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.
Eleanor and the Egret #1 by Sam Kieth
Sam Kieth’s work is some of the best its ever been in this first issue and there’s something absolutely magical about this cover. It evokes this old school fantasy that you just don’t see anymore.
America #2 by Joe Quinones
“Okay ladies now let’s get in formation”
I mean, really. Did you think our best of April wouldn’t have this on here? You haven’t been reading my work long enough.
World Reader #1 by Juan Doe
I didn’t have the chance to read this issue but I did buy it because of this cover. I love the colors on here in contrast to how dark space is. It pops and it made me curious about what’s inside.
Aliens: Dead Orbit #1 by James Stokoe
Look at the details on this cover. This is everything I love from Stokoe and I can’t wait for more of it.
WWE #4 by Jorge Corona
It’s the gift of Jericho! Drink it in maaaaaaaaaaaaaan! I like this cover so much because it’s someone in action. Many of the covers for this series have been glamour shots and very posed. This is the kind of thing I’d like to see more of.
She Wolf #8 by Rich Tommaso
I’ve enjoyed “She Wolf” so much and this is a great cover to go out on. This uses space in such an amazing way because the image feels massive. The coloring reflects the darkness and violence within the book and it’s striking all around.
Black Hammer #8 by Dean Ormston
“Black Hammer” uses the cover of its eighth issue to show how hurt and angry Golden Gail is and it’s to great effect. Gail is one of the most troubled characters in the series and the shattering of her image with blood on her hands says a ton.
There’s Nothing There #1 by Maria Llovet
I don’t know what this series is about but through the moody, gothic coloring and the empowered yet sexy woman on the cover, I need to know more immediately. This is a fantastic cover from a publisher that keeps doing cool things.
Cave Carson Has A Cybernetic Eye #7 by Michael Avon Oeming
The Young Animal line has been the most exciting thing DC has done in years. I really enjoy these series so much and “Cave Carson” has probably become my favorite. This cover is fantastic because it’s Superman being Superman but also Cave Carson looking in awe at him. It’s Superman at his best.
Shade, The Changing Girl #7 by Becky Cloonan
Becky Cloonan’s work on this series has been featured on here plenty of times but this month, she gets to do something different with “Shade.” Instead of something dark and moody we get a school formal fantasy that we all probably wish we could have pulled off in our youth. I love the coloring on this cover as well since it matches up so well with what we see in the interiors.
What were some of your favorite covers in April? Let me know in the comments below!
