Tue Apr 17, 2007 — by Elayne Riggs

Marvel draws a blank

Art-free cover ties in to Cap's death

In a gimmick reminiscent of Time Magazine naming the second person singular "You" as Person of the Year for 2006 using a reflective cover, thus skirting any responsibility for actually choosing a Person of the Year, Marvel has decided to give its usual cover artists a break by putting out a blank cover for its first edition of Fallen Son: The Death of Captain America.

They're technically calling this a "sketch cover," suggesting that "fans will have the opportunity to get an original sketch on the cover, get it signed by top Marvel creators, or perhaps even draw their own alternate cover! How’s that for one of a kind?"

While the gimmick is sure to be a hit with that portion of readers which attends conventions and patiently waits in queues for sketches, as well as with some aspiring professionals, I'm not sure the artist who might have made a couple hundred bucks illustrating that cover is very appreciative of the lost income.

(Note: When DC Comics published a blank cover on Wasteland, the artist never received payment.)

Jump to comments (1)