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.
Batman #1
Cover by Jorge Jiménez
A new Batman #1 is always cause for celebration. (Even as I have complicated thoughts about these kinds of “relaunches.”) That’s doubly true when both Matt Fraction and Jorge Jiménez have indicated a brighter, bolder era for the Bats, an approach best exemplified by Jiménez’s own cover to the debut issue. It’s the way the blue overpowers the eyes as this beacon of a Batman who may be “softer” but never any less capable. Or, the throwback quality to the suit, and how that connects back to past eras with grace/subtlety. Even the way you can’t tell if that’s the moon or a spotlight (or both somehow?!) Either way, the future’s looking bright for the Dark Knight, and I hope our enthusiasm is rewarded with a daring new spin.
Spider-Man ’94 #1
Cover by Nick Bradshaw
Speaking of a new #1, there’s a lot to be excited for regarding Spider-Man ’94. For one, we get J.M. DeMatteis, whose other Spidey-starring work is among my personal faves. Plus, the book spins directly out of the animated series, with a storyline that involves the debut of two legendary Spidey villains. But in the meantime, we get this awesome Nick Bradshaw debut cover, which manages to connect with the aesthetic of the cartoon in just the perfect way. If anything, there’s a modern, manga-esque update abounding here, and the end result offers a rush of something new to cut all that syrupy nostalgia. Assure me that we get more Madame Web, and this may be the best bit of retromania in quite a long while.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #11
Cover by Jorge Fornés
I could be most excited about a story where the Turtles are falsely arrested. Or, the solicitation’s mention of big starring roles for both Casey Jones and April O’Neil. But mostly I’m jazzed for one of my favorite snapshots of the Turtles in some time. Cover artist Jorge Fornés has nailed the idea of the brothers as the four humors/temperaments, with a defiant Michelangelo, a pissed-off Raphael, a sturdy Leonardo, and my boy Donatello making the most meme-able face ever (?) Why’s this matter in the grand scheme of a compelling, entertaining book? For me, TMNT is about the connection and tension between the brothers, and this cover is a gorgeous encapsulation of how the best stories are the four of them being themselves and working together to battle the odds. It’s ultimately about finding strength and joy in the chaos of family drama. Now, cheer up, Donnie!
Everything Dead & Dying #1
Cover by Jacob Phillips
As mentioned in our recent chat, writer Tate Brombal loves the zombie cow that he and artist Jacob Phillips have created for Everything Dead & Dying. Based on Phillips’ own cover to issue #1, you might be able to discern why he’s got so much love for this bovine corpse. For one, there’s something oddly adorable about this undead grass giant — sure, he can churn stomachs, but there’s a simplicity and joy you can’t escape. Mostly, though, I’d say the cow works because it’s the perfect symbol for this book’s theme of toxic loyalty. It makes about as much sense to milk a dead cow as it does to maintain a family life that’s just as dead and bloated. But we are who we are, and love makes us do crazy things. Not crazy enough to drink zombie cow milk, though.
Star Trek: Red Shirts #2
Cover by Chris Shehan
I’m not a Star Trek guy in that I’m as obsessive or knowledgeable as other folks, but there’s some parts of the fandom I embrace with gusto. Case in point: The Red Shirts, those utterly replaceable security officers who make the Federation run (like a giant machine powered by mutilated corpses). But even within their first two issues, Christopher Cantwell and company have already shown us the bizarrely heartfelt, generally humorous world of the Red Shirts, an idea once again encapsulated by Chris Shehan’s absolutely brilliant cover for #2. There’s just enough tragedy and chuckles here to make you feel the full emotional gamut, and in that process we understand the intricacies, absurdities, and overt humanity that defines just one small corner of the grand Trek universe. Thank you for service, Red Shirt #83833.
TexArcanum #2
Cover by Michael Heisler
TexArcanum #1 really surprised me. Christopher Monfettte crafted a narrative about a gritty supernatural cop/sheriff/park ranger with real layers, and artist Miguel Martos and colorist Patricio Delpeche brought it all to life with grit and horror-tinged fun. Michael Heisler’s cover for issue #2 is a solid way to further build the story while possibly surprising more readers. Because, at first glance, you might just see a badass cowboy walking through a storm. But after that, not only does the true nature of the storm emerge, but also vital questions arise about where they are, the nature of that solar panel rig, and what’s it all mean to tell a horror story in modern-day Texarkana. The answers may surprise and delight you in equal measure.
Adventures of Superman: The Book of El #1
Variant cover by Riccardo Federici
Obviously the main draw of Book of El is Phillip Kennedy Johnson returning to the Man of Steel (as well as PKJ’s reunion with Scott Godlewski following Future State: Superman: House of El). But don’t sleep on another great reason with this totally sweet Riccardo Federici variant cover. In a story about Supes being “sent against his will to a place even he’s never been,” this variant balances the old-school, larger-than-life romanticism and power of Superman with a darkly-tinged intensity that’s decidedly modern. The end result is the perfect Superman — one who acts as a force of good in a deeply complicated world. (He’s almost being swallowed up by the background, for crying out loud!) Also, give it up for the tried and true superhero landing, folks.
Wolverine #13
Cover by Martín Cóccolo and Bryan Valenza
Did I pick this Martín Cóccolo and Bryan Valenza cover just because it said, “Claw-Father?” You betcha. (Not to be too nitpicky, though, but “Clawed-Father” certainly works just a little better.) Aside from solid wordplay, there’s lots more to like about this cover. The cold, indiscriminate nature of Logan. The mix of bullet holes and claw marks to indicate a leadership style that’s all about collaboration (and, again, cold-blooded murder). Heck, even just Logan in a suit after all those times he’s been dressed like a weirdo and/or is perpetually nude. It’s a perfect balance of the Godfather influence and pure comics vibes, a cover that is clearly having fun when you put Wolverine in new, increasingly bizarre surroundings. Folks, give it up for Michael Claw-leone.
I, Tyrant #2
Variant cover by Ryan Gajda
As I tried to make clear in my issue #1 review, I, Tyrant ain’t the easiest book to crack. It’s very meta and layered and as much a story as a commentary on legacy through the creative process. But if you don’t want to think too deeply about it (or you need to ramp up before actually reading issue #2), enjoy some of the bloody cool art emerging from this title. That includes this Ryan Gajda variant, which features a badass ancient warrior, his bonded, extra wet-looking monster “friend,” and more blood than the gallons of pumpkin spice that’ll flow this fall season alone. Is there a greater context for this scene? Sure sure. Do you need to know it? It might prove insightful and/or entertaining. But is it OK just to relish a thing for one aspect of it (say the overt savagery)? Oh heck yeah!
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