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.
Two-Face #1
Variant cover by Christian Ward
From time to time on Judging by the Cover, I have to drop kayfabe and remind some folks that, yes, I often get to read certain books early. Two-Face is just one of those books, and I’ve actually read it a couple different times because I generally think it’s that darn good. It’s pretty much everything that writer Christian Ward promised it to be — this edgy, inventive exploration of the duality at the heart of Harvey Dent, and if a man such as the twisted former DA can truly experience a rebirth and a return to decency. It’s ideas and themes that are very much exemplified in Ward’s own variant cover to issue #1. Sure, the whole “scales of justice” thing is a little overplayed as a gimmick, but Harvey in the role of “blind justice” is a neat little commentary that speaks volumes about the path and intent of this story. And speaking of slightly subverting expectations, there’s an interesting choice as two whose scales Dent is “weighing”; it’s about real choices and effects and trying to use this “gimmick” as a way to fully delve into these characters with gusto and curiosity. This cover’s just a snapshot of what’s in store for a generally inspired take, and something that might help define and cement Two-Face’s place in DC’s brave new era.
All-New Venom #1
Variant cover by Humberto Ramos
From the debut series of one dark and complicated character to the latest solo series from a similarly robust character, we come to All-New Venom #1. After the events of the past few months, which included the Venom War event, writer Al Ewing (and artist Carlos Gómez) are taking a brand-new Venom “in a completely new direction” as we’re left to gleefully wonder about the big guy’s new identity. Since it could be any among “the Journalist, the Terrorist, the Sidekick… or even the Mayor,” I’ve opted to focus on this great, character-defining variant cover by Humberto Ramos. Does it make me think of a beloved favorite in The Maxx? You betcha, and that association is really working for me. But I mostly chose it because this cover perfectly balances the weird and sinister. Yes, Venom’s rows of jagged teeth terrify me, but I’d also watch this same version in a very twisted, very weird Saturday morning cartoon. Maybe your Venom plays out a little differently, but I want a symbiote who can be both approachable and unsettling, gross but oddly relatable. In short, a “creature” that tries to distill years of story and character development, and to connect the past with the unwritten future. The fact that I think this new Venom may also eat me in no way shape or form influenced by decision.
Snotgirl #16
Cover by Leslie Hung
If you’ve been living under a rock (or disassociating after the last four years or so felt like a lifetime in hell), Snotgirl is back! After issue #15 dropped literally four days before March 2020’s COVID shutdown, writer Bryan Lee O’Malley and artist Leslie Hung are back with a brand-new story arc. And in this one, as you might have already guessed from Hung’s own main cover, Lottie Person gets everything she’s wanted by landing her dream girl, Caroline. The cover celebrates this fresh coupling with the sleek, alt-leaning magic you’ve expected from Snotgirl — it’s like some ’90s version of Cosmo if it were printed in the Bay Area or Portland. But don’t just let the cutesy charm, sex appeal, and general grace and prowess of this cover fool you; I think we’re seeing a kind of pivot. That as great as everything looks, there’s a kind of tension, or an unknowable “quiet before the next shoe drops” sorta vibe, that makes me feel uneasy (in the very best way, of course). That as much as we’ve all been perhaps hoping for this moment, the story’s always told us that nothing perfect can last. And so we get to reach the apex of emotion as we wait for the roller coaster to truly drop. It may have taken four-plus years to do, but I can’t wait for what’s next on this cute but weird little ride.
Hack / Slash = Body Bags #2
Cover by Scott Hepburn
Back in October, Tim Seeley, Stefano Caselli, and Steve Kurth launched a rather genius new story: Hack / Slash = Body Bags. If the title wasn’t clear enough, it’s basically a meeting of “slasher hunters Cassie Hack & Vlad ” and expert Bodybaggers Mack “Clownface” and Panda Delgado, in a tale that promised ample “big knives, short skirts, and swear words” (or, if you’re this fella, the only criteria you need for truly judging a story). I nearly covered the debut on a recent edition of Judging by the Cover, but there was just too much competition for that intriguing but too direct piece. Luckily, Scott Hepburn’s offering for issue #2 breaks through in a major way, and we get a different vibe to help capture the “magic” of this story. The direct comparison/mirroring is nice — both teams are different, but it’s nice to see certain dynamics and energies shine through without ruining their individuality. We also get proper space for both the Delgados’ more overt manic intensity and Vlad/Cass’ more horror-centric, inevitably nostalgic leanings, which creates even more layers to this piece. Even just the use of colors here does so much to align these beloved characters in a way that feels exciting and novel. Some monsters may be about to lose, but we’re all the clear winners here.
Long Cold Winter #1
Cover by Stefano Cardoselli
Like shitting on Scott Summers (have you seen this?!) and talking about my childhood far too much, Stefano Cardoselli earns much attention from this here column. And be it Don’t Spit in the Wind or Love Me: A Romance Story, Cardoselli bring it with the dystopian-adjacent, robot-centric action. Now, that trend seemingly continues as Cardoselli reunites with Francesca Perillo (from Love Me) for Long Cold Winter, in which ex-soldier Peach Dog helps a young child escape a “dangerous and congested city” in a world where “the air on Earth has become unbreathable.” What’s not to love not only about that painfully relevant storyline but our first preview of sorts with #1’s cover. Giant swords are always a winner in this or any universe; the young child’s sort of cute but also oddly alien, and that sentiment feels important; Peace Dog’s design feels especially human for a “Cardoselli robot”; the logo is a novel step up design-wise; and even the dang rain is just neat. In short, a snapshot of the way Cardoselli looks at the future and distills its tension, destruction, and spark of hope for our enthusiastic consumption. It’s the kind of art that makes you terrified and hopeful for what’s to come, and prepares the mind for a future where the best parts of us can win even if it’s all gone to hell. That, and I can’t stress this enough, but robots with swords.
