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.
The Unstoppable Wasp #1, by Elsa Charretier. (Marvel Comics)
It’s a pleasure to write about comic books when they turn out to be so much darn fun. If you’re at all curious about Marvel’s latest debut from Jeremy Whitley, Elsa Charretier, and Megan Wilson and you haven’t taken the plunge just yet, allow me to direct your attention to this wildly energetic cover. Charretier’s artwork here is a declaration of intent: The Unstoppable Wasp is going to be pure, unbridled joy. Get informed. Pick up a copy today.
Superman #14, by Patrick Gleason, Mick Gray, and John Kalisz. (DC Comics)
With top-notch stories weaving through Superman and Action Comics, the future of the Superman books has never looked brighter. Now comes the latest Super-arc, “Multiplicity”, which brings the Superman Legion (and the Justice League Incarnate… tee-hee!) directly into the purview of the Man of Steel. (Just leave your Michael Keaton jokes at the door.) If that news alone isn’t enough to get you excited, then let this collaborative effort from Patrick Gleason, Mick Gray, and John Kalisz galvanize you into action. The Super-Multitudes are go.
Scarlet Witch #14, by David Aja. (Marvel Comics)
Of all the covers that graced the stands this week, David Aja’s contributions to Scarlet Witch #14 startled me the most. The shock of red, raging against the the stark black/white contrast of the book’s logo and what we can assume is the lead character’s anguished face, illustrates the severity of whatever malady might be contained within this book. But what I love most about this image is that it makes me think of a film poster retroactively put together for some incredibly unsubtle ’70s revenge flick, or a garish 1950s noir. Either way, Aja’s cover is ready for the annals of Criterion.
Faith #7, by Jen Bartel. (Valiant)
Jen Bartel’s artwork is like a cruising through Rodeo Drive with the top down. Viewing the results of her craft is like spending an entire day at an especially indulgent spa. Soaking in examples of her craftsmanship is like going to a four star restaurant and only ordering two bottles of wine and three different desserts. Jen Bartel’s contribution to Valiant’s Faith #7 is a prime example of these tings. It’s so serene, cool, and rich that it practically borders on the majestic.
Hawkeye #2, by Julian Totino Tedesco. (Marvel Comics)
If the Marvel Universe ever had a bonafide noir on its hands, there would be little argument that it has always been Hawkeye. Now that Kate Bishop is hanging her bow and quiver in Los Angeles, those noir trappings have never been more prominent, exemplified beautifully with Julian Totino Tedesco’s fantastic covers to Marvel’s newest series. He doesn’t approach Hawkeye‘s noirish sensibilites so much as he embraces them fully, and his piece for Hawkeye #2 is a lurid pulp cover beautifully realized.
And that’s it! Don’t forget to share your favorite covers from this week’s releases in the comments section below.
