Covers That Became Legends
Sometimes you just have to judge a comic book by its cover. Some comic book covers practically leap off the shelf and smack you in the face—no superpowers required. Others make you do a double take, packed with so much detail you need a magnifying glass to catch it all. So, let’s take a look at 20 comic covers that make you want to frame them, stare at them, and maybe even read the story inside.
1. Action Comics #1 (1938)
The debut of Action Comics #1 marks the birth of Superman, one of the most iconic figures in comic book history. Released in 1938, this cover showcases Superman lifting a car, symbolizing the character's immense strength. Its bold design set the stage for future superheroes.
Action Comics #1 Superman - June 1938 Full Page Comic by BrainDamageAG
2. Detective Comics #27 (1939)
When Detective Comics #27 hit shelves in 1939, it introduced Batman to the world. The cover featured a silhouette of the Dark Knight, with a stark contrast against Gotham's glow. This issue not only gave birth to one of the most complex characters in comics but also redefined crime-fighting heroes forever.
Old Comic Book Review: Detective Comics #27 with Batman by Dysfunctional Literacy
3. Amazing Fantasy #15 (1962)
In 1962, Amazing Fantasy #15 changed comic book storytelling with the debut of Spider-Man. The cover’s iconic image of Spider-Man swinging through New York captured the essence of this "everyman" hero. Spider-Man’s relatability resonated with a generation, securing his place in pop culture.
Amazing Fantasy #15 Spider Man - August 1962 Full Page Comic by BrainDamageAG
4. The Incredible Hulk #1 (1962)
The Incredible Hulk #1 gave the world its first glimpse of the grey Hulk. It featured a gamma-powered Hulk smashing through the ground, perfectly capturing the character's explosive power. This issue marked the start of a compelling saga about anger and transformation.
Retro Review: Let’s Look At The Incredible Hulk #1 1962 with Fernando Ruiz by Fernando Ruiz
5. The Amazing Spider-Man #50 (1967)
This iconic cover from The Amazing Spider-Man #50 (1967) was an emotional departure. Peter Parker stands in the shadows, contemplating his decision to quit being Spider-Man. This wasn’t just another fight—this was Peter’s personal crisis.
6. The Dark Knight Returns #1 (1986)
Batman wasn’t done yet. The Dark Knight Returns (1986) brought an older, grizzled Batman back to a crime-ridden Gotham. The cover, featuring Batman standing tall against a stormy sky, instantly conveys a sense of power and grit. It’s not just a hero’s return—it’s the return of a legend.
Batman The Dark Knight Returns #1 First Printing 1986 by Marcus Lim
7. Watchmen #1 (1986)
The striking cover of Watchmen #1 (1986) presents the symbol of the Comedian’s bloodied smiley face. Its minimalist design contrasts with the intricate storytelling inside, setting the tone for Alan Moore’s complex narrative about superheroes in a realistic world.
8. Sandman #1 (1989)
Sandman #1 (1989) featured a visually stunning cover that drew readers into Neil Gaiman’s dreamlike narrative. The cover’s dark, atmospheric tones mirrored the book’s exploration of dreams and reality, making it a perfect entry point into the complex and mesmerizing world of Dream and his siblings.
9. Batman #205 (1968)
This one brings us a high-energy chase through Gotham’s gritty streets. Batman and Robin are in full action mode, and the cover makes you feel like you're in the middle of the race. Who’s chasing whom? Only one way to find out.
The Adventures of Batman "My Crime Is Your Crime" Clip by The World's Finest
10. Giant-Size X-Men #1 (1975)
Giant-Size X-Men #1 (1975) bursts onto the scene with a cover that screams action and excitement. This issue showcases the debut of Storm, Colossus, Nightcrawler, and Thunderbird alongside the familiar faces of Cyclops and Wolverine.
11. The Amazing Spider-Man #300 (1988)
The Amazing Spider-Man #300 (1988) gives us Spidey vs. Venom in a showdown you can’t forget. Todd McFarlane’s art brings the heat, with Venom looming over our hero in a dramatic, action-packed design. It’s the moment Venom truly enters the spotlight—one of the best Spider-Man covers ever.
12. Batman: The Killing Joke (1988)
Batman: The Killing Joke (1988) drops a cover that’s pure madness! Painted by Brian Bolland, it shows the Joker grinning like he’s up to no good, holding a camera like he’s about to snap a photo of your soul. The vibe? Creepy, chilling, and totally unforgettable.
Batman: The Killing Joke Deluxe Edition Comparison by DC collector
13. Superman #1 (1939)
Released in 1939, Superman #1 continues the legacy of the superhero genre with its unforgettable cover. The image of Superman flying above the city captured the awe-inspiring scale of the hero’s abilities. It solidified Superman as the face of the comic book superhero movement.
Superman Number 1 Comic Book Summer 1939 - Page by page review by Great Lake Auctions
14. The Fantastic Four #1 (1961)
The Fantastic Four #1 (1961) hits you with an explosive intro to Marvel’s first family! Kirby’s art makes the team look larger than life as they battle a monster. In this, you’ve got Mr. Fantastic stretching, the Human Torch on fire, and The Thing throwing fists.
LET'S LOOK INSIDE - FANTASTIC FOUR #1 by LeeKirbyDitkoComics
15. The Silver Surfer #4 (1969)
The cover of Silver Surfer #4 (1969) stands as a visual masterpiece. It showcases the Silver Surfer in a cosmic struggle with the mighty Thor. The dynamic composition, powerful contrast, and intense colors still make it a fan favorite.
The Silver Surfer #4 (1969) - Rick Reads Comics by Stuff with Rick
16. Crisis On Infinite Earths #7 (1985)
Crisis on Infinite Earths #7 (1985) captured the multiverse’s crisis in a dramatic image of Superman holding a collapsed Supergirl. The cover’s vivid colors and large scale reflected the monumental scope of the crossover event, which redefined the DC Universe and its characters for a new generation.
17. Superman #75 (1992)
Superman #75 (released in November 1992, with a cover date of January 1993) marks the climactic moment of The Death of Superman storyline. The cover features a tattered red "S" flag waving in the wind—a haunting image of loss and destruction.
Superman 75 - Comic Book Deep Dive / Comic Review & Collection by Comic Book Deep Dives
18. Green Lantern/Green Arrow #76 (1970)
In 1970, Green Lantern/Green Arrow #76 addressed social issues with a powerful cover. Featuring Green Lantern and Green Arrow confronting a man on the streets, it was a direct response to the turbulent political climate of the time.
Roger Murmann from Eppertshausen, Deutschland on Wikimedia
19. Captain America Comics #1 (1941)
Captain America Comics #1 (1941) introduced one of the most patriotic characters in comic history. The cover, featuring Captain America punching Adolf Hitler, set the tone for the character’s mission to fight fascism during WWII.
Captain America Comics #1 CGC High Grade! RARE! MUST WATCH! by LeeKirbyDitkoComics
20. X-Men #1 (1963)
The cover of X-Men #1 by Jack Kirby is iconic, with the original team in a dynamic pose. This issue set the stage for decades of stories focusing on themes of diversity and acceptance. Lastly, the bold colors and striking image made it an unforgettable introduction to the X-Men universe.
