My current number one headache as a Graham Crackers Comics manager is ordering variant covers. But instead of whining about all the reasons why I can’t function properly because I’ll fly into a rage thinking about how Batman has at least five covers every issue, I’ll remember some of my some of my all-time favorite covers.
From back when one cover was all we got.
Batman The Dark Knight #4This is the cover the broke little Berg’s brain. Been a Frank Miller fan ever since.
This is one of the first times Mignola entered my orbit. And all these years later, I am still buying everything he draws and most everything he writes.
Marvel Team-Up #117This was the cover that firmly introduced me to The Wolverine. This is why I was so excited a few months later when my mom brought me the Dark Phoenix Saga TPB. This is also why brown and tan Logan is – and always will be – the best.
Micronauts #42This is my first issue of Micronauts. (super late to the party, but I had the toys long before the comics, bro). Gil Kane is one of the most underrated comic artists I could name.
Thor #378This is my favorite Simonson Thor cover, it was also my first Simonson issue (Yes, I know he did not draw it, and yes, I was super late to this party as well.) Thank you Scott Johnson for showing me X-Factor #17, which is the issue and reason why I have every issue of Journey Into Mystery #83 to Thor #800.
Cosmic Odyssey #3This is the cover that led me to hunt down Matt Wagner’s incredible Demon mini-series and then Jack Kirby’s entire run of awesomeness.
Robotech New Generation #1This is the cover that got me to buy my first Comico comic. Which led me to Grendel, then to Matt Wagner in general, and to Mage, to Sam Kieth, and on-and-on. Thanks, Robotech! Vivat Grendel!
GI Joe A Real American Hero #24
This cover and this issue cemented Storm Shadow as the end-all be-all ninja for all my 1980s ninja needs. To this day, my first instinct with any Storm Shadow action figure is to have him be tackled from behind.
Incredible Hulk #333This is the cover and issue that led me to the Toddfather. Also, the start of my Incredible Hulk run that lasted for a decade or two. It’s also why I continued getting Amazing Spider-Man after the Kraven Saga, and having a run of ASM lasting decades.
Thor #362While not my favorite Simonson Thor cover, this is my favorite comic of all time. I must have read it hundreds of times at this point.
Well thanks for looking. Let me know what some of your favorite covers are in the comments.