COVER STORY: Micronauts #2

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.

The Micronauts began life as comic book characters thanks to a fortuitous accident on Christmas of 1977. Comic book scribe Bill Mantlo’s son Adam opened a new gift, a line of the Mego Corporation’s Micronauts action figures. Seeing the toys, Mantlo was instantly struck by inspiration to chronicle their adventures. Convincing then Marvel Comics Editor in Chief Jim Shooter to acquire the comics license for the toy line, Mantlo was hired to script what would become a longtime fan-favorite series from Marvel.

What also made the series special, of course, was its artist and co-creator, Michael Golden. One of comic’s foremost craftsman, Golden has thrilled fans over the years with his work on Avengers, Batman, Mister Miracle, X-Men, and G.I. Joe, among others. But it was his dozen issues on The Micronauts that cemented his reputation with fans of all ages. And with his amazing cover for the series’ second issue, we find that our heroes have escaped the clutches of Prince Shaitan and Baron Karza, as they arrive on Earth at – to the surprise of readers and the characters themselves – the size of small toys. The image arguably reminds one of Stephen King’s “Lawnmower Man” or Irwin Allen’s Land of the Giants TV series, and it resonates out to the beyond and back.  

An amazing cover by a master craftsman, it explodes upon the modern Marvel Age of comics – making it nothing less than a masterwork. It also previews the danger and energy found within the comics’ pages – and does so successfully. Mission accomplished!

–Scott Braden