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: Dark Patterns #10
Cover by Hayden Sherman
As they proved with Dark Spaces: Wildfire, Hayden Sherman can draw the absolute stuffing out of fire and infernos. But don’t let all those cool, sensuous flames distract you for too long — there’s also a really great visual metaphor for Batman at play here. In a case/story about a “mysterious arsonist…secretly guiding the growth of Gotham and Batman from the shadows,” this powerful piece captures both Batman’s obsessive, burning nature and how his work will one day consume the Dark Knight outright. It’s a cover effortlessly striking at the very heart of Batman, and one that says it with absolute grace, elegance, and heft (despite the somewhat “obvious” nature of the message). This one’s likely a barn-burner for sure.
Punisher: Red Band #1
Variant cover by Frank Miller
Once again I find myself fascinated by a recent Frank Miller cover. But whereas I could see why some folks didn’t like his piece for, say, Wolverine, I think this cover for Punisher: Red Band #1 is prime Miller. (Or, it’s prime for Miller in 2025.) It’s the way the blood looks clearly drawn; it just makes it feel more like a statement about authorial presence and influencing such extremity. Meanwhile, the often dehumanizing aspect of Miller’s recent work feels perfectly suited for random dead thugs. And, if nothing else, it’s a continuation of the rather small amount of Punisher work done by Miller, and this cover’s just more evidence we should’ve gotten a full run. Oh, and don’t forget the giant skull, kiddies.
Toxic Crusaders #1
Cover by Tristan Wright
You all knew damn well that I was going to include Toxic Crusaders #1. (If you somehow thought I’d miss this moment, then I’ve got an irradiated patch of New Jersey real estate you might want to purchase.) Even without my Toxie devotion, how could you not love this preview of Tristan Wright’s work? He makes Toxie strike that perfect balance between creepy and endearing; his No-Zone is similarly unsettling but also quite fun; Major Disaster has a sturdy, metaphysical quality (that fits for this version); and the newbie, Fungirl, seems like she’ll be a great fit (read: creepy and unnerving as heck). It’s bright like toxic sludge, the right kind of absurd, and a sampler of what’s going to be an even weirder chapter for Earth’s mightiest former teen loser.
Star Trek: Lower Decks #11
Cover by Philip Murphy
OK, in the name of continued honesty and transparency, I only picked this cause “future/space dolphins.” It’s affected me so deeply, in fact, that I won’t even ask why dolphins are basically rocking scuba suits. (If I had to guess without referencing the solicitation, perhaps it’s some kind of translation rig? A man can hope.) But the magic of this piece isn’t just that I’d ask dolphins what’s in the bottom of the Mariana Trench, but what it represents for Star Trek. The joy I experience here is exactly why these cadets and officers risk their lives: The singular moment of experiencing a place and people you might have never seen otherwise in your whole dang life. Sure, we can’t actually swim in it, but this cover should drown your heart in the wonders of a life lived with maximum curiosity.
The Blue Falcon and Dynomutt #1
Cover by Lucio Parrillo
Admittedly, I wasn’t a huge Blue Falcon and Dynomutt fan as a youngster. (If I wanted a superhero and his dog friend/sidekick, Batman and Ace just rang truer for ya boy.) But in the hands of Lucio Parrillo, I think these two take on whole new life. Even as he feels more robust and intense, Dynomutt retains some of the characteristic silliness thanks to those boots. Meanwhile, Blue Falcon finally reaches some of the Batman-level power and strength promised in the character’s design, and he perfectly balances new- and old-school hero vibes. Heck, even just the use of a chain and not, like, a super-leash tells you everything you need to know. The world doesn’t necessarily need another gritty reboot, but this one can clearly stay.
Powers 25 #1
Variant cover by David Mack
One of the reasons Powers is such a beloved story (aside from the extra sharp writing by Brian Michael Bendis) is the art of Michael Avon Oeming. From page one, Avon Oeming established a singular worldview for the whole story that’s a celebration and dissection of hero comics. But if anyone else could move into this “playground,” it’s David Mack. The stylized take here expertly plays up the drama and humanity at the story’s core. The movie poster-esque quality highlights the value of this new phase. And the design “flourishes” like the flying hero icon hints at the depth/layers across Powers‘ overarching story (that’s often needlessly simplified). It’s so good I hope I can somehow live to see Powers 50.
Red Hood #1
Variant cover by Jim Lee
It’s pretty hardcore to pose a hero in front of their broken, beaten visage from the worst moment of their life. But I trust the work of Jim Lee — and not just cause past Jason Todd looks extra dead while current Jason/Red Hood is more badass than your average ’90 action hero. Because if this book is about forging a new era for Red Hood (one free of the Bat Family’s influence), then there’s no better way to bury the past than to make it look like our lad is actually walking away from his copious trauma. There’s a sense of catharsis, yeah, but also this feeling that all the rage will never be truly dead and buried. It’s not the best start, but then maybe that’s the point for this deeply complicated hero. Welcome to bright, bloody future, Red Hood.
The Undead Iron Fist #1
Cover by Whilce Portacio and Alex Sinclair
As someone who has an actual zombie tattoo, even I can say I wasn’t sure if the world needed The Undead Iron Fist. Still, aside from a somewhat promising story (Danny Rand resurrects, and in part looks into the prophecy of why all Iron Fists dying by the age of 33), we get this really great cover from Whilce Portacio and Alex Sinclair. It’s got absolute peak ’90s energy (look at that mask! Peep the mystic fire!); there’s a cool monster that raises some vital questions; the green background manages to feel significant thematically; and even the choice of font feels suitably hokey like a ’90s action film. So, yeah, it’s even more zombies from Marvel, but if more of them had dope armor like this, maybe I’d be genuinely excited for this legion of undying fiends.
Murder Podcast #1
Cover by Jeremy Haun
Am I glad this story lampoons the deluge of true crime podcasts? God yes — as someone who’s married to one of those “murderinos,” it’ll be nice to see them taken down a peg or two. That said, in a story about a mysterious podcast that pushes listeners into a rage-filled fury, writer Jeremy Haun’s issue #1 cover is deeply beguiling. Maybe it’s that our, um, friend here has the hip, slightly detached look of Jawbreaker-era Rose McGowan. Or, that even when covered in blood and human misery, that MCM decor is worthy of a little envy. Heck, even I’ve wanted to dissect someone for interrupting my own listening sessions. Yes, murder is bad, but if it looks this stylish and cool, maybe we turn the other way. Also, miss, can I have some glassware when you go to prison?
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