THE PROJECT HAS BEEN COMPLETED! CONGRATULATIONS TOAction Comics #1FOR WINNING THIS COMMUNITY-WIDE VOTE! PLEASE READ MY BLOG DEDICATED TO THIS PROJECT: (ACTION COMICS #1 VOTED COMIC VINE'S MOST ICONIC COMIC BOOK COVER!)
A couple of days ago, I put forward my idea for the community to vote for 'the most iconic comic book cover of all time.'
(Please refresh your memory by clicking following the link: http://www.comicvine.com/forums/gen-discussion/1/comicvine-votes-the-most-iconic-comic-book-cover-of-all-time/675949/).
After 92 nominations, the nominators have voted for the top-32 most iconic comic book covers of all time - with these covers now proceeding to the knock-out round, where the entire community shall vote round by round for the most iconic comic book cover of all time.
THANK YOU TO ALL THE NOMINATORS:
...and an special big thanks to for his guidance, advice, and nominating. Thanks buddy!
The 32 nominees are:
Action Comics #1 (1938) - WINNER
Artist: Joe Schuster and Jack Adler
Probably the most iconic cover in comic book history, the first sight of Superman that the first comic book fans saw that has been used as inspiration for comic book covers for years. The iconic picture of Superman stopping corrupt bankers and bosses is something that can be seen as inspiration for many especially in the curent day with all of the financial problems going on in the world at the moment.
Amazing Fantasy #15 (1961) ELIMINATED
Artist: Jack Kirby
This cover is seen by many as one of the most iconic covers of all time. It introduced Spider-Man to the world, Spidey is now one of the most important and well known characters in the comic book universe and the real universe as well. I'm sure there have been many covers that were inspired by this one.
Astonishing X-Men #51 (2012) ELIMINATED
Artist: Marko Djurdjevic
This cover shows an extremely controversial topic called gay marriage.
Batman #1 (1940) ELIMINATED
Artist: Bob Kane, Jerry Robinson
This is a cover that has Batman and Robin posing in typical crimefighter-style. Nothing special. Except that, this is the cover for Batman nro. 1. The landmark issue that has the first appearances of Joker, Catwoman and Hugo Strange. This is the cover of the first issue of the second most popular Batman-series ever (most likely). This is drawn by Bob Kane (and inked and colored by some persons). This has been showed all around the world, in movies, hands of children, internet...This is one of the most iconic comic-covers ever. I doubt that it`s the most iconic one - but it`s certainly one of the most iconic.
Batman #9 (1942) ELIMINATED
Artist: Bob Kane
This image of the dynamic duo has appeared in so many adaptations throughout the years. This relatively simple cover is arguably the iconic image that many fans have of Batman and Robin.
Batman #404 (1987) ELIMINATED
Artist: David Mazzuccelli
Batman year 1 story arc, the cover that shows Bruce kneeling by his dead parents. Very impactful and iconic 'nuff said :)
Batman #497 (1993) ELIMINATED
Artist: Kelley Jones
Historic issue that featured 'The Breaking of the Bat'
Batman: A Death in the Family (TPB) (1989) ELIMINATED
Artist: Jim Aparo
This is the paperback version, but I think this has to be the most iconic Batman cover in history. It's amazingly done, showing Bruce holdding Jason Todd with the absultely dark background.
Batman: The Killing Joke (1988) ELIMINATED
Artist: Brian Bolland
The Joker is one creepy dude and alongside some covers from 'A Death in the Family', ' The Killing Joke' is a cover which shows that creepiness on a new level. For me, it is more scary to have Mr. J holding a camera than if he were to be holding a gun. It sort of leaves you wondering: who or what is he taking a picture of? Most people know the story within this comic and how significant is for the life of Barbara Gordon, so it makes sense this cover would be very significant in the history of Batman.
Brave and The Bold #28 (1960) ELIMINATED
Artist: Mike Sekowsky, Murphy Anderson
Justice League first working together.
The JLA - a brainchild of legendary DC editor, Julie Schwartz, was responsible for not only saving DC but also Marvel for inspiring the creation of the Fantastic Four.
Captain America Comics #1 (1941) ELIMINATED
Artist: Jack Kirby
The iconic picture of Captain America punching the leader of the Nazis, Hitler, in the face has stuck in the minds of many people around the world for years. Even people who aren't American can see this as a sign of hope to people having a rough time during WWII. A superhero taking out a real life source of evil is not something we see very often in modern comics and it's interesting to see that comics used to send messages such as "You can get through this" or "It'll all be alight in the end" to the readers in that era.
Crisis on Infinite Earths #7 (1986) ELIMINATED
Artist: George Perez
Detective Comics #27 (1939) ELIMINATED
Artist: Bob Kane
The first appearance of Batman! This cover , I think, shows how much characters can change over the years, Batman looks more ruthlessin this cover, I know that the same could be said about Batman today but I think that he looks very violent for 30s comics. It also has had many spoofs and covers based on it which spreads the knowledge of the existence of this cover.
