Connect with us
Judging by the Cover - 5/9/18 new releases

Comic Books

Judging by the Cover – 5/9/18 new releases

Jason and Eric share their favorite covers from the week’s new comics.

Most comic book fans have a pretty good idea what they’re going to buy every week when they visit their local comic shop. With that said, there’s still a lot of fun to be had just glancing at the week’s new releases and taking a chance on a book that looks promising. That’s where covers come in-a fantastic image can make the difference between trying something new or saying, “Nah, not this week.”

In that spirit, here are the covers that captured AiPT! Podcast co-host Jason Segarra and Manga Editor Eric Cline’s attention this week.

Listen to the latest episode of our weekly comics podcast!

Jason’s Picks:

Southern Bastards #20
Art by Jason Latour

Judging by the Cover - 5/9/18 new releases

I’m a sucker for contrast, especially when it’s with a purposely limited color palette. Working through a series of reds is a smart idea as well, as the color stirs up all kinds of emotions, from passion to anger to violence–all hallmarks of the series. This thing is beautiful and well-composed, giving knowing readers a nod toward the story while not giving anything away to would-be readers. It’s a really captivating image and should serve the issue well.

Wildstorm: Michael Cray #7
Art by Bill Sienkiewicz

Judging by the Cover - 5/9/18 new releases

The Tarot-like image here is a perfect encapsulation of the story, which is a duel between Cray and Constantine, and though I still don’t enjoy the character redesign on Constantine, his juxtaposition opposite Michael makes for a great, balanced image. Mortality and fidelity are also strong themes in the series, as Michael has been struggling with both on his path through the dark-JLA. This is probably the best image that the series has ever run.

Outcast #35
Art by Paul Azaceta

Judging by the Cover - 5/9/18 new releases

This looks less like the cover for a particular issue and more like a mission statement for a book titled “Outcast.” It’s simple and evocative (like the Southern Bastards image at the top of this list), and it says more about the central themes and narrative of the series than it does about what happens in this issue (like both of my other picks). What can I say? I’m nothing if not consistent.

Eric’s Picks:

Justice League: No Justice #1
Art by Francis Manapul

Judging by the Cover - 5/9/18 new releases

A cover’s main job is to make the reader want to buy the product. This Francis Manapul piece does that for me. What a fun Justice League line-up! You have the face of the League (Superman), Martian Manhunter back at last, and…Starro?! Awesome.

Barrier #1
Art by Marcos Martin and Munsta Vicente

Judging by the Cover - 5/9/18 new releases

I love the vast expanse of this image. Usually I dislike covers that don’t have a lot going on, but there’s an atmosphere to this piece that prevents it from feeling empty. This cover is a masterclass in how to convey a lot with relatively little–and it still manages to impress with the level of intricacy in the details it does have. I don’t know what’s more striking: the fence or the terrain beyond it.

Venom #1
Art by Tyler Kirkham

Judging by the Cover - 5/9/18 new releases

Series artist Ryan Stegman’s claims that this Venom series will be better than Watchmen have intrigued me greatly. Of all the covers to the first issue, this one by Tyler Kirkham is my favorite. The hyper-detailed rendering of Venom’s open jaw is amazing, and it makes me think of a Xenomorph. For all the horror going on here, there’s also a dash of whimsy in the corner: Spidey swinging on Venom’s tongue. I’m not being ironic or facetious when I say this cover is next-level radical.


Do you agree with these picks? Let us know in the comment space below!

Want to see your art featured in the next edition of Judging by the Cover? We’re now taking submissions for Fan Art of the Week. Contact us and show us what you’ve got.

Join the AIPT Patreon

Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:

  • ❌ Remove all ads on the website
  • 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
  • 📗 Access to our monthly book club
  • 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
  • 💥 And more!
Sign up today
Comments

In Case You Missed It

WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024 WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024

WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024

Pro Wrestling

AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024 AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024

AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024

Pro Wrestling

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024 AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024

Pro Wrestling

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt' Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt'

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in ‘Blood Hunt’

Comic Books

Connect
Newsletter Signup