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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 rematch between Guy Gardner and Superman is a direct swipe of their first battle. Although, it should be mentioned that the first battle (in #688) was between Guy and the Eradicator (who was posing as Superman). At that time, Superman was “dead” but don’t you worry! He came back … with a mullet.

Action Comics #688 July 1993 Kerry Gammill

Action Comics #709 April 1995 Butch Guice

On Ebay: Action Comics | Superman
On AtomicAvenue: Action Comics | Superman

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 400th issue of Batman was illustrated by a host of great artists including Art Adams, Brian Bolland, John Byrne, Mike Grell, George Perez, Steve Rude and Bernie Wrightson. The cover featured a Bill Sienkiewicz piece and there was even a special introduction by Stephen King.

Batman #400 October 1986 Bill Sienkiewicz

Happy Birthday Gnatrat #1 1986 Mark Martin

On Ebay: Batman | Gnatrat
On AtomicAvenue: Batman | Gnatrat

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 Guardians of the Galaxy debuted over four decades ago in Marvel Super-Heroes #18. At first, the concept wasn’t a smash hit – in fact, their next appearance was in Marvel Two-In-One #5 which was published five years later!

In the 1990s, Jim Valentino launched the first Guardians of the Galaxy series. The series was very popular when it first debuted and continued publication for over five years. In issue #26, Jim Valentino retold the origin of the Guardians of the Galaxy but, with a twist: it seems that, previously unknown to us, the events of their origin were guided by Starhawk’s machinations. It was a neat bit of retconning that wasn’t heavy-handed.

Marvel Super-Heroes #18 January 1969 Gene Colan

Guardians of the Galaxy #26 July 1992 Jim Valentino

On Ebay: Guardians of the Galaxy
On AtomicAvenue: Guardians of the Galaxy

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.

Starhawk was the first non-founding member to join the Guardians of the Galaxy. He was also the first to be expelled from the team. And, when he returned to the book in #22, it was evident that some things had changed. The cover to this returning issue was intended to stir up memories of his first cover appearance.

Defenders #28 October 1975 Gil Kane

Guardians of the Galaxy #22 March 1992 Jim Valentino

On Ebay: Guardians of the Galaxy
On AtomicAvenue: Guardians of the Galaxy

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.

Batman #497 is a modern age book that’s become quite iconic – it’s the crux of the Knightfall storyline wherein Bane breaks Batman‘s back.

Batman #497 August 1993 Kelley Jones

Detective Comics #740 January 2000 John Cassaday

On Ebay: Batman
On AtomicAvenue: Batman

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.

Attempting to capitalize on the disco craze, Marvel debuted Dazzler in the pages of the Uncanny X-Men #130 (cover date: February 1980). She was a disco singer that could convert sound into light blasts. She also had a groovy unitard costume and roller skates. No, seriously. Anywho, she got her own series a year later – the first issue sported a fancy painted cover. Flash forward a couple decades. 10th Muse debuted in 2000 – she’s the modern day daughter of the Greek god, Zeus. Her first series launched from Image Comics and showcased photo variant covers with Rena Mero dressed as the title character. When the series relaunched under Avatar Press, it debuted with several variant covers that were cover swipes.

Dazzler #1 March 1981 Bob Larkin

10th Muse vol. II #1 July 2002 R.V. Valdez

On Ebay: Dazzler | 10th Muse
On AtomicAvenue: Dazzler | 10th Muse

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.

Now, I realize this isn’t a swipe. It’s actually the same cover artist on both issues and it’s more like a variation on a theme. Or, even a neat way of showing a “scene in motion”.

Nightwing vol. II #26 December 1998 Scott McDaniel

Nightwing vol. II #27 January 1999 Scott McDaniel

On Ebay: Nightwing
On AtomicAvenue: Nightwing

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.

Derivative heroes were big bucks in the 1990s. Iron Man had War Machine. Thor had Thunderstrike. Spider-Man had Scarlet Spider. Captain America had U.S. Agent. Superman even had four replacements! Ghost Rider got Vengeance and the hero took over the book with issue #46 – its cover harkened back to issue #1.

Ghost Rider vol. III #1 May 1990 Javier Saltares

Ghost Rider vol. III #46 February 1994 Ron Garney

On Ebay: Ghost Rider
On AtomicAvenue: Ghost Rider

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.

Reform School Girl was one of the highlights of Dr. Wertham’s attack on comic books: Seduction of the Innocent. The last issue of Milton Knight’s Midnite the Rebel Skunk pays homage to that now-classic cover.

Reform School Girl #1 1951 photo cover

Midnite the Rebel Skunk #3 March 1987 Milton Knight

On Ebay: Reform School | Midnite
On AtomicAvenue: Reform School | Midnite

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.

Both of these books were written by Garth Ennis, so it’s clear this is more of a fun homage than a swipe.

Preacher TPB 1 1996 Glenn Fabry

Dicks #3 August 1997 John McCrea

On Ebay: Preacher | Dicks
On AtomicAvenue: Preacher | Dicks