Best Covers of the Day – Wednesday, August 22

(Once again, we have a guest columnist filling in for regular Best Covers writer Andy B.! This week: StEvO If you, too, have an interest in writing a Best Covers column — perhaps because you think you could do a better job… to which I say, GOOD LUCK, CHUM — just send us an email! And, as always, just click any of the covers to enlarge.)

Hello fellow fans of comic book covers! While it was my intention to go out and see The Campaign, someone needed to write the Best Covers column. Sometimes you just need to step up and be the hero… or in this case the columnist. So let’s get to it!

BATMAN THE DARK KNIGHT #12

Cover by David Finch & Richard Friend

Not only have I always appreciated Finch’s artwork, but this cover reminds me of a bar scene. I could only imagine walking into a bar (in Ocean City, of course) with Scarecrow being the bartender.

Me: "What’s on tap?"
Scarecrow: "Batman test tube shots!"
Me: "Got anything else?"
Scarecrow: "What? Are you scared?"
Me: "Not really. I just imagine Batman leaving one hell of a hangover!"
Scarecrow: "But they’re orange flavored!"
Me: "Oh well then, I will have two!"

RACHEL RISING #10

Cover by Terry Moore

I confess: I have yet to jump on board the train for Rachel Rising. I have yet to read a single issue despite the obvious love for it in Shawn’s reviews and the polls. I promise I will give it its rightful respect soon! However, every month the cover always manages to grab my attention. The sharp color practically jumps off the racks at you! And this one is no exception!

The contrast of the red and yellow is brilliant. And everything evil on the cover is blood red! Her eyes, her lips, her pendant, her uh… corset… And the smirk on her face just whispers to you, "Go ahead, hang me. I dare you."

ASTONISHING X-MEN #53

Cover by Dustin Weaver

Another winner of the Color Contrast Award this week! I love the play on the weapons theme going on in this cover. Not only is Wolverine a bomb waiting to go off, but apparently there is what appears to be a giant Bob-omb from Super Mario behind him as well. Maybe Wolverine never had time to play Mario, you know with all the experimentation and killing. But someone should at least let him know he can just pick up Bob-ombs and throw them away from yourself.  And don’t forget to grab the fire flower either!

And now for my bad pun of the day, drumroll please… This cover is da bomb! Okay, I’m done.

I, VAMPIRE #12

Cover by Clayton Crain

Let me shed a light on this cover now. Okay, that was my last pun, I swear! The thing that grabs me most about this cover is the self-sacrifice. Andrew Bennett jumping in of two fistfuls of pure sunlight to save Mary, who quite honestly is always trying to kill him. But that’s the way love works sometimes. One moment you are trying to save each other’s skin from the great BBQ of the sun, the next you are unleashing your vampiric children upon all of humanity. I bet Shakespeare didn’t write a love story like that one!

Looks like my work here is done. Now if you’ll excuse me, I am off to the movies. Up, up and away!

- StEvO