Marvel-ous

Favourite Cover 119

2008-07-19T20:29:00.003+01:00

119 Power Man/Iron Fist 88 (1982)

Another comic book cover staple is having a character jump out of the cover at you or, as in this case, throwing something at you. Because they're so common, a cover has to really stand out for me to find it impressive. And I really like this cover. Firstly, because Power Man isn't throwing what you might call a typical weapon, like a sword or something, at the reader. Instead it's a freaking telephone pole and I love the detail of the wood on the top of this. Secondly, the striking red background helps the central image really stand out. Finally, I just like the artwork of Denys Cowan, especially as I was a huge fan of this series in the 80s, so this cover easily made the grade.

Next, 118, sheesh - another dead hero resurrected. Or is it?

Favourite Cover 120

2008-07-19T20:21:00.003+01:00

120 I 'heart' Marvel - Web of Romance (2006)

This was a quirky little series but it's not that surprising that Marvel was trying to revive 'romance' style comics because, before the 60s and the dominance of superheroes in the comics industry, Marvel did quite a few romance comics. In fact, linked to this series were some parodies of the very comics that they produced back in the day (and quite funny they were too). This is definitely my favourite cover of the series, featuring perhaps the greatest of all Marvel romances and the image tries to evoke the fun and innocence of the relationship between Peter Parker and MJ. MJ reminds me of a cheerleader here - not sure if that's the intention - though I'm not sure she ever was one. Still, an incredibly cute, idiosyncratic cover.

Next, 119, duck! (but not Howard)

Favourite Cover 121

2008-07-18T13:11:00.003+01:00

121 The Amazing Spider-man 75 (1969)

You know, it's been a long time since I've read this, so forgive me if I can't recall who the dead guy on the floor is. To an extent, it doesn't really matter, as the cover here is really all about the webslinger's reaction. Simply put, I love the way Romita has him both walking to us, head in his hand and also away from us in the reflection in the window. The mood of loss is also intensified by the fact that most of the cover is shrouded in black. It helps remind us that Spider-man is not all about superhuman derring do, but about human emotions and dealing with painful situations. The cover's also a good selling point to the potential reader, intrigued, as I am now, as to who the body on the floor actually is and his relationship to Peter Parker.

Next, 120, why, that's the best present a buddy could buy a guy.

Favourite Cover 122

2008-07-18T12:49:00.003+01:00

122 X Force 72 (1997)

X Force was one of the few titles that Marvel produced in the late 90s with consistently interesting covers. Check out issues 77, 91, 99 and 107 for other covers that may have made my list had I been in a more charitable mood. I must also confess that I didn't read it so I don't know exactly what the context of this issue this, though it certainly looks appealing - which is what you want from a cover, don't you? I'm guessing our heroes, Dani Moonstar, Sunspot and (I'm guessing) Boom Boom look like they're plotting some kind of scam - the suits and the quote seem to hint at the guys going up against organised crime. Weird, though, to see Dani wielding a machine gun - that ain't right! This all adds to the weirdness and humour of the cover, and I like that.

Next, 121, reflecting on a painful event.

Favourite Cover 123

2008-07-17T13:55:00.004+01:00

123 Daredevil 37 (2002)

Poor old Matt Murdock. Marvel just loves to put him through the mill, don't they? Though, let's face it, if all he did was turn up at court and stick it to some bad guys with great oratory, the book wouldn't sell very well. In the midst of some serious difficulties with the Kingpin and also alienating some of his closest superhero friends, Matt's probably looking for a little affection from someone else who appreciates amorality. Who better to turn to than Elektra? However, coming over like a vulnerable cute little puppy probably isn't Ms Natchios' cup of tea. Still, this is a beautifully painted image by Alex Maleev. One of Maleev's strengths is using different artistic techniques. Here he seems to nod to David Mack, Bill S and all their influences in coming up with a gorgeous picture. That red feels really, really deep.

Next, 122, unlikely gangsters.

Favourite Cover 124

2008-07-17T13:45:00.002+01:00

124 The Incredible Hulk 42 (2002)

I know that a frankly disproportionate number of covers on my list have been from Kaare Andrews' brief run on Hulk. But there's a reason for that. He kept coming up with really different, distinctive and original imagery. Here we have black, white and red to use a great heavily shadowed image which looks a lot like some kind of pop art homage. Banner, front centre, looks amazing here - vulnerable and pained, in big trouble. I also love the two columns of identikit law enforcement officers behind Agent Pratt, giving us the impression that they are automatons working for a malevolent system. Andrews has kept things simple and given us a great cover.

