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 2005 and The Punisher 2004. 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 2006
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The Punisher 2005
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The Speech Bubble 
I really like Green Arrow # 61.
First of all, the villain is in the foreground and the hero is in the background: usually it’s just the opposite, so this detail instantly won me over.
Secondly, the villain is not shown: as you know, I love when the cover artist decides to do that, because this way he gives the image a mysterious vibe I absolutely adore.
Thirdly, the colouring is simply awesome. The fight is taking place at sunset, so everything around Green Arrow is coloured with a gorgeous tone of orange.
As for Frank, I pick Punisher # 16, because it shows some pieces of glass flying all over, and this is one of the most typical elements of the action packed covers I love so much.
Special mention for Punisher # 26, because the face of the cop is perfectly defined. And I didn’t expect anything less, because Tim Bradstreet is one of the most talented cover artists we had the honour to talk about in this blog.
By the way, The Slavers is one of the best Punisher’s stories ever: it is so unforgettable that, even years after its release, I can still recall a lot of scenes of that story arc.
“The fight is taking place at sunset, so everything around Green Arrow is coloured with a gorgeous tone of orange.”
It really gives off that showdown in the wild west vibe. I agree that the colouring is superb and really speaks to the colourist’s ability. For me my runner-up is another Green Arrow/Deathstroke cover in the form of #63. I love the silhouetted characters against the backdrop of the prison. Another favourite of mine is #62’s up-close and personal confrontation between the two.
“As for Frank, I pick Punisher # 16, because it shows some pieces of glass flying all over, and this is one of the most typical elements of the action packed covers I love so much.”
This cover attains my runner-up prize.
“Special mention for Punisher # 26, because the face of the cop is perfectly defined.”
And the previous issue (#25) captures my third place award due to the expressive and emotive women that lies before the Punisher.
“By the way, The Slavers is one of the best Punisher’s stories ever: it is so unforgettable that, even years after its release, I can still recall a lot of scenes of that story arc.”
I’m sure if I looked it up it would probably rank in the Top 10 Punisher stories of all time if that is the case. Did you read it upon its initial release or was it something you discovered in Trade Paperback later on?
Thanks, as always, for sharing your selections!
“Did you read it upon its initial release or was it something you discovered in Trade Paperback later on?” Here in Italy the Punisher is published directly in a TP size, so I read all the issues in one day. Yesterday I read The Slavers again, and I confirm that this story arc is an absolute masterpiece.
“Thanks, as always, for sharing your selections!” Thank you as well for your replies! : )
“Yesterday I read The Slavers again, and I confirm that this story arc is an absolute masterpiece.”
I’m happy to hear that an edition of Retroactive may have played a small part in you revisiting a storyline that you cherish. 🙂
I really like Green Arrow Vol 3 #62 with the rematch between Green Arrow and Deathstroke! What an exciting cover with them both poised to strike! Punisher Vol #6 #16 is another really exciting and dark cover, with Punisher crashing in through the glass, its almost like its happening in slow motion, with each piece of glass spinning in the air, a great cover.
“I really like Green Arrow Vol 3 #62 with the rematch between Green Arrow and Deathstroke!”
This is my third place cover, a cover that gains new standing in my eyes due to the characters’ confrontation in the Arrow TV show.
“Punisher Vol #6 #16 is another really exciting and dark cover, with Punisher crashing in through the glass, its almost like its happening in slow motion, with each piece of glass spinning in the air, a great cover.”
You and wwayne are in 100% agreement with this cover and I come in just behind with it being my Silver Medalist!
Thanks for providing your choices and I hope you enjoy what is left of the weekend! 🙂
Cheers & enjoy your weekend as well 😀