Annihilators #2 by Guy Davis
I find it funny that so far, I’m enjoying the variant covers of this mini-series more than the originals. Also funny? They’ve both been by Dark Horse artists. Who’s the next cover going to be by, Eric Powell?? All kidding aside, Guy Davis presents us with this magnificent cover of Groot and Rocket Raccoon, in a style and pose reminiscent of the old science-fiction comics of decades past. Having Dave Stewart on colors definitely helps the colors pop, but it’s the details and almost cartoony style that makes it the most enjoyable to me.
Nonplayer #1 by Nate Simpson
That’s one epic mount, am I right? So the story behind Nate Simpson is that he used to do video game concept art, then became the next big thing over at Image with this first issue (as a matter of fact, you can checkout my interview with him here). This cover is a fantastic sample of the art to expect inside. The attention to detail astounds me; I feel like I can see every scale and observe every leaf on the cover. And what about that dude in the armor? He intrigues me, and I don’t know why. Everything works on this cover, and this makes me happy to look at it for hours on end. I smell future video game box art!
Orc Stain #6 by James Stokoe
I feel inclined to state ahead of time that I haven’t had the opportunity to read Orc Stain yet. With that being said, I love this cover despite having no idea who the characters are, or what’s going on. However, isn’t that the job of the cover to begin with? Grab your attention on the comic racks? I feel like shouting “OI!” when looking at this cover, because it feels like a blend of fantasy and punk rock. It’s wild with different sinister beings surrounding the rebel without a cause character, all colored beautifully with a water color feel. In other news, I’m starting a Punk Rock Fantasy band, and James Stokoe is invited to play electric guitar.
Who Is Jake Ellis? #3 by Tonci Zonjic
Damn 3D technology seeping into my precious comics medium! Oh wait, false alarm. Because of the blues and purples not lining-up completely, it has a good sense of frantic movement which one would observe at a club scene…or a Parkinsons dance-off. The only two characters in focus (therefore drawing the eye) are the main characters of the series, obviously on the run once more. I think the thing I like most about the cover is no more than four colors are used. What can I say, I’m a big softie for simplicity in layouts.
Sweet Tooth #20 by Jeff Lemire
I really like how the bullet holes are still smoking. Tells the reader ahead of time that not only is Gus in danger, but he’s barely managing to stay alive from a blood-thirsty Charlton Heston. Add the beautiful playing of watercolors in the background and you’ve got yourself a winner right here.