What makes the best comic book covers? It is a great topic for debate. For us, as individuals, there is no wrong answer, of course; it is purely subjective. But, with a little thought it’s possible to explain what it is about a particular image that grabs you. The best images are the ones that make you stop and check out something you weren’t previously planning to purchase – and in some cases, you even end up picking up a title you’ve never even heard of before.
Marvel Comics prided itself on getting top illustrators to provide covers for B-level or C-level projects. Such was the case of having comics superstar Michael Golden crafting the cover for The Saga of Crystar, Crystal Warrior #8 – one of an 11-issue, fantasy-based comic book published by the House of Ideas in 1983. The series was associated with a toy line from Remco, consisting of seven figures, some vehicles, and accessories.
Although the toys were first sold by Remco in late 1982, the Marvel series was first published in the spring of 1983. Since the toys were released first, many assumed the comic had been a licensed adaptation of the toy line. In truth, though, toy character Crystar and all those that accompanied him were created and owned by Marvel, which had dreamed up the concept with the express intent of selling the license to a toy company.
What was so special about Golden’s cover illustration for The Saga of Crystar #8 was the master artist’s uncanny ability to make what would have been a simple fantasy illustration sparkle due only to his exciting art style. What’s also interesting about the cover was that it features a skull logo that was allegedly later used by the bands, Samhain and Danzig.
Though he certainly had opportunities to do so, Glenn Danzig has never publicly acknowledged the comic series or Golden in the creation of his band’s dramatic logo. The first Danzig VHS had a memorable segment where the musician is interviewed about his comic book obsession. In the segment, there is no mention of Crystar or its acclaimed cover artist. That hasn’t stopped collectors and music fans from seeking out this highly collectible book at comic stores and shows.
As the kids would say: This cover “rocks!”
-Scott Braden
