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.
The flagship release of Voyager Communications’ fledgling comic book publisher, Valiant, Magnus, Robot Fighter captured the imagination of legions of fans in the early 1990s, and found itself a must-have buy at comics specialty shops. And with covers as amazing as the one featured on the July 1991-dated Magnus, Robot Fighter #2, it is no wonder!
An honest attempt to flavor its future stories as those crafted by the legendary Russ Manning, this issue’s cover has Magnus, Robot Fighter at the edge of a city-spiral’s precipice, as he battles countless robots deadest on bringing his glorious fight to an end. The cover – dreamed up by the book’s penciller Art Nichols – depicts Magnus as a superman of sorts, as he takes on incredible odds without giving up or giving in!
Still available at an affordable price – although its original art by Nichols is rather expensive and offered by Heritage Auctions for purchase – Magnus, Robot Fighter #2 and its breathtaking cover is certain to further steel the most sturdy of comic book collections.
-Scott Braden