This is the continuing countdown to what I personally consider to be the best Avengers covers for the series numbering 300 to 399. This is significant because this group will be the last group of a hundred issues for this title... as somewhere between issues 400 to 499, there will be a renumbering of issues - making it difficult to follow the numbers that should be included in the next batch.
Since the criteria is of my choosing, a little bit of explanation is in order. I feel that comic books are predominantly a visual medium - they have always been that way. Naturally, the first thing most customers will see will be the comic's cover. Said cover, if appropriately done, will then attract the curiosity of a visitor - either from the inside of the comic shop; lines up against others equally demanding you notice them, but likewise making the issue so enticing that one can't help but buy the issue - at least, that's the general idea.
These covers that I have chosen represent the best of the visual attractions I have seen this title bring about. Covers that had I not been collecting, would make me think of picking up the issue - and from there, the story arc, and most possibly make the title part of my regular 'buys'.
In this case, this group represents the upper half of the countdown... so here we go!
Number 5 - Issue 310 :
Why this one? Simple, Blastaar! The creature from the Negative Zone has been a relatively regular opponent of the Fantastic Four, so the fact that he's here... in an Avengers book does awaken my curiosity.
Showing Blastaar triumphant against the Avengers (assuming the cover is not a false advertisment) will make any Avengers stand up and say 'What?! No way!". And therein the hook is sprung. But before going any further, did you check out the lineup? She Hulk, Namor and Thor! All heavy hitters! This is no Cap's kooky quartet here... and yes, even Cap is with them.
From a curious Marvelite's perspective, I have to wonder, how can Blastaar accomplish this? Isn't he just Ben Grimm level strength? Has he been holding back all those years? Had I old FF issues, I'd probably review the Blastaar appearances to see if he really is that strong.
Yup... I'd say that this cover has been worth it's price if most fans would want to see exactly what happens between the covers... and honestly, it's been ages for me to try and remember what happened
Number 4 - Issue 330 :
First thought that comes to mind here would be 'what the heck is happening'? and what is that snake-like entity? Why are the Avengers floating helplessly in space? And who the heck are these Tetrachs of Entropy?
One other curiosity... is that Quasar on the background? What's with the tacky costume? Note... from a Marketing perspective - this still works, since it will stir conversation and may invite others to look... or buy the issue.
This particular team combination makes for an obviously cosmic bend... or do they? After all... Thor Widow, Vision, She Hulk and Cap do not scream Cosmic Adventure. They might have been better off getting the assistance of Doctor Strange.
The cover's kicker happens to be that these entities are new, and for some reason, the snake is the most predominant entity of all. Whether this one is friend or foe... you'd have to find out for yourself.
Number 3 - Issue 363 :
This issue is one of several issues with foil covers. Part of Marvel's way of celebrating anniversary issues. Personally, this makes the art a bit harder to appreciate - but it is still a novel approach to covers. You can see that the art is embossed and though I did say it was hard to appreciate - I still like the craftsmanship of the finished product. Besides, in the shelves... beside all the over covers, this one (and it's other counterpart issues with the metal colors will surely stand out and attract the attention of a fan.
In case you're wondering what is in the cover, it shows Cap and the Black Knight fighting each other while Exodus (an X-men villain) observes all these while floating from above. The art was done by Steve Epting... where he is starting to make waves as an artist.
Now... as for why these two Avengers are fighting, and as to what Exodus is doing there... well, you know the drill. Buy the issue and find out. I did. Then again, I was normally collecting Avengers during this time, so I was just glad the issues were great and not really in need of eye candy covers to boost sales.
Number 2 - Issue 373 :
I believe I already mentioned how attention-getting a cover can be when it portrays an Avenger gone wild with the customary teammates either shown in head-shots simply looking at the scene (symbolical of them looking but not being there) or definitely in the scene looking at the action.
