By Molly Jane Kremer and Jarrod Jones. Undercover is our opportunity to lovingly gaze upon gorgeous works from magnificent artists. Each week, we single out the most striking covers that grace comic book stands and gush all over them.
Oh, and do you like free stuff? Well, keep reading! Details below.
1602: Witch Hunter Angela #3, by Stephanie Hans. (Marvel Comics)
MJ: All of Witch Hunter Angela’s covers have been in the style of paintings of the era, and it’s become apparent that Stephanie Hans knows her art history fluently. This alternate version of Rogue is accented deliciously by well-placed chiaroscuro, and painted like a goth-ized Renaissance angel, spindly wings bedecked in cobwebs. Reminiscent of beautiful works by Da Vinci and Botticelli, with just a touch (pun not intended) of Caravaggio’s darker edge, this is a truly enchanting image.
Batman #44, by Jock. (DC Comics)
JJ: Every so often, Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo take an opportunity to shift down in the midst of whatever life-altering saga they’re concocting so that Mr. Capullo can take a moment to rest his sketchin’ hand (by running off to the gym to go pump some iron, presumably). Enter Jock, Mr. Snyder’s Wytches partner-in-crime, to fill-in ably for a throwback issue that reminds us of the days when there was a Wayne under that cowl. And this image Jock offers us, one where the legendary Dark Knight leaps headfirst into an unknowable void, is a stunner.
Phonogram: The Immaterial Girl #2, by Jamie McKelvie. (Image Comics)
MJ: At the end of the last issue, a certain Emily Aster seemed to be pulled into the middle of a certain iconic music video, and this cover is most certainly a direct reference to A-Ha’s “Take On Me”. Sketchy and scribbly, McKelvie and Wilson emulate the style of the video flawlessly, still ensuring our erstwhile Emily is still front and center, as she always prefers.
Darth Vader #9, by Salvador Larroca. (Marvel Comics)
JJ: I don’t know if you were aware of this, but we have a new Star Wars movie coming our way in a few months. (I know! How’d that get past us?) So recently I’ve been spending a lot of my time waxing nostalgic for the Lucasian, and of the days when a galaxy far, far away was but a daydream away. (Translation: I’ve been buying a lot more Star Wars shit I don’t need.) So whether Salvador Larroca’s cover to Darth Vader #9 panders to my undiluted fanboyism or it’s a tremendous interpretation of the series’ most vile villain (or both!), this cover scratches that itch with aplomb.
Catwoman #44, by Emanuela Lupacchino. (DC Comics)
MJ: Ok, yes, I admit it, I have a weakness for cats. Especially cats that happen to look like my cats. So aren’t I in luck that Emanuela Lupacchino’s adorable Green Lantern 75th Anniversary variant to Catwoman #44 has exactly that? There’s also Selina’s lovely smile (and unmissable décolletage), surrounded by piles and handfuls of glowing, and undoubtedly “borrowed”, Green Lantern rings, giving the entire image an arresting glow.
Amazing Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows #5, by Joe Quesada. (Marvel Comics)
JJ: You don’t fool us, Joe Quesada! All of us still have the mental wherewithal to recall your sinister participation in ripping Peter and Mary Jane’s happy marriage apart, you monster. Maybe that’s why you spent some extra time on this latest cover to Renew Your Vows (a series that’s served as more of a poke in the ribs to Spidey fans than anything else). Mary Jane and ol’ Webhead look as happy as they ever did (nice touch on that wink, Quesada… is that an admittance of guilt?), and with The Man himself here to officiate the proceedings, it looks like it has been ordained from on high: all is forgiven! Well, nice try, Quesada. People don’t forget. (But it’s still a cute cover.)
What are the covers that float your boat this week? We want to know! Tell us about them in the comments below, and the best response gets a DoomRocket sticker/button combo sent to their door. Get to it!
