interlude no. 2

[Lee K]

When you make a list...and check it twice

 

Sometimes you see something that you overlooked the first time.

 

What I noticed when compiling my list of my ten favorite covers of all time is the dearth of superhero books on it. I mean, I collect and read superhero books. I loved the Justice League, Avengers, and Green Lantern/Green Arrow as a young man, and many a Fantastic Four story is ingrained in my brain...

 

But, when it comes to iconic cover art that really resonates with me - superheros books just don't seem to make the list.

 

Certainly when I think X-Men the first image that pops into my head is the cover to issue 50.

 

When I think Spiderman - that image is whatever issue it is where Medusa has him all tied up in her hair.

 

But when I think all-time, superstar cover images, well not a whole bunch of super-images come to my mind.

 

Now that I have indulged myself in my lengthy sidebar, I should continue with the books that didn't quite make the top ten list...

 

2nd Runner Up: Superman 14. Oh my goodness - what an iconic image by Ray. So good is this image that 75 years later DC issued a statue based on this cover. Superman, the shield, the eagle, the line drawings of tanks & howitzers behind him - it just doesn't get much better than that.

 

3rd Runner Up: Strange Adventures 51. Google this image - unlike Superman 14, above, I haven't been able to find a copy of this for my collection in VFish - but I will, I love this great pink cover and the outfits and the glass breathing domes. Excellent 50's DC sci-fi goodness.

 

Honorable mention - I feel bad that I have constructed my list of ten books and when I was done there were no images by the three 70's comic artist with the complete bodies of work that I love the most:

 

Wm Michael Kaluta - and his cover for The Shadow issue 1

Barry Windsor Smith - and his cover for Conan 16

Bernie Wrightson - and his cover for House of Mystery 231

 

When I think of those great 70's artists - those are the images that leap to my mind.

 

Soon - the actual top ten list.

 

Happy Hunting!

Lee

 

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