COVER STORY Tom & Jerry Volume 2 #6

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.

Martial arts styles of fighting are not new to comic books. Kung-fu was the thing in the 1970s, ninjitsu in the 1980s, but karate itself has always been prevalent. And for kids, the marital art of the open fist is very often seen as exotic, too. It usually adds an international flavor to the story they are reading.

Harvey Comics knew this in the early 1990s when it added its creation, Karate Mouse, into the Tom & Jerry mix. God help the cat that took on this “mighty mouse” (no pun intended) – as well as all comers. Poor Tom ends up leaving in the main story as Karate Mouse enjoys a snack with Jerry and rodent rapscallion friend.

The cover finds this would-be gray mouser getting some serious punishment from a pint size karate expert. It is to poor Tom’s chagrin – and to our entertainment.

Harvey Comics may be no more, but the popularity of this classic ‘90s cover proves that slapstick is alive and well in comics. To our betterment, me thinks!

–Scott Braden