Never did get around to offering my ideas for Best/Worst/What The?! in terms of Marvel covers this month, and I AM still a bit busy this week. So maybe I can solve two problems at the same time by choosing a cover or two to discuss this week.(Although, this doesn't really solve the problem of being too busy. Actually, it sort of compounds the problem. Well, whatever. I like comics, okay?)
Best up?
Iron Man Legacy #7 (2010), cover by Juan Doe (if that IS his real name!)
Actually, I have no idea what is going on in between the covers of Iron Man Legacy. I don't even know if it's an on-going or just a miniseries! (And even if you *didn't* all probably know my comics-buying habits by now, let me tell you that I usually don't pick up an Iron Man comic, even under the best of circumstances. Even when money/availablity aren't options, I still wouldn't be reading this!)
Which goes to show you that often the miniseries, or at least the "peripheral" series to the main title, will often have some great artwork to show itself off. I mean, it's basic biology. Sometimes those weaker animals have to put on a more brilliant display to woo away a potential mate, right?
I love the clean lines and bold, stark colors/contrasts here. The layout is nice and symmetrical while also being dynamic and non-static. The reference is clearly to a more art deco/propaganda poster style of art, appropriate for the title "industrial revolution," and it's something the series has been playing around with for its previous issues. The color palette is limited but a bit left of standard, making it very vector-y as well-- it's both modern and retro!
It's this kind of style that I think comics in general should be aiming for, something to differentiate itself from traditional publications but also away from photorealism. I'm in the minority, I think, but I think comics should LOOK iconic and graphic-y, not realistic. By being clearly laid out with a unique modern style, a comic can distinguish itself at a glance, even by someone flipping through electronic stacks of thumbnail graphics.
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