Thursday, February 07, 2008

Comic Cover Artists Heart Norman Rockwell

I have no idea who or what "Moon Knight" is, but at the comic shop yesterday the cover of #15 jumped out at me because it parodies Norman Rockwell's famous "Triple Self-Portrait". Cool! Some really nice touches here by artist Arthur Suydam, like Cap's cowl in place of the helmet in Rockwell's picture. Though if it were up to me, Moon Knight guy would see himself looking sad in the mirror, and his painting would be of his costumed self. That's the gag, right? The conflict between the inner and outer selves? How we're perceived, how we perceive ourselves, and who we are? Ah, ferget it.

The fun with Americana doesn't stop there! Two more cover comparisons after the jump...

A quick google search revealed that Suydam has parodied Rockwell before (or should I say "covered"? ((No. - Ed.)) Here's his Zombified take on another classic.
Some things to note: "Chick Strips" on the specials board (classy) and how much better Rockwell's bindle looks.

This next cover is from fall 07, by artist Skott Young...

I love the trick of turning the squaresville principal into Scott with the simple use of the color red. The gag gets a little jumbled around again, since now instead of a firey redhaired girl being proud she got in a fight, we have a little mutant boy being proud that he got into a fight with a giant volcano man. Though I'm tempted to say you'll never go wrong with the addition of agiant volcano man, it's a little awkward to have the kid smiling like that with his presumable bully right next to him. Happiness is for private time.

6 comments:

Albo said...

You disgust me with your lack of Moon Knight knowledge. ::ptew::

DC scum.

Degan said...

Oh its on Marvel Boy! Everyone knows moon knight is a weak ass Batman ripoff!

Albo said...

Oh, come on! Marc Spector is a mercenary that was resurrected by an Egyptian god and now runs around beating the snot out of criminals to redeem his bloody past. Batman beats the snot out of criminals to avenge his bloody parents.

It's true that they're both wealthy, but Wayne was born into it while Spector's is the result of smart investment of his mercenary blood money.

And Moon Knight has like three alter egos / split personalities.

And he wears WHITE, where Batman wears DARK GREY.

AHR said...

Thanks for that character background, Moon Knight's Wikipedia Entry. I mean Albo.

Albo said...

Mannn, who do you think WROTE that page?

AHR said...

PS if bro has three alter-egos, Suydam really missed out on a chance for some fun with symbolism. TRIPLE self portrait, hello?