by Clyde Hall, Mickey Rivera, and Jarrod Jones. Undercover is our opportunity to lovingly gaze upon gorgeous works from magnificent artists. From ‘Cover’ to ‘Catwoman’, here’s what we’re loving this week.
Cover #6 by Jim Lee. (Jinxworld/DC)
MR: Whether secretly or not, most people into hero comics would trade several vital organs for the chance to live out some dangerous and fantastic comic book adventure. This applies equally, I’m sure, to creators.
The main premise of Cover is that clandestine government organizations have been hiring comic industry players as undercover agents—their jobs doubling as pretext for international travel. The cover for Cover #6 demonstrates this premise’s immediate appeal for those in the industry.
Jim Lee, arguably one of the final bosses of the comic book world, a man who’s had a hand in altering the course of mainstream comics forever, has almost definitely already thought to himself, “What SDCC was more than a business trip?” Look at that studied coldness, the stoically raised chin, the tight-lipped sobriety. It’s the look of a man who’s been ready for this kind of work his whole life.
Wonder Twins #2 by Ramon Villalobos. (Wonder Comics/DC)
CH: A blue Exxorian monkey named Gleek wearing a 1980s stretchy headband. Come on, what more could you need to fall into shameless, geeky love with this Wonder Twins variant cover by Ramon Villalobos? The alien simian with elastic, prehensile tail making his debut inside the issue would ratchet up the fun. But even if Gleek gets a cover cameo only, Villalobos makes it memorable.
The artist has cited Frank Quitely as a major stylistic influence, and we certainly perceive it here. But in interviews he also mentions an affinity for the linework of Rafael Grampa and Geof Darrow. We can see that, as well. Combined—just like ‘Shape of!’ and ‘Form of!’ powers—these components lend a 2000 AD prestige to Villalobos’s take on Zan and Jayna. They’re actual teens, delineated by realistic upswept ears, waves of textured hair, and uniform joint crinkles. Cerulean primate fur bristles, too.
Catwoman #9 by Stanley “Artgerm” Lau. (DC)
JJ: While some hoity-toity Gotham muckety-muck sits in their den blithely scrolling through their feeds and smugly judging the proletariat, a criminal stealthily enters the boudoir. Along with a presumably finance-crippling amount of loot, the latest Artgerm Catwoman variant has gone and purloined my heart.
It’s the details that make it. Stanley “Artgerm” Lau’s version of Selina Kyle has been a shrewd representation of the legendary cat-burglar: militarized goggles, boots, gloves, with fashion as much a factor as function. Years of legendary creator input distilled into pure enigmatic perfection. Cooke, Balent, Gulacy, Lee, and now, Jones. It’s all there, twisted for maximum aesthetic appreciation. The artist has turned the world on its axis simply to appease his subject. Because it’s Catwoman‘s world. Now hear her roar.
With Artgerm behind the stylus, Selina’s face is a mask of determination and wit; playful, hungry, fierce. She’s a survivor, but she’s also a sophisticate—check the pinky finger, extended in silent mockery towards the posh phony who chose that frame to go with that wallpaper. Taste isn’t an inherited trait, stranger. Now watch this cat take you for all you’re worth.
Don’t forget to share your favorite covers from this week in the comments section below!
