In Retroactive I’ll take you on a visual comic cover tour of the past covering all the covers for a particular series. Each entry will cover an entire year and I’ll always have one comic from DC and one comic from Marvel. At the end of each edition of Retroactive I’ll select my overall favourite cover for that year for each series. Last time on Retroactive we covered Green Arrow 1991 and The Punisher 1990. If you need a refresher, just click HERE. Below you’ll find the two series that I’m currently covering. Click on that specific logo to be instantly taken directly to that series. The last section is reserved for my Top Picks from each year. Click the logo or travel to the third page to view them.
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Green Arrow 1992
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The Punisher 1991
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The Speech Bubble 
I really like Punisher # 42.
As usual, Frank is the target of innumerous bullets, and he’s trying to fill his enemies with lead as well; what makes this cover different from all the others is that this time some innocent babies are involved, and this detail makes the situation much more tense than usual. Their presence makes us feel worried for them, so this cover instantly builds an emotional connection between us and the characters depicted in the image, and this is a purpose a cover should always achieve.
The babies are completely unaware of the risk they’re running: in fact, all of them are smiling – and this is another good point of this cover, that is to say the contrast between their joyful expressions and the raging face of the not – your – typical babysitter that is holding them.
I also love the tagline upon the title (Maternity Ward becomes Maternity War because a bullet cancelled the last letter: very creative indeed!), the title itself being hit or grazed by several bullets, the baby wearing Frank’s costume under Marvel’s logo… yes, this cover definitely deserves the gold medal.
As for Oliver, I completely agree with the cover you chose. You know how much I love whodunit stories, so a cover foreshadowing the presence of an unknown serial killer has a big chance to win the first prize in my personal ranking.
Special mention for Green Arrow # 260, because even in this case all the characters depicted in the image are in serious danger: the crook could be hit by Oliver’s arrow, Black Canary could be flung out of the car, and Oliver could be ran over. Of course we know that probably all of them will survive unharmed, but this image makes us want to know HOW they will make it, so it is very effective.
P.S.: Last week I got a first – class degree in Classical Studies. Now I’m still recovering from all the stress I’ve been suffering from in the last period, but I’m going to look for a job as soon as possible.
“I also love the tagline upon the title (Maternity Ward becomes Maternity War because a bullet cancelled the last letter: very creative indeed!), the title itself being hit or grazed by several bullets, the baby wearing Frank’s costume under Marvel’s logo… yes, this cover definitely deserves the gold medal.”
Oh real nice catches. I had originally overlooked this cover but after your write-up I see it in another light. For me, the other issue that nearly captured first place was #45. I love the colouring, the shadows, the Punisher perched on top of the Taxi ready to dispense some “justice”, and the one-liner: That’s the last time you don’t tip. Yes, it was quite difficult for me to choose just one.
“Special mention for Green Arrow # 260.”
I would say special attention should also be paid to #58. That image of the mossy skull with a single arrow shot through the eye is quite…eye-catching. 🙂
“P.S.: Last week I got a first – class degree in Classical Studies. Now I’m still recovering from all the stress I’ve been suffering from in the last period, but I’m going to look for a job as soon as possible.”
Congratulations! I’m so happy for you and wish you all the best with your job hunt.
Thanks, as always, for sharing your choices.
Thank you as well for your wishes, your compliments and your replies! : )
Really liked Green Arrow Vol 2 #58 with the skull on the cover, and the arrow stuck in it. Very different from everything else in this selection, think that’s why it caught my eye. I also like posters / comic covers that feature skulls, think they always make a great image. I chose The Punisher Vol II #48 with the Puinisher strapped to a huge gun barrel. No idea what this issue it about, but this cover instantly made me think, how on earth does he get out of this tight spot!! Great edition of retroactive!
“Really liked Green Arrow Vol 2 #58 with the skull on the cover, and the arrow stuck in it.”
As I mentioned to wwayne, this cover was my personal runner-up. I know he’s not in the issue (I double-checked) but I get a Deathstroke vibe off of it anyways.
“No idea what this issue it about, but this cover instantly made me think, how on earth does he get out of this tight spot!!”
The mark of a great cover indeed.
Thanks for providing your selections.