Posted by Dan Greenfield on Feb 12, 2023
The TOP 13 COVERS of FEBRUARY 1973 — RANKED
BRONZE AGE BONANZA: Wrightson, Kaluta, Romita and MORE — including Jack Adler! — 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. — This month’s stars include Bernie Wrightson, Joe Kubert, John Romita — and Jack Adler! Dig the TOP 13 COVERS OF FEBRUARY 1973 — RANKED: — 13. Jackie Jokers #2, Harvey. Who is that with Jackie Jokers? Why it’s a corrupt politician who would resign in disgrace in a year and a half! — 12. Amazing Adventures #18, Marvel. Killraven’s first appearance! The layout’s pretty standard but John Romita brings the heat nonetheless. Someday, I hope there’s a Killraven, Vartox and Zardoz team-up. — 11. Archie’s Girls Betty and Veronica #209, Archie. Yes, it’s Dan DeCarlo cheesecake. But who knew Veronica liked to cosplay as Bronze Age Ms. Marvel more than three years before the latter even appeared? Also, “maxicoat.” — 10. The Incredible Hulk #163, Marvel. So speaks THE GREMLIN! — 9. Secrets of Sinister House #11, DC. If you’re a kid living in the DC Universe, here’s a tip: Never go out at night to make mischief with your friends. Ever. It will not end well for you. Anyway, Jack Sparling’s wasted crone is effective enough, but look at the boys’ faces! The one on the right is terrified, as he should be. The guy on the left, meanwhile, looks a little too into it. — 8. Marvel Team-Up #9, Marvel. Not terribly special. Just a straight-up, cool-looking team-up cover by John Romita and Joe Sinnott. And that’s plenty good. — 7. Weird War Tales #13, DC. Luis Dominguez should get more credit: He was a terrific horror artist but he was often overshadowed in the ’70s by younger guns like Bernie Wrightson and Mike Kaluta. This is a cover worth looking at not just because it’s a sharp layout with strong execution, but because who doesn’t want to see Nazis shredded by rampaging, purple bat-monsters? — 6. House of Secrets #107, DC. Speaking of Wrightson, here we are. Abel is being swarmed by what look like the undead and he’s rightfully terrified. What’s terrifying to me, however, are the hands in the foreground. THOSE HANDS! Damn, Bernie. — 5. From Beyond the Unknown #22,...
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