Fantastic Four #1 (1961) ELIMINATED
Artist: Dick Ayers
The monumental first outing of the Fantastic Four
Giant-Size X-Men #1 (1975) ELIMINATED
Artist: Dave Cockrum, Gil Kane
The Uncanny line up was a legend born into comics. This team of X-Men took comics by storm and quickly became the best selling title in comics.
Green Lantern #52 (1967) ELIMINATED
Artist: Gil Kane
I think it's a great cover that shows the two opposing sides (Hal Jordan and Sinestro) revealing how similar they are to each other.
Green Lantern #85 (1971) ELIMINATED
Artist: Neal Adams
This very famous cover by Neal Adams exhibited to the world that comic books dealt with very serious and very real social issues. Many non-readers tend to associate comics with unrealistic superheroes with limitless powers. However, covers such as these had started to change the way people viewed comic books.
Marvel Graphic Novel #1 (1982) ELIMINATED
Artist: Jim Starlin
No, not Mar-Vell, he, he can't be dead... Surely there'll be a clever trick inside. He can't die, not him. Please not him.
Sensation Comics #1 (1942) ELIMINATED
Artist: Jon L. Blummer
Sensation indeed! This comic introduced the world to arguably the most ICONIC female character in the world of comics: Wonder Woman. This founding member of the Justice League made her debut in 1942, and later played an important role in the U.S. war effort - being a popular comic book character amongst U.S. soldiers during the Second World War.
Showcase #4 (1956) ELIMINATED
Artist: Carmine Infantino, Joe Kubert
We recently had a major revamp of the DC Universe. However, the New 52 is not the first reboot. The very first reboot DC ever did was in the 1950’s and this issue was one of the first to introduce the the world to a new generation of heroes. In this issue, we met The Flash, but this wasn't the Jay Garrick Flash of the 30s and 40s. No, this was a new Flash of a new age: the Silver Age and his name was Barry Allen. The cover itself reminds me slightly of Detective comics 38 with the introduction of Dick Grayson as Robin with the ripping effect, but this version of the effect shows his speed. It is an iconic cover, which a lot of Flash fans recognise.
Superman #75 (1993) ELIMINATED
Artist: Dan Jurgens, Brett Breeding
And he stayed dead, too. Okay, maybe not, but I'm sure no one could remain completely unemotional when they first saw that forlorn scrap of cape blowing in the wind.
Superman #233 (1971) ELIMINATED
Artist: Neal Adams
Neal Adams did a really great job on this cover. Back in 2010 on the eve of Superman's 700th issue they did an alternate cover homage to this particular cover, but just looking at this one you can't help but say you can not beat the original. The comic begins with the words, "Beginning... A Return to Greatness! Superman. An old majesty... in a stunningly new tale of thrills, tragedy -- and heroism!" and you can tell all those statements are true just by looking at this cover. It is simple, but nice. It marks the beginning of Supes' modern era adventures.
The Amazing Spider-Man #39 (1966) ELIMINATED
Artist: John Romita Sr.
You have to admit, pretty much every one of the Spider-Man covers that featured the Green Goblin were amazing. This particular one is especially brilliant due to the emotion that it evokes, and the questions and concerns that it raises: How Will Peter get out of this one?
The Amazing Spider-Man #50 (1967) ELIMINATED
Artist: John Romita Sr.
A landmark issue, when peter gives up being spidey plus it's a pretty iconic comic cover that is used a lot in other issues.
We really feel the emotional turmoil Peter Parker is experiencing in this iconic cover. The whole idea of a hero just giving up on being a hero really emphasized how Marvel was changing superhero comics.
The Amazing Spider-Man #129 (1974) ELIMINATED
Artist: John Romita
I had to put this one there primarily because it's the first time The Punisher appears on a comic book cover. And the image itself has become one of the most recognizable ones of all time.
The Dark Knight Returns #1 (1986) ELIMINATED
Artist: Klaus Janson
This has to be one of the most iconic covers with Batman ever. I mean it is a popular cover to homage and even Darkwing Duck managed to have a parody cover based on this image. It's pretty simple when you look at it. There are only two colors (blue and black) and you don't have that much details: only a figure jumping in the air with a lightening bolt behind the figure. Perhaps its simplicity that makes this cover so iconic. I'm not sure, but I know this cover should be included in this project.
The Flash #123 (1961) ELIMINATED
Artist: Carmine Infantino, Murphy Anderson
This historic cover featured both of the beloved speedsters of the DC Universe: Jay Garrick - the original, Golden Age Flash and Barry Allen - the Silver Age Flash. This cover has been parodied several times - highlighting just how iconic the comics has become through the ages.