Next, 123, will you get any sympathy from that girl?

Favourite Cover 125

2008-07-16T14:37:00.004+01:00

125 Excalibur 8 (1989)

Heh. I have to admit that when I first saw this cover, I thought it was some kind of witty comment on the inclement British weather. Then I noticed the yellow taxi cab (and the comic book's title 'Mayhem in Manhattan' also gives the game away somewhat). Still, for a crowded cover, this is a gem. I love the sheer mundanity of the picture. How good is a superhero team going to be if they have to stand around waiting for a cab? I love Nightcrawler flinching away from getting a soaking (if he's that bothered, why doesn't he just bampf out of there?). Finally, the clincher is the taxi driver in Spidey's box in the corner. That's pretty close to genius.

Next, 124, execution in black and white.

Favourite Cover 126

2008-07-16T14:20:00.006+01:00

126 Daredevil 32 (2002)

Newspaper covers are always good fun, though there have been quite a few so it's hard to avoid lapsing into cliche. Just about every title has one. Maleev's image works not just because it's a great portrait of Matt Murdock done in his usual grainy style but on what he does with the image - the mock graffiti attached to our hero (which I think is meant to be on the newspaper cover) really helps it stand out. Murdock looks like an ordinary decent citizen being exposed as so often happens in newsprint. I also love the way they've gone the whole hog, having the 'Daily Globe' logo above the title and the fact that they've included mundane newspaper staples like the weather.

Next, 125, from one rainy city to another.

Favourite Cover 127

2008-07-14T15:26:00.004+01:00

127 The Amazing Spider-man 295 (1987)

Back in 1987, Marvel published the jaw dropping 'Kraven's Last Hunt' in six parts across their three main Spider titles, then followed it up immediately with another really odd little story, a three parter that was published in identical fashion to Kraven, about Spidey accidentally getting locked up in an asylum. This was an extraordinary season for Marvel's most famous character - really edgy, unusual storytelling. And who are you going to use to signify the fact that this is edgy, unusual storytelling? Well, big Bill Sienkiewicz, of course. Who flamin' else? Bill's the go to guy for this. And isn't this a brilliantly minimalistic piece of work? Bill was one of the first artists at Marvel to really go for it with monochrome covers, helping his books to really stand out. Here he's gone almost all out for black, helped by Spidey's costume de jour. I love how he's stuck in a corner, his head barely more than an oval clump on top of a straitjacket, unnerving white words graffiti-ed above him.

Next, 126, who is that unmasked man?

Favourite Cover 128

2008-07-14T15:05:00.002+01:00

128 Uncanny X-Men 141 (1981)

A properly brilliant iconic X-Men cover. This one certainly justifies its status. I remember actually seeing this in a shop when I was very young and found it intriguing, though, weirdly, having picked up an X-Men comic on one occasion previously and not liking it, I actually had no desire to buy it. But I can clearly recall looking carefully at it, shocked as a youngster at the number of heroes seemingly dead on the wall behind. This cover works in so many ways. Whilst any X fan worth their salt today knows all about 'Days of Future Past', a new reader back in 81 must have been confused about what was going on. All those guys dead? Wolvie and Kitty looking old? What's going on here? The spotlight on the characters is so reminiscent of old war or prison movies - we know our heroes are being hounded, portrayed as outlaws. Beautiful work by the fabulous John Byrne.

Next, 127, this spider is barking.

Favourite Cover 129

2008-07-09T12:43:00.003+01:00

129 The Incredible Hulk 441 (1996)

Sheesh - this is the second Hulk parody in a week. At one level this is a pretty obvious parody of Pulp Fiction (indeed, this issue's story is called Hulk Fiction) but that doesn't mean it isn't a whole bunch of fun. Jen doesn't quite look her usual self, does she? She's a bit more pouty than usual and I've never really liked her mega permed hair. But look at the detail here. First up, instead of cigars, we have celery, which I think's brilliant. But there are loads of allusions to other Marvel heroes - the Spidey necklace, the Punisher pillowcase (I mean, a freaking Punisher pillowcase!), the FF lampshade, Cap and X-Men blankets. That's great work. All this pulled together in the style of an old pulp magazine, right down to the circled price tag. Oh, and the heels. Gotta love those heels.

Next, 128, there ain't many of these dudes left, you know.

