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Judging by the Cover - Our favorite Han Solo covers of all time

Comic Books

Judging by the Cover – Our favorite Han Solo covers of all time

We share our favorite Han Solo covers ever.

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 anticipation of Solo: A Star Wars Story, we’re holding a special edition of Judging by the Cover. Our contributors David Brooke, Connor Christiansen, and JJ Travers shared their favorite Han Solo covers of all time with us:

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Dave’s Picks:

Classic Star Wars: Han Solo At Stars’ End #3
Art by Stan Manoukian and Vince Roucher
Judging by the Cover - Our favorite Han Solo covers of all timeI love how sci-fi cool this cover is–maybe even more sci-fi than most Star Wars stories–from the space suits to the nearby moon. This cover also has the Millenium Falcon swooping by in a very cool way.

Star Wars #1
Art by Sara Pichelli
Judging by the Cover - Our favorite Han Solo covers of all timeThis cover shows a bit of the sexual tension between these characters. Leia seems to be groping Han while they both have their blasters at the ready. It’s an impossible scene–how could they have killed all those guards–but it’s a fun one.

Free Comic Book Day 2012 Star Wars/Serenity
Art by Adam Hughes & Daniel Dos Santos

This cover embodies the fun Han has when breaking the rules. Plus it appears he and Chewie are stealing Companion Cubes best known for their importance in the video games Half Life and Portal.

Star Wars: Rebel Heist #1
Art by Adam Hughes
Judging by the Cover - Our favorite Han Solo covers of all timeI love the composition of this cover. It seems to suggest Han keeps his cool even with a blushing Leia nearby, the eyes of Jabba lurking, TIE fighters shooting, and Chewie sullen. The use of red bars pulls this together beautifully.


Connor’s Picks:

Han Solo #5
Art by Kamome Shirahama

Judging by the Cover - Our favorite Han Solo covers of all time

This cover perfectly encapsulates the character of Han Solo to me. The swagger, the calmness, the cowboy-like demeanor, and, of course, the Falcon. I just love the juxtaposition of Han and the Falcon here–it feels like a moment of solitude before the next adventure.

Star Wars #42
Art by David Marquez

Judging by the Cover - Our favorite Han Solo covers of all time

When we, as fans, think of Han Solo, we often immediately reminisce on his bad-boy, smuggle side. We often forget just how effective a leader and military commander Han Solo is, so I love how this cover puts that command on display as Han leads the Rebels in a daring mission on Jedha.

Doctor Aphra #7
Art by Marco Checchetto

Judging by the Cover - Our favorite Han Solo covers of all time

Han Solo often finds himself in some particularly sketchy situations, like the one demonstrated here during the Screaming Citadel crossover. Good ol’ Han never loses his cool in these scenarios, and you can see that so clearly on this cover. Obviously he is in a real tight spot, but he has such a look of confidence, not fear, that exemplifies how strong a character he is.


JJ’s Picks:

Han Solo #2
Art by Lee Bermejo

Judging by the Cover - Our favorite Han Solo covers of all time

This cover is Han Solo defined. His signature cocky grin, the laid back relaxed posture, strong confidence and his trademark DL-44 blaster. These guys look like they might have been asking him about who shot first. It’s a scene very reminiscent of our first encounter with Solo in Mos Eisley spaceport, and that’s one of my fondest Star Wars memories.

Star Wars #51
Art By Salvador Larroca

Judging by the Cover - Our favorite Han Solo covers of all time

The Millennium Falcon is the most recognizable ship in the Star Wars universe as well as the universe we live in. She’s earned the notoriety three times over.  While she was originally designed as a light freighter, thanks to Han Solo’s special modifications she became one of the fastest ships in the galaxy and a source of fear for countless enemies.

Han, Chewy and the Falcon are forever tied together. There’s no ship I’d rather pilot. Heck, I’ve had dreams about this ship. Seeing the Falcon blasting TIE fighters, zipping through explosions, and guiding Mon Calamari ships of the Rebel Alliance through a battle is just plain EPIC. I love everything about this cover.

Han Solo At Stars’ End #1
Art by Alfredo Alcala

Judging by the Cover - Our favorite Han Solo covers of all time

We never really got to see Han and Chewy operating as the famous smugglers who made the Kessel run in 12 parsecs. That’s exactly what this story is about: Han, Chewy and the Falcon years before they ever met Luke Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi. The cover gives that impression.

Just by a cursory glance you can tell that there’s an old feel to this artwork. Look closer and you’ll see that even though it’s got an aged feel to it, that doesn’t mean it’s not good. In fact it’s great. I love the gritty rough tones, and the level of detail is fantastic. It’s not a style you see often these days and that’s a real shame.


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

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