Sometimes, a comic book cover doesn't need to tell us anything about the story inside. Sometimes, all you need is a striking image of the central character doing what they do best. Here, Quesada has perfectly captured Daredevils athleticism as he vaults high above the streets of Hell's Kitchen with his billy club swinging around his frame.
49. X-Men #190 (Chris Bachalo)
Sure, they may be some shock value here, seeing long time X-Men villain Mystique kissing Iceman, but the experimental layout of the piece and the use of color is what really makes this cover stand out as something special. Bachalo tends to draw his characters in a manga style with large eyes and heads, but here, his character design is more restrained, allowing the unique imagery to come to the fore.
48. Marvels #1 (Alex Ross)
Alex Ross has won numerous awards for his gorgeous painted interiors and covers, but the limited series Marvels was the first time that the industry took notice of his work and this is the cover that started it all. Readers are more than used to seeing the Human Torch aflame in the comics, but for some reason, depicting him in a different medium reminds us of how striking it actually is to see a man on fire. The perspective is also important here, as the Marvels series was told from the viewpoint of an everyday man, so the outreached hand and expression of shock on the bystanders face forces us to empathize with these people, as if we too are seeing a superhero for the very first time.
47. Web of Spider-Man #32 (Mike Steck)
Spider-Man may be known primarily as a fun light-hearted superhero who is quick with the puns, but throughout his long history, Peter Parker has endured more than his fair share of darker moments. In the 'Kraven's Last Hunt' story line, Spider-Man is buried alive by Kraven the Hunter, who then impersonates him around New York City. This particular cover is one of the gloomiest on this list, but the imagery also makes it one of the most underrated Spider-Man covers of all time. The perspective of the grave towering over Spidey alone is incredible.
46. Amazing Spider-Man #40 (John Romita Sr)
It doesn't get much more dramatic than the hero standing over their defeated enemy against a backdrop of flames now, does it? The Green Goblin is arguably Spider-Mans ultimate arch nemesis and there's something extremely gratifying in seeing Parker stand over his fallen enemy, especially for those who know the harm which the Goblin legacy will cause Spidey in years to come.
David is a primary school teacher who tries his best to turn every math lesson into a discussion on the latest Pixar film. Passions include superheroes, zombies and Studio Ghibli. In between going to the cinema, moving to South Korea and eating his body weight in KFC, David writes for a number of movie sites, http://becarefulyourhand.blogspot.co.uk/
