Got You Covered is back, with another look at the best covers of the month. At the end of each month, we’ll be sharing the absolute best (in one writer’s mind) in comic covers for the month. Unlike before, they won’t be ranked, they’ll just be listed alphabetically with explanations as to why each is such a great example in the art of comic covers.
Share your thoughts in the comments about what were the best covers in the month, and thanks for reading.
Batman #28
Art by Dustin Nguyen
I wrote about this before on Multiversity, but this cover from Dustin Nguyen works at least partially because of how un-DC like it is. It’s wonderful simplicity and ominous tone makes this comic a locked door you want to open to find answers, and the fact that it spurred “True Detective” like theories as to why the door has a Bat-lock on it makes me wonder why DC doesn’t do more things like this. Dustin Nguyen is a brilliant artist who excels at both covers and interiors, and this is a great example as to the subtlety and illustrative power he can bring to a cover or a title.
Chew #40
Art by Rob Guillory
I really like how Rob Guillory has developed as a cover artist, both on “Chew” and on other books he provides covers for, but I really feel this is his best cover yet. It really stands out next to other covers, thanks to the combination of white space utilized and the strange and ethereal coloring Toni gets in the corners that has been a signature of the book in many ways. Best yet? It also is representative of a big part of this issue, and I have to wonder if it acts as a bit of a hint about a flaw in Toni’s whispering plans.
This was a fantastic issue of a great book, and it all started with the cover.
Daredevil #36
Art by Chris Samnee
Chris Samnee’s absolutely one of the best artists in the game, and his covers are consistently amongst the greatest we see as well. This cover to the “Daredevil” finale is both an outstanding individual piece of art, but also one that tells a powerful story in its own right. It’s a gorgeous piece of work, and I like the little bits you can find throughout it that make it even better – I love the “DD Vol 3 2011 – 2013” part on a box – and if you haven’t been reading this book, it hints at what makes it such a beloved title.
The good news is, it’s the “final issue” in name only. It’ll be back soon, with more Samnee covers to please us all!
Fairest #23
Art by Adam Hughes
This thing is a freaking masterpiece. I’m going to keep talking about how amazing Hughes’ covers on “Fairest” have been until he gets nominated for an Eisner for best cover artist, because this piece – as per usual – is fantastic. Even if you didn’t look too closely on it and it just existed as a fetching, exotic piece highlighting the womanly qualities of Cinderella, it would be superb. But looking closer and noticing all of the mice that comprise her shadowed figure makes it all the better. I also love how free-flowing the titling on this book often is, and the way they display “Fairest” here is one of the best examples of that yet. “Fables” has long been a standout series in terms of covers, and I’m glad its sister series has also excelled in that regard, thanks to the work of Hughes.
Hawkeye #15
Art by David Aja
When this was first revealed, it seemed kind of on the goofy side, and exceptionally random with the word search worked in. Then you read the comic, and you make an “ohhhhh” sound. Some covers work like that. They’re good, standout pieces on their own, but they kind of make you scratch your head. Then you read the comic and it makes a whole lot more sense. This one? Absolutely that, and I like the usage of Hawkeye’s classic costume as kind of an underline to the throwback nature of the word search.
Continued below
Ms. Marvel #1
Art by Sara Pichelli
This is another example where simplicity just makes the piece work. There are a lot of ways they could have taken this cover, but the way Sara Pichelli delivered it made it far more iconic. The Ms. Marvel symbol mixed with character affectations that help show who Kamala Khan is fits perfectly with the themes and drive of the book. Pichelli’s figure work and illustrative abilities, as per usual, are second-to-none, and from concept to execution this is just a dynamite cover. Less can be more when it comes to cover work, and this is a great example of just that.
Secret #5
Art by Ryan Bodenheim
I’m going to be perfectly honest: I have no clue what is going on in this cover. The moon is on fire, and there is something else going on to the right of it? I have no idea. What I do know is this: this cover makes me want to find out what is going on inside the cover because of that. It’s a simple look, and I really truly don’t know if there is even any Ryan Bodenheim action to it – this may be all Hickman on design – but what I do know is whoever did it really made it work in truly unique fashion.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #31
Art by Ross Campbell
Ross Campbell has been the cover artist of 2014 for me, as he had my favorite cover last month, and this month he at least tied for that rank with Adam Hughes’ work on “Fairest”. This thing is a simple beauty, showing the break in the relationship between Splinter and Leonardo, and the struggle the latter character is going through. I like how the leaf element continues on for the arc, and I hope that’s something that will be consistent throughout as it really adds an almost poetic beauty to the piece. A friend of mine consistently talks about how great this book is, and nothing makes me want to read it more than the exceptional covers Campbell has been unleashing lately.
Umbral #4
Art by Christopher Mitten
Pixie dust pirates! This book kicks a lot of ass, and the figure on this cover is a great new character and yet another reason as to why it does kick so much ass. Mitten’s art is gorgeous and ethereal, practically shoving the book into readers hands so they can find out who this guy is and why he’s so damn sparkly. I like the titling elements they have on every issue, as it almost makes it seem like the main art piece is something we’re spectators for. This cover works on all levels, sort of like the books does. Yet another reason why you should be reading this book.
Wolverine and the X-Men #41
Art by Nick Bradshaw
This cover. This cover you guys. It’s so great, and to me, representative of the series as a whole in a singular image. Sure, it doesn’t really fit one of my three cover qualities I look for (it hardly represents what is inside the issue), but it does succeed greatly at making me smile and think about how much I enjoy the book. Nick Bradshaw throughout his run on this book has developed a lot as an artist, boiling down the chaos and power he brought to a page into a more storytelling, character driven way. This cover is a wonderful representation of that growth, and it will continue to exist as a reminder as to the power of this series in the hands of Bradshaw, Jason Aaron, Chris Bachalo and more.
