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 month, we look at the very best of July 2018.
“Immortal Hulk” #2 by Alex Ross
Alex Ross never actually went away but his recent string of Marvel covers have been really great and this one is no different. This has such a distinct horror vibe and I absolutely love all these layers of green.
“Nancy Drew” #2 by Babs Tarr
The new Nancy Drew series isn’t your grandma’s old novels but that’s not exactly a bad thing. This reimagining has been really current and cute and this cover encompasses that perfectly. Babs Tarr is an artist who knows fashion and she gives us a completely modern but not bad take on the most famous female teenage detective.
“The Life of Captain Marvel” #1 by Julian Totino Tedesco
Tedesco is coming off a string of gorgeous “Hawkeye” covers and has transitioned to Captain Marvel perfectly. This cover is everything that this character is and the color work is phenomenal. This is going to be one of those go to Captain Marvel images for years to come.
“Blackwood” #3 by Tyler Crook
Tyler Crook has finished work on “Harrow County” so expect to see lots of work from him in many different places. This cover for “Blackwood” is sort of subtle in how it’s scary but it’s really effective because it’s unsettling.
“Barbarella” #8 by Christian Ward
This is what I want from a “Barbarella” book. This is the kind of art I wish existed in the interiors because it’s trippy and feels like I’m on another planet. I know Christian Ward has big things happening but I’d love to maybe one day see him work on this character more.
“Monstress” #18 by Sana Takeda
There is a reason Takeda wins Eisners. Look at this. Absolutely breathtaking.
“Hawkman” #2 by Stejpan Sejic
I haven’t read “Hawkman” because honestly I never cared about the character but these incredibly inspired covers that Sejic has been putting out might change that. I know he doesn’t do the interiors but the cover does it’s job by tempting me.
“Marvel Rising: Ms. Marvel/Squirrel Girl” #1 by Gurihiru
Is there a more perfect pairing than Ms. Marvel and Squirrel Girl? No. Is there anyone more perfect to draw then than Gurihiru? Nope. Bury me with this cover to be honest.