Favourite Cover 130

2008-07-08T13:10:00.004+01:00

130 The Invincible Iron Man 78 (2003)

I noticed in the credits at the end of the recent Iron Man movie that Adi Granov got a mention relating to the armour design. I think that's brilliant and demonstrates that, whilst the armour above doesn't stray significantly from the traditional red and gold of many of Stark's metal suits, he adds little details that bring class. Granov's a terrific artist - his characters clean and real looking. Like his recent covers for Nova, he perhaps sells himself short a little by coming up with very similar portraits time after time. But when they look this good, that shouldn't really matter. What makes this one stand out? For me, it's the way Stark is shot from below, with the American flag against the USA emblem. It marks out not only the character's status and importance but seems to usurp even Captain America in the sense of loyalty to his country, oddly (and presumably unintentionally) pre-empting what was yet to come in Civil War and Stark's directorship of Shield.

Next, 129, Uma's got nothing on this gal.

Favourite Cover 131

2008-07-08T13:00:00.004+01:00

131 The Pulse 3 (2004)

I always thought the idea of a comic based around the Daily Bugle would be a neat one, though sales of the Pulse seemed to demonstrate that I was completely deluded in this notion. Nevertheless, thanks to employing the wonderful Mike Mayhew, some of the covers were terrific. This one is very, very simple. It's just Spidey catching up on his latest lashing from JJJ. I think it's the history of the character combined with what we know about the newspaper and its esteemed publisher that creates a connection with the reader, who can't help but smile as they look at this image. There's something about Spidey's eyes too that make him look angry, don't you think? Great work from Mayhew.

Next, 130, delusions of grandeur?

Favourite Cover 132

2008-07-08T12:43:00.003+01:00

132 Giant Size X-Men 1 (1975)

The most parodied cover of them all? Who knows but it's got to be up there. The question is, is the cover simply great in and of itself and not just because it's been used over and over again? Of course, the fact that there have been so many homages gives us a clue that it is in fact a bit of a stunner. Presumably there were covers of other comic books in the dark and distant past where characters burst out of the page but that's to take nothing away from the image that Dave Cockrum has produced here. The shocked looks on the faces of the original X-Men really help sell this cover, whilst of the new heroes it's really Colossus who stands out, pushing his way forward. For many of these characters, it's their first appearances and that often isn't a big selling point. The team is so unusual looking, though, that interest is stoked straight away. Gotta say, though, that Wolvie looks really weird.

Next, 131, it's always hard to find a quiet place to read.

Favourite Cover 133

2008-07-05T20:13:00.002+01:00

133 The Incredible Hulk 46 (2002)

Kaare Andrews really seemed to enjoy his brief stint doing covers for the Incredible Hulk, coming up with image after extraordinary image, really going against the grain. Here, he makes a very obvious allusion to Apocalypse Now. You have to be careful with parodies - be too obvious and it can be a bit cheesy, but if they're done well, they rock. Still, I'm not really sure why Andrews chose this issue to go with a cover like this. Perhaps it was just the fact that Banner had recently had his head shaved so the General Kurtz contrast was maybe irresistable to the artist. Alternatively, maybe the whole idea of the Hulk turning up anywhere near you at any time is pretty much apocalyptic and I like his menacing, if slightly gormless looking, Hulk in the top right hand corner.

Next, 132, it's like they're coming right at you, like, right out of the page...

Favourite Cover 134

2008-07-05T20:06:00.003+01:00

134 Excalibur 9 (1989)

Another gloriously bonkers early Excalibur cover from Alan Davis and a neat, distinctive and original team shot. Davis seemed to cut his teeth in British comics drawing unusual alien creatures (check out 2000AD's DR & Quinch, if you don't believe me) and I reckon he had a lot of fun coming up with the offworlders for this cover. Love that Haiwaiian shirt. Though I think what stood out for me, leading to inclusion on the list is the anxious looking Brian Braddock, seemingly caught short and pulling on his old costume, which seems a little too small for him (perhaps a comment on how he looked relatively slim in his original 1970s incarnation in comparison to the bulked up figure Davis himself was responsible for in the 80s). Another cheeky little cover to make you smile.

Next, 133, Apocalypse Hulk!

Favourite Cover 135

2008-07-03T15:24:00.002+01:00

135 Fantastic Four 22 (1999)

One of the most famous covers of all time is Uncanny X-Men 138 with Cyclops walking away from the X-Men. It's been parodied many, many times since, so distinctive is the image, usually in other X titles. However, as much as for the pinky/purple background as anything else, it didn't make my list. Oddly, and unintentionally, this homage has made the list (when I say unintentionally, my brain didn't quite click and make the connection initially, even though it's pretty obvious). What I liked about this cover in particular was the discordant image of a skinny, young girl dwarfed by the Doctor Doom costume, being abandoned by what is meant to be the most accepting of all Marvel teams (because they're family). I wasn't sure who the girl was - it's Valerie von Doom, who I think is the daughter of Doc Doom and Sue Storm in a parallel world or something. Anyway, the cover communicates extremely well the obvious pain felt by all - we're surprised that this girl is such a threat to the Fantastic Four. Some good early work by Salvador Larocca.

