We've all heard the saying don't judge a book by it's cover and with comics that rule should also apply... or should it?
When researching this subject it was amazing to find there are countless forums, blogs and posts about the misleading covers that comic book companies put out. But it's not a new trend by any means, in fact we found evidence to support that especially in the Silver Age of comics was when deceiving the fans through front covers was at its highest point.
Today there are more comics than ever before fighting for market share on any good comic book store shelf but does that give the companies in question the right to purposefully deceive us? As enthusiasts of comics we do want our heroes and their stories to pop right off the cover but to blatantly lie to us just drips with desperation from the companies especially the big two. But don't take our sour words for it! Here are ten examples of covers that have mislead us through the years.
*Note that these covers are in no particular order of preference of most deceptive or bias to the companies represented. *Spoiler alert if you haven't read any of these titles.
All New X-Men #12 (Marvel)
Shows Havoc and Young Cyclops in battle, but what we discover inside is
that the brothers hug it out and not fight it out!
that the brothers hug it out and not fight it out!
Batman: The Dark Knight #9 (DC)
Tim aka Red Robin and a Talon from the Court of Owls come to blows on the cover
but Tim doesn't even show up until the last page of the book and says nothing.
but Tim doesn't even show up until the last page of the book and says nothing.
Dark Avengers #6 (Marvel)
Captain Marvel is on the run from Venom on the front but Captain Marvel isn’t even in this issue! Sure they mention that he isn’t there, but at no point do you actually see him and least of all does he fight Venom.
Supergirl #19 (DC)
Supergirl goes head to head with Superman and wins! Wrong!! Superman does
shows up in this issue but for the last 3 pages... For a chat.
shows up in this issue but for the last 3 pages... For a chat.
Avengers #21 (Marvel)
What we assume is Storm front and centre ready to kick some ass as one of
the Avengers. Instead of showing a story where Storm does anything, instead she's
totally unconscious for the entire issue.
the Avengers. Instead of showing a story where Storm does anything, instead she's
totally unconscious for the entire issue.
The Batman Chronicles #13 (DC)
In true Bat form Batman slams a perp into a cop car as their cleche donuts and
coffee go flowing. In actual fact this scene never occurs or even slightly resembles
this scene in this issue.
coffee go flowing. In actual fact this scene never occurs or even slightly resembles
this scene in this issue.
Spider-Men #4 (Marvel)
Peter embrasses a beaten Miles never, irritatingly, ever happens in this issue,
or even comes close to happening. In fact, this entire issue is about relationships.
or even comes close to happening. In fact, this entire issue is about relationships.
Fantastic Four #180 (Marvel)
On the cover we see a lot going on but in reality there is No Tigra! No Thundra!
No Army! No Impossible Man and No Silver Robot. Nuff said.
No Army! No Impossible Man and No Silver Robot. Nuff said.
Justice League of America #179 (DC)
Superman's putting his foot down and telling The League that Firestorms in!
Wrong!! Instead they warmly welcome Firestorm to the team.
Wrong!! Instead they warmly welcome Firestorm to the team.
Star Trek #10 (Marvel)
Spock is stranded on a planet of neanderthals and has no choice but to
become a Barbarian. But when turning the pages, nowhere in the story does
Spock even remotely become a Barbarian.
become a Barbarian. But when turning the pages, nowhere in the story does
Spock even remotely become a Barbarian.
Here's an honorable mention of a cheeky tactic if you're in a rush to pick up your stash and not read the cover.
The Sensational She-Hulk #37
This issue does note that the Punisher, Spider-man, and Wolverine appear on the comic
(but of course not in it). But in actual fact they appear on it... the front cover that is.
(but of course not in it). But in actual fact they appear on it... the front cover that is.
To be honest it was really hard to use these ten (plus one honorable mention) as examples, because there was so many to choose from.
So we now ask you the question on misleading comic covers, okay or not okay? And what issues have driven you to rage or disappointment?
Leave a comment here or on our Facebook page and we may talk about it on the next show.