The Incredible Hulk #1 (1962) ELIMINATED
Artist: Jack Kirby
I was genuinely surprised this had not been nominated. It's the first ever Incredible Hulk issue, and the image of Hulk (this was when normal Hulk was still gray) standing over Banner is almost instantly recognizable.
The Punisher: Welcome Back #1 (2000) ELIMINATED
Artist: Tim Bradstreet
It's no big secret that Bradstreet is one of my absolute favorite cover artists. His realistic style is beautiful and has become a trademark of Punisher covers for the past decade. When I think of modern Punisher covers, I think of this cover.
Watchmen #12 (1987) ELIMINATED
Artist: Dave Gibbons
This cover to me is the epitome of saving the best for last, great final cover for the original Watchmen.
Wolverine #1 (1982) ELIMINATED
Artist: Frank Miller, Joe Rubinstein
C'mere bub, I got some claws for ya. Wolverine finally got his own series and his trademarked attitude just oozed off the cover.
X-Men #101 (1976) ELIMINATED
Artist: Dave Cockrum, Dan Crespi
This cover was the start of one of the most influential stories in comics. The 101st Uncanny X-Men is one of the most recognizable covers to this day.
How this will work:
- The above 32 covers have been drawn against each other in a knock-out round format, giving us a total of 5 rounds
- Voting is open to all members
- Each user can votes for a winner in each of the match ups
- Each member can only assign one vote to each of their choices
- Each round will last roughly 24 hours
- Each round will be signified by a post by me (first one is below)
- May the most iconic comic book cover win
Here's a look at the knock-out bracket:
DRAW:
PREVIOUS ROUNDS (winners in bold):
FINAL:
Action Comics #1 vs. Amazing Fantasy #15 (Final Score: 20-8) <-- Biggest turnout!
SEMI FINALS:
- Action Comics #1 vs. Giant Size X-Men #1 (Final Score: 16-3)
- Captain America Comics #1 vs. Amazing Fantasy #15 (Final Score: 5-15)
QUARTER FINALS:
- Action Comics #1 vs. Batman: A Death in the Family (Final Score: 15-5)
- Giant Size X-Men #1 vs. Crisis on Infinite Earths (Final Score: 11-9)
- Captain America Comics #1 vs. The Dark Knight Returns #1 (Final Score: 13-7)
- Superman #75 vs. Amazing Fantasy #15 (Final Score: 8-12)
ROUND TWO (ROUND OF 16):
- Action Comics #1 vs. The Amazing Spider-Man #129 (Final Score: 14-2)
- Brave and the Bold #28 vs. Batman: A Death in the Family (Final Score: 6-9)
- Sensation Comics #1 vs. Giant Size X-Men #1 (Final Score: 4-12)
- Crisis on Infinite Earths #7 vs. Batman #1 (Final Score: 13-3)
- Captain America Comics #1 vs. The Amazing Spider-Man #39 (Final Score: 11-5)
- The Dark Knight Returns #1 vs. Watchmen #12 (Final Score: 13-3)
- Detective Comics #27 vs. Superman #75 (Final Score: 6-10)
- The Incredible Hulk #1 vs. Amazing Fantasy #15 (Final Score: 2-14)
ROUND ONE (ROUND OF 32):
- Action Comics #1 vs Batman #497 (Final Score: 19-2)
- The Amazing Spider-Man #129 vs. The Flash #123 (Final Score: 12-8)
- Fantastic Four #1 vs. Brave and the Bold #28 (Final Score: 9-11)
- Wolverine #1 vs. Batman: A Death in the Family (Final Score: 8-12)
- Sensation Comics #1 vs. Astonishing X-Men #51 (Final Score: 14-6)
- Batman: The Killing Joke vs. Giant Size X-Men #1 (Final Score: 10-10*)
- The Amazing Spider-Man #50 vs. Crisis on Infinite Earths #7 (Final Score: 5-14)
- Marvel Graphic Novel #1 vs. Batman #1 (Final Score: 7-13)
- Captain America Comics #1 vs. Superman #233 (Final Score: 17-3)
- Showcase #4 vs. The Amazing Spider-Man #39 (Final Score: 9-11)
- The Dark Knight Returns #1 vs. Batman #9 (Final Score: 15-5)
- Watchmen #12 vs. Punisher: Welcome Back #1 (Final Score: 13-7)
- Detective Comics #27 vs. Green Lantern #85 (Final Score: 12-8)
- X-Men #101 vs. Superman #75 (Final Score: 7-14)
- The Incredible Hulk #1 vs. Batman #404 (Final Score: 11-9)
- Green Lantern #52 vs. Amazing Fantasy #15 (Final Score: 0-21)
HUGE THANKS TO EVERYONE THAT MADE THIS HAPPEN!
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