Second Place
Batman Beyond Universe #14
Matteo Scalera is the runner-up this week with this cover featuring Bruce Wayne and Terry McGinnis. Taking one look at our heroic duo we can instantly tell that something is wrong. Both have sullen looks on their faces, their backs turned to one another, Bruce sitting reflective and emotionless while Terry takes one last look back, his mask in his hand as if he is contemplating his life as Batman and his relationship with Bruce as a whole. What has caused such a strong rift? Breaking up the blue-hued scene is a red background filled with the repeating visage of the Phantasm who has just recently returned. Could she be the cause? No, for no mere “villain” could come between the two allies. We then start to piece together that this emotional rift must stem from something that Terry has learned, something that Bruce has undoubtedly kept from him. What that is and if the two can reconcile are two rather enticing prospects that ensure us picking up the book to discover the answers and we owe it all to this stunning visual which not only uses shadows to great effect but also utilizes various artistic splotches to create an aged and weathered look. Can we really ask for anything more?
________________________________________________________
The Speech Bubble 
I really like Batman Eternal # 25.
The first thing that caught my attention was the outfit of the character depicted in this cover: leather jacket, kevlar on his chest, countless pouches all around his waist, a gun in his right hand… no matter if they’re good or bad, all the characters of action packed comics wear EXACTLY this outfit, so he instantly pleased my eye.
And then I looked under him, and I noticed another classic action packed detail: flames. In this case there’s an entire city burning, not just a warehouse or the general quarter of a mafia boss, so the dramatic power of this image is much bigger than usual.
Thirdly, the colouring is brilliant. I love the various tones of yellow and orange used for the buildings and the sky: not only because they increase the aesthetic value of the image, but also because they make the character stand out even more.
Silver medal for Batman Beyond Universe # 14 and bronze medal for Amazing Spider – Man # 1.5.
“I really like Batman Eternal # 25.”
Fantastic synopsis. Anytime you see the villainous Hush on a cover you know things are going to get personal and that Batman is in for quite a challenge indeed. The only thing I would add is mentioning the great detail of him holding Batman’s empty cape and cowl in his other hand, a rather ominous inclusion and one that hints that our hero may have met his match.
Thanks for sharing your Rankings!
Thank you as well for your reply! : )