They say you can’t judge a book by it’s 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. In January’s special edition, I thought we could look at some great #1s. It is the start of a new year so let’s look at some starts of great series. With a #1, there is even more pressure to entice the reader. They may not know your name or even the characters you’re working with but that first impression could mean everything. Now, this isn’t by any means a definite top ten but more a list of favorites and a chance to open up a discussion on good first issue covers in the comments. I also took some suggestions from Twitter and this is something I’ll be doing going forward so make sure you get in on it by following me @CamachoJess. Let’s jump into the picks!
Dept. H #1 by Matt Kindt (submitted by @ckcucco)
There is a lot to love about Matt Kindt’s art. He has such a unique vision and with “Dept. H” #1, he created a cover that looks like an old science fiction paperback. Kindt’s use of space is magnificent as he truly captures the vastness and darkness of being that deep underwater. Easily one of his best covers and a great indication of what this series is about.
The Death Defying Doctor Mirage: Second Lives #1 by Jelena Kevic-Djurdjevic (submitted by @focusedtotality)
“The Death Defying Doctor Mirage” is one of Valiant’s best self contained titles and with the second miniseries, it started with a truly striking image. Djurdjevic’s cover tells you a lot about the story and especially the tone from the get go. Doctor Mirage can talk to the dead but not her husband and by the second miniseries she can hear him but can’t really be with him, hence the hugging of a blank space. This isn’t an easy concept to pull off but not only does Djurdjevic do it but you can also grasp the emotion in it.
All Star Superman #1 by Frank Quitely
Like many of the artists who appear on this list, it was tough to nail down just one piece of their work but for Quitely, I could think of nothing more worthy than “All Star Superman” #1. Quitely just understood this character in a way so many still struggle with. This cover features a handsome, kind Superman lovingly sitting over the city. Quitely’s detailed work is always perfect and this has become an iconic image.
Hellblazer #1 by Dave McKean
At some point, I will do a full Dave McKean theme because he’s one of my favorite cover artists ever but this month, I’ll settle for this. For me, it is always fun to go back to the beginning of long running series/long lasting characters to see where they began. John Constantine debuted in “Swamp Thing” but this is his first proper cover. McKean’s cover gives you a glimpse of everything this character will be: a devilish look, mystical magic and horror. It sets the tone for what will follow in the years to come.
She-Hulk #1 by Kevin Wada (submitted by @jamesdleech)
I cannot get enough of Kevin Wada’s art but before “She-Hulk”, I didn’t know who he was. His infusion of high fashion into the superhero genre has made him a fan favorite and “She-Hulk” #1 is the perfect example of what he excels at. Jennifer Walters is styled like any high powered attorney would be but with the cracks in the background, the ripped stockings and expression, she’s still all Hulk. It really captures every part of her and is just a beautiful piece of art. It’s easily the first image that comes to my mind now when I think of this character.
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Watchmen #1 by Dave Gibbons (submitted by @jamesdleech)
As I was reminded of on Twitter, this is the only cover on this list (and only I can think of) that properly acts as the first panel of a story. The blood stained smiley face button has become an image so intimately related to the comic book medium and it all started here. It works to not set the tone but it creates a mystery all on its own. You have to find out more because so little is given away.
Wolverine #1 by Frank Miller
When I think of Wolverine, this is the first image that hits me. To this day, I think it holds up as the best image of the character. You see this and you’re told everything you need to know about him. He has claws, he’s cocky and ready to fight. Sometimes the least flashy images become the most iconic.
Locke & Key #1 by Gabriel Rodriguez
This pick is a little odd because for a series that became so complex and layered, it is really a simple cover design. You get a mysterious key and an even more mysterious house, colored in a menacing sense. This is the terror that I think can be forgotten about this series and I like that it began with it right in your face with this cover.
The Kitchen #1 by Becky Cloonan
“The Kitchen” was mob story that took the women off the sidelines and into the fray. It was one of my favorite recent Vertigo books and I loved the work Becky Cloonan did on the covers. From the get go we’re shown that these women won’t be passive or agreeable stereotypes but instead have attitude and fierceness all their own. Cloonan also does great work at showing the different personalities of each of these women. It’s great work from one of the very best in comics.
Fatale #1 by Sean Phillips
Sean Phillips is another artist on this list that I could easily go on about for a long time. His work is from another time period and just mind blowing in every way. “Fatale” was another excellent collaboration with writer Ed Brubaker and this cover started things off in a beautiful way. “Fatale” had elements of an old school hard boiled detective story but it turned into something much more supernatural and complicated. This cover very subtly gives that away with a classic shot of our femme fatale holding a gun while monsters lurk behind her. It’s a striking image that reflects the equally striking images inside.
What are some of your favorite #1’s? Which covers grabbed you and made you read that series from the beginning? Let me know in the comments below!
