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 this edition, we’re looking at the very best of March 2017. It was really tough narrowing this one down this month so I look forward to hearing what your favorites were in the comments below.
Grass Kings #1 by Tyler Jenkins
I love this cover because it isn’t flashy but is effective. Like Kindt, Jenkins is wonderful at using space. There’s a level of loneliness in here that resonates with the story and because it doesn’t look like any of the cape books, it’s impossible to ignore.
Star Trek Deviations #1 by Rachael Stott
I’m actually kind of upset that I just saw this cover now given how much I love The X-Files. This is a fun take from an artist who’s great at making these characters her own.
Black Hammer #7 by Dean Ormston
This is a fantastic cover for a fantastic series. I adore “Black Hammer” and can’t praise it enough. This particular cover is wonderful because like each and everyone, there’s a story told. This issue is tragic and highlights the shadow that Black Hammer has cast among is former teammates and family. He’s unshakable even though he’s gone.
Doom Patrol #5 by Farel Dalrymple
Guys, DC got Farel Dalrymple to do a cover for them and it was for “DOOM PATROL”. I’m so excited I almost bought it twice. Look at this, it’s beautiful!
Space Riders: Galaxy Of Brutality #1 by Alexis Ziritt
Kirby is alive and well through the art of Alexis Ziritt. “Space Riders” has the most mind bending art I’ve seen in forever and this cover is just a taste of what he gives you in the interiors.
Violent Love #5 by Victor Santos
I am constantly in awe of what Santos does on the interiors but the reason I like this cover is because it is so fragile. Daisy’s story isn’t some Bonnie & Clyde ripoff. She’s been impacted by violence in a real way and that’s carried into so much of what she’s done throughout this first arc. I think the cover really gets into that and that’s why it’s so good.
Jughead: The Hunger #1 by Robert Hack
I’m a big fan of Robert Hack’s retro pieces and this one in particular really works for me. This one shot finds Jughead transformed into a werewolf and so Hack approaches the cover as an old horror movie poster. Yes, this has been done before but I think with Hack, his unique style constantly makes it work.
Injection #11 by Declan Shalvey and Jordie Bellaire
I am woefully behind on “Injection” but when I saw this, I actually bought the issues I was behind on. This is a beautiful cover mostly because of the amazing use of bright colors by Bellaire. These two are magical together and this is probably my absolute favorite cover of March.
