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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.

X-O Manowar #14 introduced Turok the Dinosaur Hunter to the Valiant Universe. Years later, Bart Sears used his cover designs for that issue to create the variant of Zoom Suit #1.

X-O Manowar #14 March 1993 Bart Sears

Zoom Suit #1 (1 in 20 variant) April 2006 Bart Sears

On Ebay: X-O Manowar | Zoom Suit | Bart Sears | Turok

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 Alpha Flight swipe uses an interesting technique by reversing the focus between the two covers. On the earlier issue, Guardian is the only one detailed. In the 25th issue, the rest of the team is in focus allowing for a nice “mystery” to be highlighted right on the cover.

Alpha Flight #11 June 1984 John Byrne

Alpha Flight #25 August 1985 John Byrne

On Ebay: Alpha Flight | John Byrne

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 more-subtle-than-usual “cover swipe”. In fact, if I were into specifying swipes, I’d call this one an inspiration. Art Adams just uses the same theme as Jack Kirby used years before … but, he doesn’t force the characters into the same positions.

Avengers Annual #1 September 1967 Jack Kirby

Badrock Annual #1 July 1995 Art Adams

On Ebay: Avengers | Badrock | Jack Kirby | Art Adams

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.

Alan Moore made his return to the comics field in a big way when he started America’s Best Comics (a bold company name … especially coming from the UK). The top three titles from this line were Top 10, Promethea and Tom Strong. Tom Strong allowed Alan Moore to explore different times and worlds, creating stories that gave a nod to the golden age of comics.

Tom Strong #1 June 1999 Alex Ross

Tom Strong #20 June 2003 Chris Sprouse

On Ebay: Tom Strong | Alex Ross | Chris Sprouse

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.

Todd McFarlane‘s adjectiveless Spider-Man #1 was one of the best selling comics ever. It’s gone on to inspire many homages and swipes over the years.

Spider-Man #1 August 1990 Todd McFarlane	Lethargic Comics, Weakly #3 August 1991 Greg Hyland
Spawn #8 February 1993 Todd McFarlane	Skin13 #½A 1995 Bill Maus
Marvel Zombies #1 (2nd) February 2006 Arthur Suydam

On Ebay: Spider-Man | Todd McFarlane | Spawn | Lethargic

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 first Scorpio debuted in Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. #1. Jim Steranko concocted a now-classic cover featuring Nick and his pals with his evil brother, Jake (Scorpio), lurking just around the corner. Years later, Acclaim Comics had a “swipe month”, and Bloodshot paid homage to this classic cover. Gordon Purcell also paid homage to that very cover with the Christian comic, Powermark’s Seeker Series.

Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. #1 June 1968 Jim Steranko	Bloodshot vol. II #5 November 1997 Sal Velluto
PowerMark Seeker Series #5 2003 Gordon Purcell

On Ebay: Nick Fury | Seeker Series | Jim Steranko | Gordon Purcell | PowerMark | Bloodshot | Sal Velluto

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 the early 1990s, a common story element was to replace the main character with a similar but newer and more modern character. After seemingly killing his adopted brother, Loki, Thor was banished. Before he left, he entrusted his hammer to Eric Masterson to carry on the role of Thor (which he did, debuting in issue #433). As with all of these changes, it was only a matter of time until the status quo returned and Thor took back the lead in his own book. This happened 24 issues later in issue #457. Afterwards, Eric went on to become Thunderstrike and starred in his own ongoing series.

Thor #433 June 1991 Ron Frenz

Thor #457 January 1993 Ron Frenz

On Ebay: Thor | Ron Frenz | Thunderstrike

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.

George A. Romero’s Dawn of the Dead was released in 1978. It was a sequel to Night of the Living Dead and went on to be followed by four other sequels. The zombie element played an important part in Deadpool: Merc With A Mouth, so it was fitting that issue three gave us this swipe.

Dawn of the Dead 1978

Deadpool: Merc With A Mouth #3 November 2009 Arthur Suydam

On Ebay: Deadpool | Arthur Suydam | George Romero

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.

Mike Zeck‘s iconic cover to Captain America Annual #8 is easily the most memorable Cap Annual cover. Over 20 years later, the first Ultimate Cap Annual paid tribute to this famous image by pitting the Ultimate Black Panther against Ultimate Captain America.

Captain America Annual #8 1986 Mike Zeck

Ultimate Captain America Annual #1 2008 Brandon Peterson

On Ebay: Captain America | Mike Zeck | Brandon Peterson

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.

1983’s Scarface starred Al Pacino and has risen in popularity as a cult classic. If you caught any episode of MTV’s Cribs, you were sure to see a rapper showing you his copy of the movie. And, as is the case with anything popular, it becomes the target of spoof, satire and parody! The famous line “Say hello to my little friend!” has been used in countless other movies and in 2009 Deadpool got in on the action with a cool cover swipe.

Scarface 1983

Deadpool: Merc With A Mouth #4 December 2009 Arthur Suydam

On Ebay: Deadpool | Arthur Suydam | Scarface