It's just a week into my Masters program, and it's been write, write, write. The last thing I want to do is to have to write for FUN, but hey, here I am. There's something to be said for discipline, right? I aim to share with you the Best Marvel Cover of the Month, and how could I skip July?
It's another tough decision, if for nothing else but the sheer number of covers out there. As always, the "fringe" titles invariably have the most artistic covers-- the covers that really push design elements and artistic style. Take a look at the Noir line, Iron Fist stuff, and the Max imprint in particular. Here's Dave Johnson's cover for PUNISHER: FRANK CASTLE #72 (on sale July 8th):
But, come on. I can't give Dave Johnson the BEST award every month, can I? Instead, let's take a look more mainstream. In this case, DARK REIGN: ZODIAC #2 (cover by Nathan Fox, on sale July 22nd.)
I have to admit to a bit of Dark Reign burnout, especially with its presence in virtually every mainstream title. But that doesn't stop the professional artists from being as professional as possible. What makes this my BEST choice this month is the way the cover invites you to spend time looking at it. Sure, things seem obvious at first glance, and there's even a bit of humor and whimsy in there, which I'm a sucker for. But there are just so many elements happening, that you really need a second, and longer, look. In particular, the scribblings on the 'wall' and the Mousetrap-like board game. Notice the Galactus helmet as the final Mousetrap cage? Nicely done!
Still, I think there's a missed opportunity to play with contrasts-- some darker, more expressive mood lighting for the figure might highlight the juxtaposition of supervillain and simple children's game. Also, the pose is a bit awkward in terms of the gesture with the dice. It's a bit confusing on what's happening, exactly, and the amount of black and grays in the costume for Zodiac might require some exagerrated posing to make him 'read' better.
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