A fun aspect of comic books is that sometimes their covers combine to make an even larger image. Here’s a look at some connecting covers.
Domination Factor was a crossover mini-series that sent our heroes back in time to relive classic moments in their past. A fun way to pay homage to the rich history of the Marvel Universe.
On Ebay: Avengers | Fantastic Four
On AtomicAvenue: Domination Factor | Avengers | Fantastic Four
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.
The Secret Invasion tie-ins were filled with classic cover swipes. In the 1980s, Hawkeye moved to California and started a new team of Avengers. This cover paid homage to the first issue of that new team.
 West Coast Avengers #1 September 1984 Bob Hall |
 New Avengers #47 January 2009 Aleksi Briclot |
On Ebay: Avengers | Secret Invasion
On AtomicAvenue: Avengers | Secret Invasion
Because publishers want you to buy their product every month, comics are typically serial in nature. However, occasionally (and more often nowadays than ever before) publishers launch a comic title that is only meant to last for one issue. While ongoing series often have multiple chances to hook in new readers, the comics highlighted in this ongoing investigations only had One-Shot At Greatness!
Publisher: Amalgam Comics
Cover Date: June 1997
Cover Price: $1.95
Writer: Peter Milligan
Artist: Adam Pollina
When the DC and Marvel Universes merged in Marvel vs DC, a new one was created: the Amalgam Universe. This one-shot combined Generation X with Jonah Hex.
Young Jono Hex was run out of the town of Humanity for being a malform (or mutant as they’re known in the Marvel Universe). As he grew up, he grew mean and gathered a band of malform outlaws including Madame Banshee (Siryn), Johnny Random (Random), Skinhunter (Skin), White Whip (Emma Frost), Retribution (Penance), and the Twins Trigger (Northstar & Aurora). Marshal “Bat” Trask has created the robotic Razormen to hunt and kill malforms – and he’s sent them after Jono and his band. But, Jono devises a plan to set his oldest enemies (the town of Humanity) against his newest one (the Razormen) in a devious revenge scheme!
Milligan’s plot has highlighted a neat bit of western revenge. And, as neat as it is to see the members of Generation X with a Hex-western twist, they’re really unecessary. This story could have been soley about Hex and it would have played out just the same. Actually, it probably would have been a little better because the very few pages spent on them could have been better used towards character development of Hex himself. Combining the tortured souls of both Hex and Chamber was a great idea and I wouldn’t mind reading more about him … as long as the other characters aren’t along for the ride.
On Ebay: Amalgam | Peter Milligan | Adam Pollina
On AtomicAvenue: Amalgam Comics
Marvel Comics Presents launched in 1988 as an ad-free anthology showcasing four eight-page features, stuffed inside a wrap-around cover. This guide will tell you everything you wanted to know about the series – and more!
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Cyclops in “the Retribution Affair” part 5 written by Bob Harras art by Ron Lim Cyclops unleashes his optic beam on Conscience and we’re then treated to a rare sight – Cyclops has his visor off … but no power is coming out! No doubt, this is an effect of the Retribution Virus that has infected him and other nearby mutants, including Callisto. Conscience reveals that as the virus kills you, your mutant powers begin to fade. Meanwhile, back at the hospital where the disease was found, we discover that it has begun infecting humans, as well! In an ironic twist, the virus designed to kill only mutants has, itself, mutated. Conscience bids that Master Mold intercept the virus’ complete infection of Earth for fear of killing humanity along with mutants. But, Master Mold has decided to continue with the plan, coldly calculating that all mutants will die … and almost all humans will die from it. But, since not all of humanity will perish (a measly 7.6% will survive), it is an acceptable cost to win the war against mutation. |
Black Panther in “Panther’s Quest” part 9 written by Don McGregor art by Gene Colan Eugene Van Der Merwe has just shot the Black Panther . But, our hero is strong enough to fight through the flesh wound in his waist to challenge the soldier – man to man! He quickly defeats Eugene and subjects him to the tear gas that was just being inflicted upon the village. And, as he turns around, the Panther comes face to face with militia reinforcements. |
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Paladin in “Let’s Take It From Where I Swing In And Rescue You …“ written by Scott Lobdell art by Ron Wilson One job leads Paladin to another that leads him to another and so on and so forth until he comes face to face with intergalactic warlords who plan to use Earth as an armory. And, using his wits, he’s able to make them beat a hasty retreat. But hey! Who’s going to foot the bill for saving the entire planet? |
the Thing in “The First Cut” written by Peter Gillis art by Ron Lim A super-powered man named Rico has returned to his life to discover his girlfriend, Maria, is now marrying his friend, Tony. So, Maria seeks out someone who will understand their situation – the Thing (he went away for a while during the Secret Wars – when he returned, his girlfriend, Alicia, had married the Human Torch). When the Thing finds Rico (who’s now going by the name Ripper), he discovers that the young man isn’t interested in having a heart-to-heart. More like a fist-to-face! |
I must say I’m not a huge fan of characters breaking the fourth wall – and it was even stranger to see Paladin doing it in his solo tale. I thought the Thing’s story had a lot of potential for characterization but ultimately failed to live up to it.
On Ebay: Marvel Comics Presents | Cyclops | Black Panther | Paladin | the Thing
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Comics Presents | Cyclops | Black Panther | Thing
You may not be surprised to learn that most people in the comic business grew up reading comic books. However, you might be interested in knowing what they were reading. Here’s a look at “Famous Fanmail”!
George R.R. Martin has been writing science fiction, horror and fantasy novels for decades. He’s the main force behind the long-running Wild Cards series and, most recently, HBO has created an ongoing television series entitled Game of Thrones that is based on his A Song of Ice and Fire series. He got a letter published in Fantastic Four #20 (cover date – November 1963) at the age of 16.