Damned #1
Cover by Eric Haven
You may know Eric Haven from books/projects like Vague Tales and Compulsive Comics. Or, this is somehow your introduction. Either way, Haven and Fantagraphics promise a “delightfully demented one-shot of pure comic book bliss.” But before that, the book’s solicitation asks all sorts of questions about a woman named Meg Tempera, Deathika the “brutal assassin,” and weird dreams with deeper meaning/purpose. But I’ve got my own questions regarding the cover. Like, is that a grown-up Tintin, and if so, how is the possible given what I’m assuming is a mountain of trademarker paperwork/headaches? Is the cat also holding a gun (that we just can’t see)? Are those bars in front of the window as well, and if that’s also the case, is Deathika more of a threat than even the dual-wielded pistols? (And if that’s not Deathika, I would absolutely fall out of my chair laughing.) Finally, perhaps the greatest question of them all: when the solicitation promises “ham sandwiches for everyone,” does that somehow include readers? The only thing I’m not really questioning is the promise of weird and wild comics that will come flooding out of this one-shot, and how this cover pokes the best parts of my brain with a 10-foot stick. That, and I’m also pretty sure the cat doesn’t have a gun. Pretty sure.
DC’s Batman Smells, Robin Laid an Egg #1
Variant cover by Lee Bermejo
Admittedly, I’d love if both and DC and Marvel released their holiday compilations a little closer to the actual holidays. But if one of them’s called DC’s Batman Smells, Robin Laid an Egg #1, I’ll forgive that indiscretion faster than some kid on the naughty list offering a big, fat bribe. And this year’s offering truly is more packed than Santa Claus’ bag, as we get stories featuring not only Dr. Midnight and the Bat Family, but a Marv Wolfman-penned Deadman story. Speaking of DC’s ghostest with the mostest, Deadman’s the star in this excellent Lee Bermejo variant cover, which may be the single best present this one-shot offers. For a dead dude, Boston Brand sure is jacked, and he clearly must be avoiding all of those cookies and milk. Meanwhile, the role of “deadbeat Santa” is portrayed expertly by Joker, who adds both a bit of depravity and a touch of disappointment to the role in a way that’s both funny and effective. Maybe this isn’t your grandpappy’s Christmas, but it’s cute, weird, silly, and genuinely badass, and exactly the kind of thing that continues to make these holiday goodies such an important offering (and not just a gimmicky drop). Forget Santa watching you or not, Deadman may be ready to pounce if you misbehave.
Juvenile #1
Cover by Jesús Orellana
As I hope was clear in my interview with writer-artist Jesús Orellana, Juvenile is a really interesting book. Maybe it’s not my favorite of the year, but I think the way it tries to tell its story — a super-virus kills every new adult, but some teens discover a shocking secret (!) — is really thoughtful and always deeply human. And if you want to try and understand that narrative and this title’s larger value (aside from the interview, duh), then you can just check out Orellan’s own cover to issue #1. Here, that aforementioned secret is made clear enough — I won’t spell it out, but you get the sense that these aren’t ordinary kids, yeah? While that delicate approach to the book’s “hook” is neat enough, I mostly just love what this book says abouts its teenage cast. Namely, that as much as this is about the chaos and uncertainty of youth, these kids have a depth and savviness that belies their age. That we’d all be wise to pay heed to these kids, and that if they’re really the future, it’s cause they see through all the BS and have a clarity that might actually change things. It’s a simple but stark cover, and one that speaks not just to the “cool” events of the story but it’s larger meaning and value in exploring the complicated ins and outs of youth movements in 2024. Juvenile? Nah, I’d say pretty dang mature.
Marvel Holiday Tales to Astonish #1
Variant cover by Leonardo Romero
Admittedly, when your competitor calls their book “Batman Smells, Robin Laid an Egg,” you really can’t compete in the department. But Marvel Holiday Tales to Astonish #1 is less like pulling a prank on Xmas day and more like wearing a new sweater and reading by the fire while grandpa sleeps off the baked ham. What better way to provide comfort than not only a Hanukkah story with Kitty Pryde and a tag team affair with Peter Parker and Miles Morales, but one about “the Fantastic Four’s Holiday Party” (which, based on the capitalization, is as well-known/famous as, say, Logan’s love of beer in the Marvel Universe). While we’re not on the guest list, Leonardo Romero’s variant cover is the only sneak peak we need. Do I love the idea that someone stole and gifted the Silver Surfer’s board? To that I respond, does Santa have a beard? And, sure, I’m not clear why Sue has to peek/spoil a gift for someone, but it makes me happier than 1 million Norman Rockwell holiday pieces combined. And that’s not even getting to Johnny Storm making the star, and if he’ll either burn down the Baxter Building or has to stay there indefinitely to maintain the star. Either way, this piece covers why Marvel also does the holidays right: it’s sweet, endearing, a little weird, and the kind of fare that warms the heart hotter than Storm’s own Supernova power.
You must be logged in to post a comment.