What makes the best comic book covers? It is a great topic for debate. For us, as individuals, there is no wrong answer, of course;  it is purely subjective. But, with a little thought it’s possible to explain what it is about a particular image that grabs you. The best images are the ones that make you stop and check out something you weren’t previously planning to purchase – and in some cases, you even end up picking up a title you’ve never even heard of before.

DEFIANT’s Charlemagne was launched with an action-packed first issue that hit the ground running and offered maximum excitement for readers. It chronicled the adventures of the eponymous superman of that bold comic book universe. And, its premiere issue’s cover did a magnificent job of communicating that on retailers’ comics racks everywhere.

Determined to stop the man-god War Dancer from ending the world, Charlemagne is an innocent in the tradition of Joseph Campbell’s “Hero with a Thousand Faces.” He stands as a symbol of life, as well as one of the defenders of the Earth, as our world faces its fate during the terrible Schism!

The high-energy cover was illustrated by comics superstar Adam Pollina, who was discovered by comic book prodigy Jim Shooter when he was drawing The Chromium Man for Triumphant. After his brilliant work on Charlemagne, Pollina went on to continue to win over fans with his work for other titles including Marvel Comics’ X-Force and Valiant Entertainment’s Fallen World, among others.   

This action-packed scene, dreamed up by Pollina, has our hero defeating modern pirates aplenty on the high-seas with explosions all about. The coloring has the work look both painted and dramatic – making it extremely appealing to the eye.

One of the most dramatic covers to explode upon the ‘90s comics boom, this piece is nothing less than a masterwork. It previews the danger and energy found within the comics’ pages – and does so successfully. Mission accomplished!

–Scott Braden