok for this title but it goes down fighting as this weird and wild little book that got plenty weird/sentimental/deep/etc. Bon voyage, Thor: we’ll set you ablaze on your very own funeral pyre.
Action Comics #1056
Cover by Steve Beach
In addition to an exciting new character introduction, issue #1,056 of Action Comics promises something truly brain-smashing: a Superman-Metallo team-up. That’s like cats and dogs teaming up to build a super collider. But this is Superman, after all, and he’s always going to try help his foes, save the innocents, and maybe even make it look good while doing so. What compels me, then, about this covering is that the Steve Beach-penned Superman — which always looks like a Greek god mixed with a ’40s A-list leading man — is being compared and/or juxtaposed to the cyberhorror monstrosity that is Metallo. Is this a commentary about how both men are the same, especially now as Metallo tries to protect his sister, Tracy Corben? Maybe, but then this ain’t exactly the most flattering comparison for some parties. Could it maybe be the dichotomous nature of these foes-turned-temporary friends, and the overt tension and unease of their partnership? Could be, yeah. But I think it’s ultimately this idea of how close they really are in certain ways — strong, family-oriented, often overly passionate, etc. — and that their “code” really isn’t all that different. What makes them opposites is only a matter of a few one’s and zero’s, and that kind of insight can be hard to swallow while complicating their tenuous team-up. Go, Supes-tallo!
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Saturday Morning Adventures Continued #2
Cover by Tim Lattie
I was born in 1986 for the sole purpose of being sold shit. It started, coincidentally enough, with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. I recall entire Christmas celebrations making my dad inflate their blimp. Or, birthday parties with a Michelangelo cake (I really loved Donatello). And so when Saturday Morning Adventures Continued dropped back in May, I was ready to continue buying into that most important element of TMTN media: the endless rush of nostalgia and general existential comfort that I experience only with those lovable, butt-kicking shell-heads. And that proves quadrupply true for the cover to issue #2, which pretty much scratches the top layer or two of skin off for my need for ’80s-centric TMNT action. Seriously, I’d burn my apartment down right now and use all the renter’s insurance to have that techno-Turtle action figure to play with and satiate my need for robust retro-mania. I can practically feel the smooth, weighted plastic as I make the Turtle do front flips and piss of my cats. Does any of this have anything at all to do with the actual title/story? No, but it makes me want to be a kid again in the worst way, and that’s sort of a big point of TMNT fandom. If I have to settle for a cool story instead, then, hey, it’s not all that bad, right?
The Oddly Pedestrian Life of Christopher Chaos #1
Cover by Nick Robles
I have a theory about people named Christopher (that aren’t me). They’re generally no good — Christopher Columbus, Chris Pratt, etc. And, yeah, I’m ignoring a billion other folks that do the name justice, but the general sort of point is Christophers are very often up to no good. Case in point: Christopher Chaos, the teenage mad scientist who, despite his vast intellect, is mostly a loner. (Typical of these Christophers in my experience.) Until, of course, he meets young fella and, and the “relationship” launches him into a “world of monsters, heroes, and a cult of hunters out to kill them all.” The main cover, from Nick Robles, sort of captures all of that and just this sense of Christopher-ness in general. He’s clearly special, but he’s also very much alone and isolated. He has some kind of spark (get it?!) and yet it doesn’t really seem to connect or resonate within this world. And while he’s clearly a weirdo, I also think maybe he’s not all that bad. At least, that’s my hope, and that this book can rehab the Christophers of the world like this star of a madcap weirdo going against the world for something better. If nothing else, Christophers aren’t anywhere as devious as dudes named Stephen.
Tales from Nottingham #5
Cover by Luca Romano and Rafael Romeo Magat
If you’re not familiar, Nottingham is a “twisted medieval noir” in which “the Sheriff of Nottingham hunts a serial killer with a penchant for tax collectors.” Tales of Nottingham, then, helps build the world of Robin Hood and his Merrymen, offering a suite of bonkers, blood-soaked tales of medieval madness. And as issue #5 follows Robin of Locksley as he returns to England from the Holy Land, we’re getting plenty of blood as he decides to birth his merry little band of maniacs. There’s so much here that I think speaks to why this premise not only continues to deliver but it gets better. Whether that’s the way the black eye adds to the insane look of our friend here; the way the bloody arrowheads feel like they were ripped from some classical painting; and/or just that perfect interplay of shadow and light, it shows something magical about a book that’s just as dark and deeply human. If anything, all that dichotomous magic feels like it creates layers and pockets for the story, and it helps a little “gimmick” (“Robin Hood, but what if he’s…”) into something that’s far deeper and nuanced without really making a big deal of it. Also, if you just love archery, this is the book for you.
