COVER STORY: Code of Honor #1

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.

A four-part limited series that was supposed to be Marvels 2 from Kurt Busiek instead became an entertaining first-person perspective by one of New York’s Finest at the Marvel Universe during a darker age written by journeyman scribe Chuck Dixon. And, that project was named Marvel Comics’ Code of Honor.

Published in January 1997, and featuring a painted cover by artist Brad Parker, Code of Honor #1 depicts Marvel’s resident web-slinger battling – and winning against – a “thunder lizard” of some type, while Officer Jeffrey Piper looks on in amazement in his patrol vehicle. We the readers, who see firsthand this eye-catching cover on the newsstand, end up looking on in amazement, too, as our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man once again does not disappoint.

A fun cover for a fun book, readers should discover this prestige format gem for themselves – and enjoy.

In the words of the late, great Stan Lee, “’Nuff said!”

–Scott Braden