Next, 134, heroes on a pedastal?

Favourite Covers - Bonus Ten!

2008-07-02T12:41:00.018+01:00

Whenever I was creating a shortlist of favourite covers, I ended up with over 300 titles. Since then, I keep coming across covers where I think, you know, that should have been on the list. So, in light of this, here are ten that either came really close or, on reflection, I think I should have found space for somewhere on the list...

10 Supreme Power 18 (2005) by Gary Frank

Strangely enough, no Gary Frank images made the top 250, so this hopefully makes up for it. Frank's art is so clean and his central characters, here, are compelling.

9 Xtreme X-Men 23 (2003)

Salvador Larocca's artwork has changed beyond all recognition in recent years. His current work on Iron Man is amazing. Back in '03, he was toiling away on Xtreme X-Men and, using quite a lot of covers to show off the, ahem, charms of the X-women within. Some very sexy covers of Sage, Storm and Rogue in this series. Best of all is this stunning take on Emma Frost. This cover missed the top 250 by being just too blatantly sexy for inclusion.

8 Avengers 181 (1979)

A bit of a classic this. I remember reading this as a kid, actually and thinking it quite a weird comic, mainly because it was the first time I'd picked up an Avengers comic and, being very young, couldn't work out where the bad guy was. Of course, the bad guy was Henry Gyrich and I love the way all the heroes are subservient to him on this cover.

7 The 'Nam 15 (1988)

Oh, the shame! The shame! Somehow I forgot to check out covers for the Nam when compiling my list. And I read it when I was younger! Anyway, this one rocks - I love the contrasts. Please also check out cover for issue 24, based on a very infamous (and horrible) photograph. This should have been in the top 250. Sorry.

6 New Avengers 14 (2006)

Sorry, boys, no Frank Cho cover made the top 250. But if any had, it would have been this one. Boy, that must be hard on the back. Submissions as to how she manages to stay upright to Marvel comics.

5 Uncanny X-Men 165 (1983)

Terrific cover by Paul Smith plotting a dramatic and grim transformation. Perhaps the only reason it missed out on a placing is that I don't like the Brood very much. Still probably should have included it.

4 Captain America 332 (1987)

Very dramatic cover by Mike Zeck and one of my favourites, Klaus Janson. Very close to making the cut.

3 Sensational She Hulk 43 (1992)

Another cover that probably didn't make the list due to its sexiness factor. It's more funny than cheesy, though. John Byrne followed this up with Shulkie in a coat, scarf and hat on the next issue's cover, to make up for the blatant boobery on display here.

2 New Mutants 3 (2003)

Stunning portrait of Magma by Josh Middleton. Just wow! Why didn't it make the list? Hmmm. Must need my eyes tested.

1 Marvel Comics Present 34 (1989)

And the unluckiest cover is this one by Alan Davis. Which may have you going "Huh?" But I really, really like it because it's so darned fun and stupid. Perhaps this is the reason more than any other why it didn't make the final cut. But it probably should have.

Hope you enjoyed these, on with the rest of my top 250...

Favourite Cover 136

2008-07-02T12:16:00.003+01:00

136 Avengers 4 (1964)

Some iconic covers really deserve their place in Marvel history and here's one that stands up nearly 45 years after it was first drafted. 'King' Kirby is the man responsible naturally and, wow, that image of Cap is really stunning, isn't it? Cap's expression seems urgent, even fierce - he appears to be the one issuing a battle cry to the others, despite being the new kid on the block. I love the angle of the cover too - it helps give it a sense of urgency, like you're a passerby just turning round, perhaps having heard the dramatic call to arms - "Avengers Assemble." A terrific cover, very Kirby and very good.

Next, 135, Doom junior?

Favourite Cover 137

2008-07-01T14:00:00.003+01:00

137 Wolverine 106 (1996)

A cracking cover from Marvel's graveyard, the mid 90s. This is done by Adam Kubert, from the famous Kubert family, so this guy shouldn't have any problems with stylistic representations. I may not be a big Wolvie fan but I love how he's portrayed here, like a dog on a leash. He looks incredibly feral and I like the juddering look to his claws. Even in shadow, Elektra looks pretty stunning too. Of course, the real selling point of the image is the contrast between Wolvie's claws and Elektra's sai. Very cunning. Incidentally, the follow up issue has a pretty good cover too - a brilliant action scene that combines confusion and menace to stunning effect.

