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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.

In a twist on the Superman mythos, the title character in Jim Valentino’s normalman (stylized in all lower-case letters) is shipped off into space by his father when he concludes that the planet they inhabit will explode. The child arrives on a planet inhabited completely by super-powered beings – they dub him normalman, because he’s the only one there without powers.

The character debuted in Cerebus the Aardvark #56 and was soon given his own ongoing series. That title served as a vehicle for creator, Jim Valentino, to spoof and parody other comics, a perfect opportunity (if ever there was one) to introduce cover swipes that parody the source material.

Archibald “Archie” Andrews debuted in Pep Comics #22 (published in December 1941). The following year, he got his own solo series which spawned dozens of spin-off titles. One of those spin-offs, Archie’s Pals ‘n’ Gals, debuted in 1952. Issue #14 of this series was the first time they utilized a multiple panel strip on the cover.

As you can see, this cover is certainly not a swipe but it does pay homage to the cover design.

Archie’s Pals ‘n’ Gals #14 September 1960

normalman #12 December 1985 Jim Valentino

On Ebay: normalman | Archie
On Amazon: normalman | Archie
On AtomicAvenue: normalman | Archie

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.

In a twist on the Superman mythos, the title character in Jim Valentino’s normalman (stylized in all lower-case letters) is shipped off into space by his father when he concludes that the planet they inhabit will explode. The child arrives on a planet inhabited completely by super-powered beings – they dub him normalman, because he’s the only one there without powers.

The character debuted in Cerebus the Aardvark #56 and was soon given his own ongoing series. That title served as a vehicle for creator, Jim Valentino, to spoof and parody other comics, a perfect opportunity (if ever there was one) to introduce cover swipes that parody the source material.

Howard Chaykin launched American Flagg in 1983. This creator-owned series that follows protagonist, Reuben Flagg, is a mix of science fiction and political satire.

As you can see, this cover is certainly not a swipe but it does pay homage to the cover design.

American Flagg #1 October 1983 Howard Chaykin

normalman #11 October 1985 Jim Valentino

On Ebay: normalman | American Flagg
On Amazon: normalman | American Flagg
On AtomicAvenue: normalman | American Flagg

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.

In a twist on the Superman mythos, the title character in Jim Valentino’s normalman (stylized in all lower-case letters) is shipped off into space by his father when he concludes that the planet they inhabit will explode. The child arrives on a planet inhabited completely by super-powered beings – they dub him normalman, because he’s the only one there without powers.

The character debuted in Cerebus the Aardvark #56 and was soon given his own ongoing series. That title served as a vehicle for creator, Jim Valentino, to spoof and parody other comics, a perfect opportunity (if ever there was one) to introduce cover swipes that parody the source material.

Cerebus the Aardvark is one of the most ambitious comics series out there. Dave Sim began the series in 1977 and published it for 300 issues, concluding in 2004. The series follows an anthropomorphic aardvark named Cerebus as he progresses through life – first as a barbarian and later into other roles (including Pope!). Whereas most comic characters don’t age – or age very little – Dave Sim allows his character to mature as the series progresses. For its time (and even still today) – that was a novel concept!

As you can see, this cover is certainly not a swipe but it does pay homage to the cover design.

Cerebus the Aardvark #33 December 1981 Dave Sim

normalman #10 August 1985 Jim Valentino

On Ebay: normalman | Cerebus
On Amazon: normalman | Cerebus
On AtomicAvenue: normalman | Cerebus

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.

In a twist on the Superman mythos, the title character in Jim Valentino’s normalman (stylized in all lower-case letters) is shipped off into space by his father when he concludes that the planet they inhabit will explode. The child arrives on a planet inhabited completely by super-powered beings – they dub him normalman, because he’s the only one there without powers.

The character debuted in Cerebus the Aardvark #56 and was soon given his own ongoing series. That title served as a vehicle for creator, Jim Valentino, to spoof and parody other comics, a perfect opportunity (if ever there was one) to introduce cover swipes that parody the source material.

Asterix is a famous French comic that began in 1959. It follows follows the exploits of a village of indomitable Gauls as they resist Roman occupation. It’s one of the most popular French comic series in the world.

Asterix #4 1962 Albert Uderzo

normalman #9 June 1985 Jim Valentino

On Ebay: normalman | Asterix
On Amazon: normalman | Asterix
On AtomicAvenue: normalman | Asterix

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.

In a twist on the Superman mythos, the title character in Jim Valentino’s normalman (stylized in all lower-case letters) is shipped off into space by his father when he concludes that the planet they inhabit will explode. The child arrives on a planet inhabited completely by super-powered beings – they dub him normalman, because he’s the only one there without powers.

The character debuted in Cerebus the Aardvark #56 and was soon given his own ongoing series. That title served as a vehicle for creator, Jim Valentino, to spoof and parody other comics, a perfect opportunity (if ever there was one) to introduce cover swipes that parody the source material.

Famous Funnies began in 1934 and collected classic strips including Mutt & Jeff, Tailspin Tommy, Joe Palooka, and many other popular comic strips of yesteryear. One of the more notable characters featured in Famous Funnies was Buck Rogers and, as Famous Funnies was closing out its publishing history, they hired Frank Frazetta to draw Buck Rogers covers for the series from issues #209-217 (#218 was the last issue).

Famous Funnies #214 November 1954 Frank Frazetta

normalman #8 April 1985 Jim Valentino

On Ebay: normalman | Famous Funnies
On Amazon: normalman | Famous Funnies
On AtomicAvenue: normalman | Famous Funnies