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 best covers of October 2018.
“Death Orb” #1 by Alejandro Aragon
I haven’t read “Death Orb” just yet but I bought it based on this cover. This is a very Mad Max inspired image and it teases a lot about this world and I need to know more.
“Catwoman” #4 by Stanley “Argerm” Lau
Man, I know I’ll catch a little flack for this pick from some of you but I’m mostly into what the artist known as Artgerm does. I think there are times that he can go a bit too far for my taste but this cover especially is one of my favorites of his. There are little Easter Eggs in the cover that are undeniably Catwoman. The ears, the whip, the all black color choice and even the engagement ring for the ill fated wedding between her and Batman. It really is a great cover.
“Action Comics” #1004 by Francis Manapul
OH MY GOD!!!! This is perfection and I’m not even going to into detail. Just look at it.
“Harley Quinn” #52 by Julian Totino Tedesco
I am a huge Harley Quinn fan and I’m also a huge fan of Tedesco’s work this year and this is great shot of the character that emphasizes all the things about her that are fun. The bubble gum is a great touch and I think this is the first image of her where the reboot look looks actually great. It’s a simple concept but Tedesco brings a great life to the character.
“Moon Knight” #200 by Becky Cloonan
Move over Batman, Becky Cloonan Moon Knight is here.
“Doom Patrol” #12 by Dan McDaid
The characters of “Doom Patrol” as characters in a RPG?? Sign me the hell up!
“Batgirl” #28 by Joshua Middleton
If Middleton keeps putting out covers like this then he will become a mainstay on this list every single month. I make the rules here and that’s where we’re at. This is so beautiful, fun and classically Barbara Gordon.
“Rumble” #8 by David Rubin
I am a huge fan of David Rubin but haven’t had much time to read “Rumble” but this cover honestly has me asking the right questions.
“Redlands” #7 by Vanesa Del Rey
Del Rey can do no wrong in my eyes and this cover is airy but also has a lingering fear underneath it. I am not entirely caught up on this series but this cover, like the one before it on this list, has me asking the right questions that make me immediately buy the issue.
