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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.

The Secret Invasion tie-ins were filled with classic cover swipes.

Avengers #213 November 1981 Bob Hall

Mighty Avengers #15 August 2008 Marko Djurdjevic

On Ebay: Avengers | Secret Invasion
On AtomicAvenue: Avengers | Secret Invasion

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 Super-Skrull is mainly a Fantastic Four villain but, on special occasions, other heroes get pitted against him. Even cooler than the Doom swipe is the swipe featured in the Hellboy movie. In the film, they show a Hellboy comic (that was never actually published) and it features a cover swipe of this very issue, illustrated by Mike Mignola.

Thor #142 July 1967 Jack Kirby

Doom 2099 #24 December 1994 Pat Broderick

On Ebay: Thor | Doom 2099
On AtomicAvenue: Thor | Doom 2099

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.

Beta Ray Bill‘s debut has been swiped a few times. In #451, it was done as an homage, bringing an important, new character (Bloodaxe) to the forefront. Later, in Thunderstrike, when the titular character gained control of Bloodaxe’s weapon, it corrupted the hero – leading to his death.

Thor #337 November 1983 Walter Simonson	Thor #451 September 1992 Ron Frenz
Thunderstrike #23 August 1995 Ron Frenz

On Ebay: Thor
On AtomicAvenue: Thor

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.

It may seem strange but, the first comic titled Thor was issue #126 (not #1!). You see, he first debuted in Journey Into Mystery #83 and continued to be the main feature in that title until it was officially renamed Thor in 1966. This book featured a battle with the Olympian demi-god, Hercules and has gone on to be homaged many times over the following years.

Thor #126 March 1966 Jack Kirby	Thor #338 December 1983 Walter Simonson
Thor #429 February 1991 Ron Frenz	Thor #458 January 1993 Ron Frenz
Thunderstrike #10 July 1994 Ron Frenz	Hero Squared vol. II #4 November 2006 Joe Abraham
Incredible Hercules #113 February 2008 Art Adams	Avengers vol. IV #5 Super Hero Squad Variant November 2010

On Ebay: Thor
On AtomicAvenue: Thor

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.

DonnyB pointed this swipe out to me last week. The first issue was a momentous occasion in Marvel Boy/Justice’s life.

the New Warriors #20 February 1992 Mark Bagley

the New Warriors #48 June 1994 Darick Robertson

On Ebay: New Warriors
On AtomicAvenue: New Warriors

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 Destroyer is a powerful weapon forged by Odin, himself. Throughout the past 45 years of Thor stories, it’s been imbued with the life-force of Thor, Sif, Loki, Balder, Thorgirl (Tarene) and more. To celebrate Roy Thomas’ big battle between the Destroyer and Thor (in his ‘new armor’), cover artist M.C. Wyman paid homage to the Destroyer’s first appearance.

Journey Into Mystery #118 July 1965 Jack Kirby

Thor #476 July 1994 M.C. Wyman

On Ebay: Thor | Jack Kirby | M.C. Wyman | the Destroyer

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.

This swipe inserts Swamp Thing’s wife into the famous cover from his 1st appearance.

House of Secrets #92 July 1971 Bernie Wrightson

the Saga of the Swamp Thing #33 February 1985 John Totleben

On Ebay: Swamp Thing
On AtomicAvenue: Swamp Thing

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.

This swipe was a great way of signaling that the “bwa-ha-ha” era of the League was over and the book would be returning to a more traditional approach.

Justice League of America #1 November 1960 Murphy Anderson

Justice League America #61 April 1992 Dan Jurgens

On Ebay: Justice League
On AtomicAvenue: Justice League

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.

New X-Men paid homage to the tough guy pose of an Uncanny X-Men comic published 20 years earlier.

Uncanny X-Men #210 October 1986 John Romita Jr.

New X-Men vol. II #25 June 2006 Mark Brooks

On Ebay: Uncanny X-Men | New X-Men
On AtomicAvenue: Uncanny X-Men | New X-Men

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.

Thor takes on a mystery villain in this homage to the Fantastic Four‘s first battle with the Hulk. Mystery villain? Oh, who am I kidding. This book is over 20 years old … It’s Annihilus! That adds another little twist to the reasoning behind it all since Annihilus debuted in Fantastic Four Annual #6.

Fantastic Four #12 March 1963 Jack Kirby

Thor #404 June 1989 Ron Frenz

On Ebay: Fantastic Four | Thor
On AtomicAvenue: Fantastic Four | Thor