Dark Spaces: Good Deeds #2
Variant cover by Martin Simmonds
You may have seen Martin Simmonds on titles like The Department of Truth or his many other endeavors. He’s got an utterly terrifying approach to art, capable of capturing some deep-seated humanity while also generating great fear and discomfort by spinning in supernatural elements. (Or, perhaps exposing something innate to the human condition? Dun dun dun!) As far as an optimal series for his talents, Dark Spaces: Good Deeds seems like an especially inspired choice, as this tale of family drama and bloody colonial history undoubtedly offers heaps of great source material/inspiration. And inspired is certainly the right word for the resulting variant cover to issue #2, which I think tells the viewer/reader less about the story and more that what lies ahead is the sort of brain-melting level of deep horror that can literally change your life. And, to an extent, I can appreciate that approach, even if I do think it maybe focuses less on what’s already proven to be a thoughtful and engaging story about new places and old woes. But given that Simmonds showcases the kind of fear that speaks to all of us on an essential level — and yet it’s also so dang pretty — I can let it slide. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go lock all my doors and windows.
Tim Drake: Robin #10
Cover by Nikola Cizmesija
I’m a Nightwing/Dick Grayson man myself, but even I think Tim Drake gets a bad rap. In a group with the cool one, the bad boy, and the brat, Drake’s status as “the smart one” doesn’t quite carry the same impact — even if being smart is sort of central to effective superhero-ing. Still, the ongoing Robin series from Meghan Fitzmartin and Nikola Cizmesija has done a lot to try and show us a more nuanced and multifaceted Drake, one who is smart but also deeply human and somewhat flawed and just trying to do the best he can for his city and his friends. And, based on this excellent cover to issue #10 from Cizmesija, it’s also shown a decidedly more bad-ass side of Drake. That’s seriously some Bruce Wayne-level posing right there, with a hint of Jason Todd brooding and Grayson-ian elegance with the cape flapping in the wind. Yet there’s something about the eyes — that slight pop of joy or aw-shucks-ness — that remind us this is still our dweeby little Drake. That glow? It ain’t no dang spotlight. No, it’s the warmth and power of a young man who knows who he is and is stepping up to be a true hero. It’s something we all can’t help but celebrate.
Creed: The Next Round #1
Variant cover by Jahnoy Lindsay
I’m all for comics being a vehicle for spin-offs or sequels or prequels of beloved TV shows and movies. Heck, it’s worked wonders for the whole Buffy franchise, and so why not Creed? Especially when star-director Michael B. Jordan is apparently onboard, helping to drive and shape the story of Amara Creed (Adonis Creed’s daughter) starting her boxing career in the world of underground fighting. While that’s all well and good, I want to instead talk about this variant cover from Jahnoy Lindsay. Because I think there’s some really important things here that speak to why the whole Creed story is perfect for comics. Like, the way the sleek black and white somehow still portrays some sense of vivid life and also still feels like a snapshot regardless. Or, the way the fist being raised remains blurry, as if there’s no way to truly capture Creed at rest. And the look on his face — it’s a quiet anger and intensity that both scares me to the core and lights a fire in my own belly (but not enough to go swinging on someone). All together, these feel like the elements of a proper adaptation, a title/franchise embracing the realm of comics for what it is and presenting something distinct and magical that speaks back to the origin’s heart and spirit. If this is just the start, this book could be a haymaker to the imagination.
Storm #2
Variant cover by Maria Wolf
Storm, if you’re unaware, is set amid her “fan-favorite punk-attired days.” But it’s not all dope haircuts and leather for days — this era had a lot of problems for Ororo Munroe. As this story has already demonstrated in just two issues, that includes a new villain new Blowback, some personal issues with Kitty Pryde, a new love interest, and perhaps some malfunctioning weather powers. So with all that going on, I really wanted to highlight the variant cover from Maria Wolf. We get everything we need to know about the story right here. Like the sheer power at her fingertips, and how as gorgeous and awe-inspiring as it may be, is also a hugely terrifying threat. Or, the way she clearly feels a deep rage but is trying to channel that into something more than mere destruction. And, of course, her aforementioned “punk clothes” are just as on point as ever. So, what’s it all mean together? This is a Storm who is still very much sorting through herself and her place in the world — she may have all the power, grace, and beauty in the world, but that doesn’t make it easier. It’s a lesson not of coming into herself, per say, but perhaps finding the joy and serenity to accept all those big, scary things about herself with poise and confidence. Sure, we know how it already turns out for Storm, but that doesn’t stop this series from being a massively powerful story about a proper dynamo.
Join the AIPT Patreon
Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:
- ❌ Remove all ads on the website
- 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
- 📗 Access to our monthly book club
- 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
- 💥 And more!
You must be logged in to post a comment.