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.
Wonder Woman #24
Cover by Daniel Sampere and Tomeu Morey
Your boy’s not exactly a font geek. (FYI, my resume has been in Calibri for years.) Still, I love what Daniel Sampere and Tomeu Morey have done here with the written word. Because across the Tom King-penned run, words have been weapons, with a bevy of verbal barbs and jabs tossed at Diana to throw her off course. Each font choice here feels like a new addition to the chorus, or even a someone else’s new weapon of choice, and any one could break through her mighty defenses and cut deep and fast. Even if you don’t know the whole saga of Mouse Man and his island, the threat hits with an intensity thanks to this clever and hugely effective cover. Word up.
Black Cat #1
Variant cover by Terry and Rachel Dodson
Having a cat featured on the debut cover to a new solo Black Cat series does seem like a cop-out. (Even if cats do rule the internet, I’ll be damned if I placate those furry weirdos beyond the amount I do in my personal life.) But in Felicia Hardy’s journey from thief to hero (or maybe thieving hero?), a standard but impressive feat of “Heroics 101” seems like a great way to ingratiate her to the people of NYC and keep her at/near the ground floor where she’s going to be most effective. Still, I’d be fooling myself if I didn’t admit that the Dodsons draw one of the best cats this side of Feral.
Escape #1
Cover by Daniel Acuña
Speaking of adorable animals…OK, holy crap, never mind. Admittedly, the idea of having a book that’s “Inglourious Basterds meets Blacksad” does seem initially hokey. But then series artist Daniel Acuña goes ahead and delivers something that makes Patton or Saving Private Ryan look like a high school stage show. Still, is our hero (daring pilot Milton Shaw) a dog, cat, or bear? Who knows, I just want to watch that fuzzy bastard step through smashed cityscapes and maybe punch a fascist turtle or something. And when he does, he’ll do it in the most harrowing, gut-wrenching manner possible.
Event Horizon: Dark Descent #1
Variant cover by Christian Ward
The mere prospect of Christian Ward writing space horror had me floating around like zero G. But to see some of his vision realized on this variant cover already has me certain this is going to be a worthy prequel to the best space-based thriller ever. (Sorry, Sunshine.) It’s the way space is both gorgeous and also unwaveringly vast and empty. The Blade Runner-esque tinge of technology that acts as a proper landmark. And, of course, the giant demon-monster that exemplifies the hectic, chaotic glory of Ward’s exemplary design skills. All of it together has me squealing with delight and horror. Too bad people can hear me on terra firma.
Toxie Team-Up #3
Cover by Fred Harper
I’m already a huge, huge fan of Toxic Avenger, but Acid Chimp is growing on me for his direct but effective approach to problem-solving. What happens, then, when you pit a notorious acid-throwing primate against an acid-proof man-monster? Well, based on Fred Harper’s drawing/divination, a drug-fueled nightmare that reminds of the first time I did shrooms on Halloween circa 2010. Yet even amid this psychedelic fever dream, there’s a real joy and friendship that abounds, as these two weirdos find common ground in their bizarre, unsavory approach to good old fashioned heroics. Because even the biggest freaks can make good and somehow make a difference. Awww?
Catacomb of Torment #2
Variant cover by Lukas Ketner
I’ve really loved everything that this EC Comics “resurrection” has accomplished so far across its various titles. But Catacomb of Torment already feels extra special, as a series of creators tell “taut tales of mayhem and murder spilling forth like so much viscera!” So, sure, it’s bad construction technique to build with bricks made of murdered/mutilated humans, but you can’t deny the pulpy goodness, pseudo-dystopian vibes, and blend of grit and cartoon humor that defines this cover. Plus, so many questions abound, like how many bricks does one person make? At least we already know nothing on this job site is up to local ordinance.
All-New Spider-Gwen: Ghost-Spider #1
Variant cover by Simone Di Meo
I can’t think of a better visual metaphor for Gwen making a go of it on a New Earth than this excellent Simone Di Meo variant cover. Her placement and the spider-tinged chaos on this bridge has you questioning gravity and your very perspective, and it’s hard to tell up from down and left from right in a way that’s more exciting than nerve-wracking. Toss in a sweet new costume for my third favorite Spider hero, and this feels like a new start with genuine stakes and odds attached. Now, would someone please point me to the ground and/or give me some Tums or something.
Detective Comics #1100
Cover by Mikel Janín
This cover feels a little like a really solid page from Where’s Waldo. (Like the ones at the beach, mostly.) Only all of these characters are basically Waldo, and the real satisfaction is experiencing that corresponding flood of character memories with each new discovery. It’s a great way to mark 1,100 staggering issues of Detective Comics — at its best, it’s always been a book where the many unique souls of Gotham City get a chance to shine and add to the grand narrative of Batman. Also, I swear this is what an average night in Gotham looks like, and it likely explains why Bats is always so dang cranky.
TMNT: Journeys #1
Cover by Peter Laird and Michael Dooney
Here’s the TL;DR for ya: This title reprints Peter Laird and Jim Lawson’s fourth volume from the Mirage Studios days. But before you delve into a “lost piece of TMNT history,” take some time to simply marvel at the issue #1 cover from Laird and Michael Dooney. It’s a classic snapshot of Turtle majesty, with the perfect blend of bulging biceps, mutant vibes, and total ninja badassery. I for one love when the Turtles are still depicted with the red masks; it feels like a call to a simpler, more robust time in their grand history when it was four bros against the world. Long live Turtle Power!
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