By 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.
Ant-Man #4, by Mark Brooks. (Marvel Comics)
Mark Brooks’ art is a consistent, engaging treat, and every one of his Ant-Man contributions have been wonderful. But this is a whole other level of great: Getting past the obvious, Brooks’ Miami Vice homage is not only a neon-soaked masterstroke, it’s an on-the-nose characterization of Scott Lang. Just lookit his “I’m trying, fellas!” mug underneath that silly-ass helmet. Its stupendous.
Vampirella #11, by Jenny Frison. (Dynamite Entertainment)
We’ve seen Jenny Frison’s singular works adorn comic books from a wide spectrum of publishers (Revival, Angel, and Red Sonja), but this latest stunner for Dynamite’s Vampirella definitely steals the show. From the bold lines containing the artist’s subtle detail work to V’s translucent, porcelain skin, Frison’s cover looks like it was pulled straight out of Heavy Metal‘s days of yore.
Howard the Duck #2, by Joe Quinones. (Marvel Comics)
Howard’s got yer duck face, riiight here. Just look at him! The facial expression slapped across our Main Mallard’s face is downright priceless, making this not only one of the more well-crafted covers out there this week, but certainly one of the most hilarious. Joe Quinones was born to draw Howard the Duck, and we’re lucky to have him.
Jupiter’s Circle #1, by Bill Sienkiewicz. (Image Comics)
Just in time to kiss Mad Men goodbye, Bill Sienkiewicz’s cover to Mark Millar and Wilfredo Torres’ Jupiter’s Circle is a swanky, lurid ode to those who drank scotch for breakfast, made sure their natural musk was informed by Lucky Strike, and wore garish outfits while thinking they held the fate of the natural world in their hands. (And tell me Sienkiewicz didn’t put Humphrey Bogart’s head on top of Superman’s body. Tell me he didn’t.)
Hawkeye #2, by Kevin Wada. (Marvel Comics)
Kevin Wada is one of comic’s most indelible cover artists — his final bow for Marvel’s She-Hulk is one for the history books — and his latest variant for Jeff Lemire and Ramon Perez’s Hawkeye is another fine example as to why. Everything from the cover’s appropriately purple hues to Kate Bishop’s tiny smirk make this variant one to own.
Agree? Disagree? What covers caught YOUR eye this week? Let us know in the comments below.
