They say you can’t judge a book by its cover. While that might be true for prose, it’s not entirely true for comic books. Comic books are a visual medium and more times than not, it’s the art that draws you in. With so many comic books coming out these days, a cover that stands out from everything else on a wall of new releases can determine how well it sells. I know that I’ve picked up new titles solely based on the cover.
It is with that in mind that we bring you Face Value, a column where we will be looking at the best covers in comics, both new and old, every two weeks. This week, we’re looking at the best of February 2018.
Rogue & Gambit #2 by Kris Anka
Kris Anka is truly the king of thirst and I love this cover from the colors to the body language. Also, thank you for these thick thighs.
Bingo Love by Genevieve FT
“Bingo Love” is the most charming and sweet romance you’ll experience all year and that includes everything outside of comics. This cover was done just for the Image release and it’s a perfect snapshot of what you’ll get inside. I have literally never seen a couple of two older black women in love. Comics, fix this.
Super Sons #13 by Dustin Nguyen
Mama is back. I have featured Nguyen’s “Super Sons” covers on here a lot but you can really see why. They’re so good and so varied. Nguyen has done lots of fun covers for the series but he can also channel something slightly more serious and sinister and that’s what this image is. Nothing good happens when Damien’s mama shows up.
Ice Cream Man #2 by Nimit Malavia
I really dig what “Ice Cream Man” is doing and it is 2 for 2 in this column with cover art. This hints at what you’ll see in this month’s story but what I really love about this cover is the work with space and the colors. This cover is really incredible at feeling bigger than it is and in the coloring, it captures the sweetness of actual ice cream. It works so well and I really hope to see more of Malavia’s work soon.
The Wilds #1 by Emily Pearson
Emily Pearson’s cover for “The Wilds” #1 is so different that what we’ve come to see from Black Mask and that’s part of why I like it so much. The not matching reflection piques my interest. Pearson’s cover is soft and pretty with an underlying darkness and I’m really into that.
Mera: Queen of Atlantis #1 by Nicola Scott
Mera is strong and regal and Nicola Scott completely gets that in this cover. It’s a simple idea but is so hard to execute for so many artists. This tells me nothing about the series but my eyes are drawn to her and that gets me to get the first issue.
Twisted Romance #4 by Trungles
I have not had a chance to include Trungles in this column yet so obviously I had to jump at the chance with “Twisted Romance.” If you don’t know about Trungles work, you absolutely need to buy this. His work so detailed and has this dreamlike quality to it that no one else even gets close to replicating.
Monstress #14 by Sana Takeda
Sana Takeda is unreal. Look at this cover. Unbelievable.
Doom Patrol/JLA Special #1 by Clay Mann and Marissa Louise
This is like a 60’s cereal box and that’s pretty perfect for the story that’s being told. The covers for this entire crossover have been a real treat and this is probably my favorite of the bunch.
Young Monsters In Love #1 by Kelley Jones
*GASP*!!! You can’t look at this cover and not have to know more. Jones’s cover tells a story all on its own which is what my favorite covers do. This is retro, dramatic and very different from typical DC covers.
