Covers, Boo-Boo. Covers.
This week, a trifecta.
Flash Gordon: Zeitgeist #5
By Francesco Francavilla
The very definition of pulp science fiction. There’s something quite chilling about the prospect of space nazis. File this under “The Reich Stuff.”
The Lone Ranger #6
By Francesco Francavilla
Hard Country. Hard orange. Really dig this monochrome palette. Our focus is on the Lone Ranger’s steely gaze. That determination. The suggestion of a noose, stark white against the burning sky. This is frontier justice at its purest and most furious.
The Spider #2
By Francesco Francavilla
“Welcome to my parlor.” A great POV angle, inviting us into the role of the Spider. The dramatic lighting is just killer. The effect of the spider-web lattice on the Spider’s shadow doubles as a visualization of his prey’s shattered resolve. Like Peter Parker’s jilted Spider Sense. Really interesting effect there.
Francavilla should illustrate all the comic covers. These are all so good. He’s got great color among other things.
p.s. what about the Fiona Staples’ Archie cover?
Not in the running this week as it streets in October.
oh yeah duh…..cause i was gonna call you on your promise from yesterday. and then we would have had the nerd rage topic of the day.
That’s not the suggestion of a noose. That’s a noose.
Every time I have to write silhouette, I have to look up the spelling. So we’re gonna say it’s a suggestion, dammit. Also, you don’t know, that could be a really cheeky snake.
You may proceed.
The opening 6 issue arc (that’s the cover to ish #6 above) of Lone Ranger was really strong. Francavilla had a number of outstanding covers along with a nice Alex Ross cover or two as well, but the interior art was what kept me coming, the artist really draws wonderful period piece towns, costumes, etc, and the story was excellent, exciting, and unpredictable. This was a more mature Lone Ranger than we’d seen in the previous volume from Dynamite. Fans of Westerns, Jonah Hex, or just good comics should give it a try…
Hat trick. See kids, that man can draw anything and it’ll always look unique and wonderful! Francavilla is so good!
Are variant covers considered in this feature? Because the Grampa variant from The Massive, is in my mind, a serious contender.
Agreed! That cover is gorgeous! I normally hate paying more for a variant but that one was too sweet to pass up!
Yep, they got me for $9.99, couldn’t say no.
Does Francavilla color his covers? Because those palettes are just so pitch perfect with the pencils and inks.
Pretty sure he colors all his work.
i’m pretty sure he’s a one man band…his work is so consistent….and yeah they always work. The guy is a world class illustrator that transcends comics.
Please tell me there’s also going to be a “best of the week in panels”. There are some wonderful one’s by Pitchelli and Capullo that I think deserve consideration.
I’d like to see X-Men 30 make the cut. I’m a sucker for symmetry and this cover showcases the main characters within an attractive octopus silhouette. Add to that, contrary gradients (otcopus against background) and you have an eyecatching piece
FF did the interior art in Swamp Thing #10– amazing, perfect for the story. I hope he stays on Swamp thing for a good long run.
I honestly can’t think of another artist who deserves this more – Francavilla is The Man. Nice one, Paul.
I’m glad the Lone Ranger is getting some love.
This man is unstoppable. I hope he lives forever.
love FF but its unfair to the other great covers of the week to keep just stroking him off because of a personal bias. Your site, your pick, i get that, but still. not every lone ranger cover needs to be featured- we get it.
I don’t showcase every issue of Lone Ranger or every Francavilla cover. This week, I happened to be drawn to these covers and nothing else. Just worked out that way.
Right. I didn’t mean to come off so dickish. And definitely not trying to deny FF’s greatness.
I hate Francavilla. He made me buy some obnoxious books on the strength of his covers alone. In other words: I love him.
Francesco Francavilla is killing it. Okay out of the three I will go with Flash Gordan as my favorite overall cover here.
I like how they’re all such classic old characters
I e-mailed him about commission work and he got back to me pretty quick which is impressive considering how busy he must be. 200 bucks for a basic full body with some bg and color seems like a bargain to me. Too bad I can’t make it to heroes con next weekend 🙁