After looking at hundreds of comic book covers, it becomes quickly apparent that not every cover is 100% original. Whether done intentionally or even underhandedly, there’s something about uncovering these “swipes” that adds a new element of fun to reading and collecting comics.
1979 saw the release of Francis Ford Coppola‘s Vietnam War film, Apocalypse Now, starring Marlon Brando and a host of other movie stars. After the success of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, many “rip-offs” began to crop up in the mid 1980s. The most successful of these imitation books was the Adolescent Radioactive Black Belt Hamsters. Spinning out of their main title, came the two issue mini series Clint. Both issues featured a “swipe” cover, the second one biting off Apocalypse Now. And, In 2002, continuing with his experimental art style, Kaare Andrews payed tribute to the film with his cover to the Incredible Hulk vol. II #46.
 Apocalypse Now 1979 |  Clint #2 January 1987 Ken Meyer |
 the Incredible Hulk vol. II #46 December 2002 Kaare Andrews |
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On Ebay: Hulk | Kaare Andrews | Black Belt Hamsters