10 Terrible Comic Book Covers DC Want You To Forget

Lois Lane must be stopped!

Joker Batgirl Killing Joke reprise
DC Comics

Comic books have been an important media for almost a century, but not every comic book ever made has been unforgettable for a good reason. There are plenty of books out there that introduced a new character or crossed a line in an innovative or creative way, but for every stellar example, there are thousands of terrible ones sitting in boxes somewhere collecting dust.

Not every book can be worthwhile, but there are some that take the cake as being unforgettable for all the wrong reasons. When it comes to bad books, it's not always about the artwork or the story - many times, it's all about the cover.

Comics book covers are what draw in a reader, and a comic book cover can often be the most memorable part of an entire book. When people think of Action Comics #1, they don't consider the stories inside, they mostly focus on that iconic front page depicting Superman holding up a car.

Covers have a lasting impression on fans, which is why some of the worst covers DC has done are ones they wish everyone would forget.

10. Wonder Woman #178

Joker Batgirl Killing Joke reprise
DC Comics

It's not uncommon for comic books to push the limits and court controversy, but when a major change is made to one of the brand's core characters, things aren't often going to go by unnoticed. That may have been the plan when DC released Wonder Woman #178 in 1968, but it would be unlikely DC imagined quite the level of controversy they would unleash with this book.

Wonder Woman has always stood as an icon of feminism. By the time the sixties were in full swing, so was the equal rights movement involving women in the workplace and everywhere else. Why DC decided to relaunch Wonder Woman in line with the Women's Liberation movement when she was already a powerful woman was anyone's guess.

They relaunched her without her signature costume, sent her to open up a boutique and teach martial arts to a handful of students. While that doesn't sound too bad, they also stripped her of her powers.

Famed feminist Gloria Steinem spoke out about the changes and insisted that depowering Diana was the same as stripping her of her feminism and power as a woman. It wasn't long before she reverted back to normal.

Contributor
Contributor

Jonathan is a graphic artist, illustrator, writer, and game designer. Jonathan retired from the U.S. Army in 2017 and enjoys researching and writing about history, science, theology, and many other subjects. He writes for ScreenRant, CBR, NerdBastards, Listverse, Ranker, WhatCulture, and many other sites online. You can check out his latest on Twitter: @TalkingBull or on his blog: jonathanhkantor.com