Favourite Cover 174

174 Uncanny X-Men 172 (1983)

With his 21st century omnipresence and the ever increasing darkness of the character, it seems peculiar from this distance to consider him as marriage material. But the early 80s were more innocent days - I don't think we readers were aware that Logan had been alive a very, very long time at this stage - and so perhaps marriage was not so peculiar. However, the gruff Canadian marrying a sophisticated Japanese woman still seemed an odd match. This, especially considering this is Logan, is a surprisingly cute cover, by short-time but excellent X-Men artist, Paul Smith; a simple wedding invitation, though the knife in Wolvie's heart does heighten the tension. Still, there's a lovely little insight into Logan's character with his handwritten note to Nightcrawler. Nice work.

Next, 173, watch the road!

Favourite Cover 175

175 New X-Men 143 (2003)

Okay, was it just me or was Fantomex a really difficult character to get your head round? From what I can remember, his central nervous system was located outside his body and he was part of the Weapon X programme. It was just all very confusing. Still, how could you best represent this character? Well, I think Chris Bachalo nailed it. Playing on his ethereal nature, the above cover has him apparently appearing mystically before the reader in a beautifully clear portrait. In a run of covers featuring outstanding portraiture, this still really stands out.

Next, 174, invitation to an unlikely wedding.

Favourite Cover 176

176 Daredevil 189 (1982)

Coming to the end of Frank Miller's stunning run on the book and DD has gone through the mill (to put it mildly). Miller and Janson have been knocking it out of the park not only in terms of story telling but with great cover after great cover as well. Whilst other covers around this time seemed to focus on Matt as being in danger of nervous breakdown, here we have one where the guy is ready and focussed on fighting hard against, presumably, the Hand. Though when you see the number of arrows flying up at his butt, you once again begin to question DD's judgment and overall mental health. That looks pretty darned painful. The cover's also interesting in that Daredevil is using Elektra's sai given the sense that the hero is on a mission of vengeance. Also notable is that fact that there is no 'corner box' on this early 80s cover - very unusual for the time, though I guess it's because you would lose the sai in Matt's right hand if there was one.

Next, 175, a ghostly figure by name and appearance.

Favourite Cover 177

177 Storm 1 (1996)

Storm covers are doing pretty well on my list! Perhaps she stands out because there aren't that many strong African female superheroes at the forefront of Marvel (or any other) comics. Or perhaps she just comes across really well. Anyway, this is an early Terry Dodson cover (not inked by his wife, Rachel - perhaps this is pre-nuptial?) and I guess the Dodson trademarks are there for all to see - stunning curves in a figure hugging costume. I like the way the light is reflecting off Ororo on this. For once, there is no lightning or strange weather fronts in the background. Instead Dodson has focused on the power emanating from her hands, which adds to the distinctiveness of the image. Oh, and her hair is gorgeous too.

Next, 176, falling on a porcupine?

Favourite Cover 178

178 Power Man/Iron Fist 68 (1981)

There were few comics more fun in the early 80s than Power Man/Iron Fist. Using the clash between personalities of the two main characters, who proved the idiom opposites attract, the book outlined frequently outlandish scenarios for the two heroes, producing an idiosyncratic book outlike any other that Marvel was putting out at the time. The above cover, by Frank Miller, of all people, gives as good an indication of the sense of silliness at which the title excelled. I have no idea who the guy in the white jacket is (not Jeryn, surely?) but the implication that he can knock over Luke Cage with a flick of his fingers is so ridiculous that any would be reader is given a clear indication as to what to expect from the comic - that's good selling.

Next, 177, another change in the weather...

Favourite Cover 179

179 The Punisher 37 (2006)

Tim Bradstreet's a terrific artist, his very stylised photo realistic covers very much a trademark. Alas, a little like Adi Granov, his covers sometimes seem a little repetitive. As such, none of his myriad portraits of shadow eyed Frank Castle make the list, as technically good as they all are. Two other Punisher covers, nos 52 (a group of soldiers) and 53 (very, very abstract and bold) nearly made the top 250 (check those other covers out on Comic Vine). However, outside of the Kingpin, it's quite rare to find covers of bald, fat men - not exactly photogenic, are they? So kudos to Bradstreet for going for this strange, downbeat cover featuring, I think, a Russian fella called General Zakharov. From the cover, we have an indication from the medals that this guy has experience and the use of the two henchmen and guns also emphasises threat.

Next, 178, Luke takes a fall.

Favourite Cover 180

180 Uncanny X-Men 171 (1983)

I'm on record on this blog regarding Rogue being my favourite Marvel character and her introduction to the X-Men is one of my all time favourite story lines. Of course, up to the point she joined, she was one of the bad guys and, even though everyone's doing it these days, back in the early 80s it was rare to see a villian turn good guy. So Walt Simonson does a great job demonstrating the disparity of the situation with Rogue running petrified from her disgusted soon to be team-mates. She looks terrified, doesn't she? This is just one of many X-Men covers to be later homaged in a number of other situations, perhaps indicating that it's a pretty impressive piece of work.

Next, 179, an offer not to be refused, perhaps...