Another obvious pull is the scene with them obviously sprawled helplessly in defeat - no small feat for anyone... more tragic if it was by the hands of a trusted colleague - in this case, two of them, namely Sersi and the Black Knight.
The bright background colors make the cover stand out even more, plus the Avengers logo is larger than usual - covering almost a third of the background - but adding emphasis to Sersi's outstretched arm with energy shooting out. I'd have to say that this IS attention getting - and it will definitely make me want to peek in and find out what is happening.
Followers of the story will, of course, know that this is all about the Gatherers (but there is no blurb announcing that), it seems that Marvel's designers decided that the cover can speak for itself with no need to add attention grabbing, dramatic statements. Proof that they, too, know the cover can sell the comic by itself.
Number 1 - Issue 367 :
Up to this point (since the West Cost Avengers issues of John Byrne), the Vision had been portrayed as a pale wraith - with hardly any colors. This cover announces 'enough of that!' and boldly presents a new look for the Vision.
Okay, so it happens to be an alternate world Vision (originally), but the people seeing the cover, who aren't regular Avengers readers won't know that by just looking at said cover. What they will see is the Vision (with his new look, sporting his traditional colors of green, yellow and red), dramatically standing, seething with rage as drawn by Steve Epting.
What makes the cover more dramatic is the fact that the 'less is definitely more' style is used. Aside from the Vision, nothing else, save for the title and the upper corner logo and issue price/number portion, and the lower left bar code (which is colorless anyway). Nothing else is shown or drawn... it's all white. Even the Vision seems to be phasing as his colors at the bottom are less intense than those above - a sign that he's doing something (or came from somewhere).
This cover will stand out because of the art and the sheer whiteness of the background. In a crowded shelf with other covers trying to outdo each other in getting the buyer's attention, this technique helps the cover stand out when partnered with great artwork - in this case, both are present, and because of this, people will notice. It becomes even better when we realize that the cover somehow hints at the issue's contents, and is not just a generic cover art or painting that has nothing to do with the story. I really hate that - and it may be the one of the reason I did this series of articles.
For followers of the title, it also stands as an announcement that the real Vision is back! That in itself will be selling point enough! This is definitely tops on my list.
Since the criteria is of my choosing, a little bit of explanation is in order. I feel that comic books are predominantly a visual medium - they have always been that way. Naturally, the first thing most customers will see will be the comic's cover. Said cover, if appropriately done, will then attract the curiosity of a visitor - either from the inside of the comic shop; lines up against others equally demanding you notice them, but likewise making the issue so enticing that one can't help but buy the issue - at least, that's the general idea.
These covers that I have chosen represent the best of the visual attractions I have seen this title bring about. Covers that had I not been collecting, would make me think of picking up the issue - and from there, the story arc, and most possibly make the title part of my regular 'buys'.
In this case, this group represents the upper half of the countdown... so here we go!
Why this one? Simple, Blastaar! The creature from the Negative Zone has been a relatively regular opponent of the Fantastic Four, so the fact that he's here... in an Avengers book does awaken my curiosity.
Showing Blastaar triumphant against the Avengers (assuming the cover is not a false advertisment) will make any Avengers stand up and say 'What?! No way!". And therein the hook is sprung. But before going any further, did you check out the lineup? She Hulk, Namor and Thor! All heavy hitters! This is no Cap's kooky quartet here... and yes, even Cap is with them.
From a curious Marvelite's perspective, I have to wonder, how can Blastaar accomplish this? Isn't he just Ben Grimm level strength? Has he been holding back all those years? Had I old FF issues, I'd probably review the Blastaar appearances to see if he really is that strong.
Yup... I'd say that this cover has been worth it's price if most fans would want to see exactly what happens between the covers... and honestly, it's been ages for me to try and remember what happened
First thought that comes to mind here would be 'what the heck is happening'? and what is that snake-like entity? Why are the Avengers floating helplessly in space? And who the heck are these Tetrachs of Entropy?
