Covers Album: Keegan Lannon’s Top Three Comic Covers
Every Tuesday, we dive into the world of comic art with our series, “Covers Album.” This week, renowned comics lecturer Keegan Lannon from the University of Illinois shares his top three comic book covers. Each selection comes with its own unique reason: inspiration, aesthetic appeal, and nostalgia.
Inspiration Category: Batman – The Dark Knight Returns #1 (1986) by Frank Miller
Frank Miller’s work continues to amaze comic aficionados and educators alike. Keegan finds deep inspiration in “Batman: The Dark Knight Returns #1.” He notes that while he’s not a traditional creator, the perfection of this cover inspires his own work, whether it be an article, a manuscript, or a lesson plan.
Batman has graced countless covers, but few capture his essence as powerfully as this one. The stark image of the black silhouette against a navy background, split by a bolt of lightning, stands timeless. For Keegan, this cover isn’t just iconic; it’s an aspiration. He envies those who experienced its initial release, wishing he’d had the chance to pull it fresh off a newsstand.
Aesthetic Appeal: Daytripper #8 (2010) by Gabriel Bá
“Daytripper” resonates not just in its storytelling, but its artistry too. Issue #8 offers a unique contrast in the series through its striking cover. Brás de Oliva Domingos, the protagonist, is felt rather than seen. This issue magnificently captures his presence, even in his absence, with Ana, his wife, enveloped in his bright, shining silhouette.
While earlier covers of the series brim with stylistic flair, this one conveys depth through its simplicity. Light and shadow play off each other as Ana and her son, Miguel, bask in Brás’ enduring presence. It’s a beautiful, meaningful cover that leaves both students and critics in awe.
Nostalgic Treasures: Infinity Crusade #1 [Foil Cover] (1993) by Ron Lim and Al Milgrom
Keegan’s nostalgic choice brings us to “Infinity Crusade #1,” which echoes the buzz of a small comic shop in Bolingbrook, Illinois. Every visit was an adventure, and this gold-foiled marvel was a prized find among enthusiastic teenagers and collectors alike. With its dramatic marketing and collectible allure, it hooked a generation, eager for new adventures and limited runs.
The shiny inlay and dazzling heroes immediately drew young Keegan in. His attachments to these issues are deep, influencing his later academic pursuits. Despite criticisms of its metaphors, this series drove home the idea that comics were literature—a tool to win over skeptical parents. The trip down memory lane with this cover reminds us of simpler times and lasting love for the medium.
Read this article and more at August Tales Comics. Your go-to site for trade paperback exchanges and comic book news! Trade. Read. Repeat.
#comics #comicbooks #graphicnovel #graphicnovels #augusttales
Image credit: www.brokenfrontier.com
Covers Album: Keegan Lannon’s Top Three Comic Covers
Every Tuesday, we dive into the world of comic art with our series, “Covers Album.” This week, renowned comics lecturer Keegan Lannon from the University of Illinois shares his top three comic book covers. Each selection comes with its own unique reason: inspiration, aesthetic appeal, and nostalgia.
Inspiration Category: Batman – The Dark Knight Returns #1 (1986) by Frank Miller
Frank Miller’s work continues to amaze comic aficionados and educators alike. Keegan finds deep inspiration in “Batman: The Dark Knight Returns #1.” He notes that while he’s not a traditional creator, the perfection of this cover inspires his own work, whether it be an article, a manuscript, or a lesson plan.
Batman has graced countless covers, but few capture his essence as powerfully as this one. The stark image of the black silhouette against a navy background, split by a bolt of lightning, stands timeless. For Keegan, this cover isn’t just iconic; it’s an aspiration. He envies those who experienced its initial release, wishing he’d had the chance to pull it fresh off a newsstand.
Aesthetic Appeal: Daytripper #8 (2010) by Gabriel Bá
“Daytripper” resonates not just in its storytelling, but its artistry too. Issue #8 offers a unique contrast in the series through its striking cover. Brás de Oliva Domingos, the protagonist, is felt rather than seen. This issue magnificently captures his presence, even in his absence, with Ana, his wife, enveloped in his bright, shining silhouette.
While earlier covers of the series brim with stylistic flair, this one conveys depth through its simplicity. Light and shadow play off each other as Ana and her son, Miguel, bask in Brás’ enduring presence. It’s a beautiful, meaningful cover that leaves both students and critics in awe.
Nostalgic Treasures: Infinity Crusade #1 [Foil Cover] (1993) by Ron Lim and Al Milgrom
Keegan’s nostalgic choice brings us to “Infinity Crusade #1,” which echoes the buzz of a small comic shop in Bolingbrook, Illinois. Every visit was an adventure, and this gold-foiled marvel was a prized find among enthusiastic teenagers and collectors alike. With its dramatic marketing and collectible allure, it hooked a generation, eager for new adventures and limited runs.
The shiny inlay and dazzling heroes immediately drew young Keegan in. His attachments to these issues are deep, influencing his later academic pursuits. Despite criticisms of its metaphors, this series drove home the idea that comics were literature—a tool to win over skeptical parents. The trip down memory lane with this cover reminds us of simpler times and lasting love for the medium.
Read this article and more at August Tales Comics. Your go-to site for trade paperback exchanges and comic book news! Trade. Read. Repeat.
#comics #comicbooks #graphicnovel #graphicnovels #augusttales
Image credit: www.brokenfrontier.com
