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 July 2017.
Zodiac Starforce: Cries of the Fire Prince #1 by Paulina Ganucheau
I keep finding ways to hype up “Zodiac Starforce” here at Multiversity Comics and that’s a good thing. This book is great and the first issue of the second miniseries came out this month with this awesome cover that just screams Sailor Moon. Ganucheau’s designs get show to their fullest here and the coloring is like candy. It’s gorgeous and powerful.
The Wicked + The Divine #29 by Jock
Jock is really good at creating single images that resonate. His cover for “Detective Comics” #880 has been reprinted on everything imaginable and stolen for lots of other things. This variant cover won’t be as famous as that cover but it is a good take on the Morrigan that’s striking and very different from anything we’ve seen from the series as far as covers go.
Supergirl #11 by Bengal
“Supergirl” is very quietly one of DC’s most delightful series. The covers have been great but this Bengal cover is probably my favorite of the series so far. Kara is so happy and it reminds me a lot of what you’d expect to see on the TV show. The colors are bright and peppy with a subtle femininity.
Aliens: Dead Orbit #4 by James Stokoe
I have dug “Aliens: Dead Orbit” so much and this final cover is gorgeous. I don’t expect much less than greatness from Stokoe at this point and he just keeps elevating his own work with gorgeously detailed work like this.
Green Arrow #27 by Esad Ribic
Esad Ribic’s work at Marvel, particularly on “Thor” was awesome. This is another variant cover but I had to include it. Ribic’s style reminds me of another time and I love how he draws Wonder Woman here. This cover tells a story and it makes me feel like I need to read what’s inside.
Winnebago Graveyard #2 by Alison Sampson
“Winnebago Graveyard” is an actual horror comic book. It’s unsettling and frightening and much of that is because of what artist Alison Sampson does. Her covers do something a little different though. This cover is great because there is something inviting about the center of it. You want to hang out with these people until you look around and see the horror elements that makeup the wraparound cover. It’s a great contrast.
Doom Patrol #7 by Mike Allred
This cover for “Doom Patrol” is funky, cool and everything the Doom Patrol is. I can’t think of anyone with a more perfect style to draw these characters.
James Bond: Kill Chain #1 by Juan Doe
The “James Bond” series over at Dynamite has been a bit of a mixed bag but the covers have been really good. I particularly like this one because it reminds me a lot of a movie poster (a good one). I could easily see this being used for marketing and the use of purple draws me right to it.
WWE #7 by Jorge Corona
Sami Zayn is the sweetest boy of the WWE and as Kevin Owens’ #1 fan, I am mad that he got this kind of amazing cover before the G.O.A.T. Kevin Owens. Corona doesn’t do just a simple glamour shot but instead actually captures the spirit of Sami Zayn. Sami Zayn is fun and always excited to be here. His entrance is pure energy and Corona gets that with this single image.
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TMNT Usagi Yojimbo One Shot by Stan Sakai
Sometimes when an artist draws a crossover, the original designs of the characters don’t always match up. That’s not the case with this as Stan Sakai takes the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and brings them into the Usagi Yojimbo world seamlessly.
What were some of your favorite covers in July? Let me know in the comments!