One other curiosity... is that Quasar on the background? What's with the tacky costume? Note... from a Marketing perspective - this still works, since it will stir conversation and may invite others to look... or buy the issue.
This particular team combination makes for an obviously cosmic bend... or do they? After all... Thor Widow, Vision, She Hulk and Cap do not scream Cosmic Adventure. They might have been better off getting the assistance of Doctor Strange.
The cover's kicker happens to be that these entities are new, and for some reason, the snake is the most predominant entity of all. Whether this one is friend or foe... you'd have to find out for yourself.
Number 3 - Issue 363 :
This issue is one of several issues with foil covers. Part of Marvel's way of celebrating anniversary issues. Personally, this makes the art a bit harder to appreciate - but it is still a novel approach to covers. You can see that the art is embossed and though I did say it was hard to appreciate - I still like the craftsmanship of the finished product. Besides, in the shelves... beside all the over covers, this one (and it's other counterpart issues with the metal colors will surely stand out and attract the attention of a fan.
In case you're wondering what is in the cover, it shows Cap and the Black Knight fighting each other while Exodus (an X-men villain) observes all these while floating from above. The art was done by Steve Epting... where he is starting to make waves as an artist.
Now... as for why these two Avengers are fighting, and as to what Exodus is doing there... well, you know the drill. Buy the issue and find out. I did. Then again, I was normally collecting Avengers during this time, so I was just glad the issues were great and not really in need of eye candy covers to boost sales.
I believe I already mentioned how attention-getting a cover can be when it portrays an Avenger gone wild with the customary teammates either shown in head-shots simply looking at the scene (symbolical of them looking but not being there) or definitely in the scene looking at the action.
Another obvious pull is the scene with them obviously sprawled helplessly in defeat - no small feat for anyone... more tragic if it was by the hands of a trusted colleague - in this case, two of them, namely Sersi and the Black Knight.
The bright background colors make the cover stand out even more, plus the Avengers logo is larger than usual - covering almost a third of the background - but adding emphasis to Sersi's outstretched arm with energy shooting out. I'd have to say that this IS attention getting - and it will definitely make me want to peek in and find out what is happening.
Followers of the story will, of course, know that this is all about the Gatherers (but there is no blurb announcing that), it seems that Marvel's designers decided that the cover can speak for itself with no need to add attention grabbing, dramatic statements. Proof that they, too, know the cover can sell the comic by itself.
Number 1 - Issue 367 :
Up to this point (since the West Cost Avengers issues of John Byrne), the Vision had been portrayed as a pale wraith - with hardly any colors. This cover announces 'enough of that!' and boldly presents a new look for the Vision.
Okay, so it happens to be an alternate world Vision (originally), but the people seeing the cover, who aren't regular Avengers readers won't know that by just looking at said cover. What they will see is the Vision (with his new look, sporting his traditional colors of green, yellow and red), dramatically standing, seething with rage as drawn by Steve Epting.
What makes the cover more dramatic is the fact that the 'less is definitely more' style is used. Aside from the Vision, nothing else, save for the title and the upper corner logo and issue price/number portion, and the lower left bar code (which is colorless anyway). Nothing else is shown or drawn... it's all white. Even the Vision seems to be phasing as his colors at the bottom are less intense than those above - a sign that he's doing something (or came from somewhere).
This cover will stand out because of the art and the sheer whiteness of the background. In a crowded shelf with other covers trying to outdo each other in getting the buyer's attention, this technique helps the cover stand out when partnered with great artwork - in this case, both are present, and because of this, people will notice. It becomes even better when we realize that the cover somehow hints at the issue's contents, and is not just a generic cover art or painting that has nothing to do with the story. I really hate that - and it may be the one of the reason I did this series of articles.
For followers of the title, it also stands as an announcement that the real Vision is back! That in itself will be selling point enough! This is definitely tops on my list.
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