Posted by Dan Greenfield on Jan 19, 2025
The TOP 13 COVERS of JANUARY 1975 — RANKED
BRONZE AGE BONANZA begins its sixth year! — Welcome to BRONZE AGE BONANZA — our monthly series that looks at the greatest covers of the Bronze Age — exactly 50 years later. For more info on this feature, click here. — Wow, we’ve completed the first half of the ’70s and now we’re plowing ahead to 1975! Like January 1974, Gil Kane starts the year in dominant form, with no less than five covers on the list. But does he take the top slot? Or is it maybe Jim Aparo? Or Mike Kaluta? Or Dick Giordano? Read on! Dig the TOP 13 COVERS OF JANUARY 1975 — RANKED: — 13. Plop! #11, DC. With the number of times Basil Wolverton shows up in BRONZE AGE BONANZA, you’d think I was a fan. I’m actually not. I find his work so grotesque that it’s repellent. But, like a car crash, I cannot look away — and it always gets a reaction out of me. I also marvel at his precision and outrageously bizarre inventiveness. And, that my friends, is art. — 12. Wonder Woman #217, DC. No, Green Arrow, you have not freaked out, In fact, this is a little much, don’t you think? — 11. Spidey Super Stories #7, Marvel. Spider-Man vs. the Lizard by John Romita is a virtual lock to make this list. Just on principle. Plus, I really like the dominant green background up top. And two appearances by Easy Reader! — 10. Richard Dragon, Kung-Fu Fighter #1, DC. Carl Douglas was right. — 9. The Grim Ghost, Atlas/Seaboard. Like Atlas itself, this cover is all over the place. Plus, the Ghost’s legs are oddly skinny and I can’t quite get a read on his facial expression. But I still like it, particularly the striking color background. Also: “All New No Reprint.” Ha! — 8. Night Rider #4, Marvel. Just a terrific, posterish cover by Gil Kane. The linework on Banshee is particularly impressive. Fantastic colors, too, though the colorist is unknown. — 7. Tomb of Dracula #31, Marvel. Get ready for a run of Kane covers here. Drac looks particularly ferocious as a looming presence and Taj appears to be a little too eager to kill his son. Drama! Dracula all in red on top of a black background is an inspired choice. Inker Tom Palmer may have also been...
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