Next, 136, he's back, back, BACK!

Favourite Cover 138

2008-06-30T14:26:00.002+01:00

138 The Incredible Hulk 373 (1990)

Overly exaggerated angry 'Hulk Smash' covers can sometimes be stunning. However, they're also the default style of cover for the character. That makes them ubiquitous and therefore they don't tend to stand out. What does stand out is the Hulk having fun. I mean how often can you think of a time when you have seen the Hulk laughing uproariously? Don't happen very often, does it? That's why this cover by Dale Keown works really well. It is totally contrary to our expectations of the character (though it should be noted that this was during one of the Hulk's less angry incarnations). I love the framing of the cover, back to back with Betty Ross (I think) on a bridge in a moonlight, giving the cover perhaps an air of romance, though screwball comedy romance, if anything.

Next, 137, fierce, feral and fiery.

Favourite Cover 139

2008-06-30T14:19:00.002+01:00

139 New X-Men 149 (2003)

Initially, the character of Xorn seemed brilliant. A mutant with a, ahem, star inside his head. That's Grant Morrison messing with all our heads. As usual. Still, he appeared as a very sympathetic character, empathic with the 'special needs' class of mutants to which he was assigned. However, as time went on, gradually it is revealed that the gentle Xorn is none other than Magneto. How does one sum up this tension? This new darkness? Well, a compelling image like this one does the trick. Xorn in shadows, staring out, his hands at his side like a Western gunslinger. This isn't a good look. This isn't he we thought he was all along. Brilliant stuff. I'm not entirely sure who did this cover - I notice that Phil Jimenez is the artist demarcated for the issue, so perhaps it's him.

Next, 138, a smile on the face of an angry man.

Favourite Cover 140

2008-06-28T15:21:00.002+01:00

140 Agents of Atlas 5 (2007)

I don't know an awful lot about this particular series - as far as I know, a bit like JMS's recent The Twelve, it was about reviving Marvel heroes from waaay back in the day. Tomm Coker, however, painted six wonderful covers for the mini-series, the above being my favourite. This is Venus, Goddess of Love. I love the use of white on this cover - the way Venus' hair hangs like curtains and the sparkling diamonds coming out at the reader. The backdrop of skulls gives an eerie quality to the image. Best of all though is Venus's actual face, beautifully rendered with cool grey blue eyes, absolutely in keeping with a supposed goddess of love.

Next, 139, the man beneath the helmet.

Favourite Cover 141

2008-06-27T10:45:00.004+01:00

141 Elektra 13 (2002)

Yes. It's shameless, I know. But there's a lot to like about this image. This is from the truly excellent Greg Rucka storyline, Introspect - well worth picking up. Elektra is delirious, bizarrely suffering withdrawal from, well, violence and killing (yes, I know that's really odd but, despite that, the storyline does actually work). She's out in a desert and suffering big time. Which is obviously what Horn is symbolising on his cover here. Obviously. Okay, let's be honest. You could read this cover two ways. This isn't just about her being delirious in the desert. Her costume's wrecked, there's a great big phallic snake traipsing over her arm. And the expression on her face? Probably best to say that it's ambiguous. It's not subtle, but it's still a gorgeously painted cover.

Next, 140, a very pale agent.

Favourite Cover 142

2008-06-27T10:32:00.003+01:00

142 Captain America 18 (2006)

I mentioned before that Epting's cover imagery often contains a proliferation of different things going on (a little like some Steranko) and I don't usually dig those covers. When he keeps it simple, however, he can be stunning. This is a brilliant use of iconic imagery. We have Cap looking strong and statuesque, the embodiment of bravery, backed up by, of all things, London's famous landmark, Big Ben and the Union Jack. Often portraits like this of Cap are up against American iconography. Why? Because it obviously symbolises what the Sentinel of Liberty is standing for. What is particularly peculiar about this is the choice of Epting to produce something British in the backdrop, obviously because Cap's in England. Symbolically though, the cover may be telling us two other things. Firstly, that Cap is just not about his own nation - he's interested in protecting and fighting for his allies. Secondly, there may be the notion, going back to the American Declaration of Independence of Cap superceding the former nation that colonised his own country, symbolising how America has become the superpower on earth that Great Britain once was. Or maybe I'm reading too much into it. Whatever, still a great cover.

Next, 141, hot and Horn-y.