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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.

Here’s an interesting “swipe”. Al Rio used a similar concept for both of these covers although there are enough differences between the two that I can’t call it a direct swipe. Perhaps he just likes the effect these positions create.

Grimm Fairy Tales #1 June 2005 Al Rio

the Living Corpse #3 April 2008 Al Rio

On Ebay: Grimm Fairy Tales | Living Corpse | Al Rio
On AtomicAvenue: Grimm Fairy Tales

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.

Pitting the Hulk against the Fantastic Four has always been legendary. This cataclysmic rivalry began in FF #11 but #26 took it to an all-new level of action. Decades later, Chris Sprouse did a great job with this cover swipe from Tom Strong.

Fantastic Four #26 May 1964 Jack Kirby

Tom Strong #21 December 2003 Chris Sprouse

On Ebay: Fantastic Four | Tom Strong | Hulk

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.

Brian Michael Bendis‘ reboot of the Avengers Franchise kicked off with the Avengers Disassembled storyline which ended the Avengers ongoing title at #503. It left room for his New Avengers title to become one of Marvel’s flagship titles. It’s importance has led to many imitators.

New Avengers #1 January 2005 David Finch	G.L.A. #1 June 2005 Paul Pelletier
PvP vol. II #20 October 2005 Scott Kurz	Secret Invasion #1 June 2008 Gabriele Dell’Otto
Dark Avengers #1 March 2009 Mike Deodato

On Ebay: Avengers | New Avengers

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.

Marvel’s MC2 Universe is set around 15-20 years beyond the current Marvel Universe. MC2’s version of the Avengers frequently enjoyed Avengers cover swipes.

Avengers #73 February 1970

A-Next #9 June 1999 Ron Frenz

On Ebay: Avengers | A-Next

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.

Here’s a neat cover swipe by 2005’s G.I. Joe sourcebook.

G.I. Joe Yearbook #1 March 1985

G.I. Joe Data Desk Handbook #1 October 2005

On Ebay: G.I. Joe

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.

Pitting the Hulk against the Fantastic Four has always been legendary. #25 is one of the earliest battles although the first was in #11. Decades later, the Trouble With Girls did a fun job with this cover swipe.

Fantastic Four #25 April 1964 Jack Kirby

the Trouble With Girls vol. II #18 August 1990

On Ebay: Fantastic Four | Trouble With Girls | Hulk

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.

Frank Miller swiped his own pose when providing the cover art for the final issue of Destroyer Duck.

Wolverine #4 December 1982 Frank Miller

Destroyer Duck #7 May 1984 Frank Miller

On Ebay: Wolverine | Destroyer Duck | Frank Miller

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.

Marvel’s MC2 Universe is set around 15-20 years beyond the current Marvel Universe. MC2’s version of the Avengers frequently enjoyed Avengers cover swipes.

Avengers #25 February 1966

A-Next #5 January 1999 Ron Frenz

On Ebay: Avengers | A-Next

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.

Marvel’s MC2 Universe is set around 15-20 years beyond the current Marvel Universe. MC2’s version of the Avengers frequently enjoyed Avengers cover swipes.

Avengers #3 January 1964 Jack Kirby

A-Next #3 December 1998 Ron Frenz

On Ebay: Avengers | A-Next

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.

Mad has been around for nearly 60 years now! Some of you might not know it but, the series was original published with comic book-sized dimensions before it moved to its current magazine size. The cover of issue 1 is certainly memorable and has been swiped a number of times. Marvel’s Not Brand Echh cover isn’t a direct swipe but it looks at a similar pose from a different angle. Check it out!

Mad #1 October 1952	Not Brand Echh #1 August 1967
Mod #1 June 1981	It’s Science With Dr. Radium #5 July 1987
Batman: Gotham Adventures #13 June 1999 Rick Burchett

On Ebay: Mad Magazine