On Ebay: Fantastic Four | George R.R. Martin
On AtomicAvenue: Fantastic Four | George R.R. Martin
With any medium, the more you know about it, the more you can appreciate it. Naturally, the same is true of comic books and now that fans who grew up reading comics are working in the industry, we’re treated to more in-jokes and nods more than ever. Here’s a look at another, cool Comic Book ‘Easter Egg’!
In X-Factor #143, a terrorist named Jude Black takes a hostage on a bus … and the driver’s name is Ralph Norton. This was a little nod from the writer, Howard Mackie, to the classic Honeymooners television show. On that sitcom, the lead character’s name is a bus-driver named Ralph Kramden who has a friend named Ed Norton.
On Ebay: X-Factor | Honeymooners
On AtomicAvenue: X-Factor | Honeymooners
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.
The Secret Invasion tie-ins were filled with classic cover swipes. This cover swiped Romita’s cover to the famous collection of villain origin stories.
 Bring on the Bad Guys 1976 John Romita |
 New Avengers #46 December 2008 Aleksi Briclot |
On Ebay: Avengers | Secret Invasion
On AtomicAvenue: Avengers | Secret Invasion
Because publishers want you to buy their product every month, comics are typically serial in nature. However, occasionally (and more often nowadays than ever before) publishers launch a comic title that is only meant to last for one issue. While ongoing series often have multiple chances to hook in new readers, the comics highlighted in this ongoing investigations only had One-Shot At Greatness!
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Date: May 2011
Cover Price: $3.99
Writer: Kieron Gillen
Artist: Renato Arlem
Batroc accepts a job in Paris to run interference for a heist. From the hefty price offered him, he assumes that Captain America will be involved. And, it turns out that Batroc knows his business well! Captain America does show up to stop the heist and Batroc fills his role as distractor perfectly. But, when he’s got Cap on the ropes, the Leaper lets his pride get the best of him. He can’t resist the urge to defeat the star-spangled hero …. even if it is just the replacement Cap (aka Bucky). And, we all know that Captain America is near-impossible to beat … especially if you’re just Batroc the Leaper.
This was a real fun “character piece”. It’s told completely from Batroc’s side and Gillen really gets into his mind. It’s a nice treat to see a story from this angle and I really enjoyed how much Batroc “knows his role”. He knows he’s just there to run interference. He knows he’s never going to defeat Cap. Yet, something inside him makes him try … try again. And, it’s not the money!
As bonus material, this issue reprints a classic silver age Batroc story from Tales of Suspense #85 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.
On Ebay: Captain America | Kieron Gillen | Batroc
On AtomicAvenue: Strong Guy | Captain America
Marvel Comics Presents launched in 1988 as an ad-free anthology showcasing four eight-page features, stuffed inside a wrap-around cover. This guide will tell you everything you wanted to know about the series – and more!
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Cyclops in “the Retribution Affair” part 4 written by Bob Harras art by Ron Lim With Banshee and Mary Campbell in their possession, Master Mold and Conscience (a cybernetic being created from the engrams of Steven Lang) decided they want to capture Cyclops and Moira next. Back on Muir Island, Moira reveals that Cyclops and Callisto have contracted the Retribution Virus. And, soon after hearing the bad news, they’re assaulted by Conscience and the Servitors. |
Black Panther in “Panther’s Quest” part 8 written by Don McGregor art by Gene Colan The Black Panther fights through the tear gas to take down a militia pickup armed with a swivel gun. But, even the Panther cannot have eyes everywhere … and is taken down by a bullet! |
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Dr. Strange in “Nightmare in Suburbia” conclusion written by Fabian Nicieza art by Mark Badger Doctor Strange completes his extermination of the Windhart’s demon infestation by using the Eye of Agamotto, which sees only the light of innocence and hope. But, the family’s renewed safety comes with a steep price. |
Clea in “At The Bottom Of My Garden” written by Peter Gillis art by Ron Lim Clea‘s new role as the ruler of the Dark Dimension has begun to wear on her so she goes for a walk to clear her mind. Her mind-clearing leads her to discover parts of the Dark Dimension that she’s never seen before! In the new garden she finds, she is attacked by the area’s guardian. It was created by Dormammu (the previous ruler of the Dark Dimension) to defeat everyone … even himself! However, Clea manages to defeat the guardian by using Light Magic taught her by Doctor Strange. And, with the guardian gone – the prize is hers to claim. But, what treasure could be so valued or feared that Dormammu had to hide it behind a near-indestructible guardian? [Answer: A beautiful flower!] |
Mike Mignola, the creator of Hellboy, drew this issue’s haunting Master Mold cover. And, Dormammu doesn’t make an appearance in the Clea story – but that doesn’t stop it from providing an interesting look into his character.
On Ebay: Marvel Comics Presents | Cyclops | Black Panther | Doctor Strange
On AtomicAvenue: Marvel Comics Presents | Cyclops | Black Panther | Doctor Strange
You may not be surprised to learn that most people in the comic business grew up reading comic books. However, you might be interested in knowing what they were reading. Here’s a look at “Famous Fanmail”!
Mark Gruenwald was Marvel’s keeper of continuity in the 1980s. He played an important role in the development of the Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe. As a writer, he’s best known for the original Squadron Supreme series and the 60-issue Quasar series. Stephen Colbert is now in posession of Gruenwald’s Captain America shield and, when he died, Gruenwald’s ashes were mixed into the ink used in the first printing of the Squadron TPB. He got a letter published in Fantastic Four #20 (cover date – November 1963) at the age of 11.
On Ebay: Fantastic Four | Mark Gruenwald
On AtomicAvenue: Fantastic Four
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