Marvel’s Michael Turner “Hulk” Tribute Covers
In an announcement released earlier today, Marvel Comics has released the variant cover images for Hulk issues #6 and #7 featuring the art of recently deceased, fan-favorite artist Michael Turner. Turner passed away on June 27 due to complications in his battle with cancer.
Hulk writer Jeph Loeb had this to say about the covers:
“Living in a world without Mike is something I could never imagine,” said Hulk scribe Jeph Loeb. “He was the greatest guy. The. Greatest. I wanted some way to share my love of his artwork and at the same time give something to the fans — who were more important to Mike than anyone can imagine — and spoke to Marvel about doing these covers. They are pieces Mike did of the Green Hulk (one as a gift to Frank Mastromauro)and Peter Steigerwald of Aspen Comics did the recoloring and remastering. It was terribly important to me that Peter and Aspen got to be part of this as well. They are a celebration of Mike’s enormous talent and in turn, his life. Enjoy.”
Hulk #6 is scheduled for release September 24, while Hulk #7 is scheduled for an October 22 release.
So, ComicMix readers, what are your thoughts on the use of Turner’s art in these covers? Is it a respectable tribute to a beloved creator or something a bit more… suspect? Either way, the art is as impressive as always, but I’d love to hear your thoughts on the decision to release these covers.
Full-size versions of both cover images are posted after the jump.
"Is it a respectable tribute to a beloved creator or something a bit more… suspect?" Are you asking, "Are we jackals picking at the bones of a dead artist?" Nah. I don't think so.I'm of the opinion that I will enjoy life more if I try to assume the best of people, at least until they prove me wrong. Still, I keep an eye on my wallet. It's just very hard to sit and say, "They're not mourning in the right way." When I was young and my heart was an open book, I used to say, "Live and let live."
While in my everyday life I certainly try to assume the best of people and always approach things with an attitude of "my trust is yours to lose," the journalist in me has been tuned to be skeptical of everything. There's an old adage in the news scene: "If your mother says she loves you, don't publish it unless you get it on the record and find two reliable sources you can quote."So when it comes to things like this, I'm always a bit torn. One side of me appreciates it for what it is: a new piece of art from a great guy who always put his fans first and should be celebrated with the best of 'em. The other side of me, though, has to question why it's coming out now and where the money trail leads.But that's what this sort of post is all about: sparking a discussion. Thanks for offering up your thoughts, Russ.
It's nice to see new work (to me) from the very talented Mr. Turner.
The green Hulk cover is the thinest Hulk I've ever seen.
I wish the Red Hulk one had been colored green. It's the cooler piece of art. And I hate the Red Hulk.
Marvel should give the proceeds to Charity then there would no question of their intentions…….