As any long-time reader of my articles on our blog knows, I love nothing more than gimmick covers. Give me a hologram, die-cut, acetate, polybagged, scratch’n’sniff, or any variation of and I am happy. Sometimes these fun covers would just be for the heck of it, but most of the time you knew something major was going to be going down that issue. And of course, what could be more momentous than the death of a major character!? Thus, here is my list of the top 5 gimmick covers on major death issues:
Silver Surfer #75: Death of Frankie Ray Nova
When I saw this in the supermarket racks when I was a child, I had never read a Silver Surfer issue before, but seeing that embossed prismatic foil cover of Silver Surfer practically leaping off the cover, I knew I had to read it. And I read and re read that issue a million times, as Silver Surfer and other former heralds of Galactus came together to defeat Morg, his most recent and bloodthirsty herald. Though this was my first time reading about her, seeing her die trying to defeat Morg was somehow devastating, a complete shock. I would go on to hunt down the rest of the Silver Surfer issues before it, I just had to know more about these cosmic creations.
X-Factor #100: Death of Jamie Madrox, the Multiple Man
No surprises off the shelf here, as it is quite obvious from the cover that Multiple Man would not be making it through this issue, but no less heartbreaking! I hadn’t read the earlier team adventures of X-Factor, but had been following since the inception of this group in X-Factor #71, and as with many readers, Multiple Man was an absolute favorite. It was very sad to see the end of Multiple Man, but that shiny foil red cover helped take the edge off a bit.
Spectacular Spider-Man #200: Death of Harry Osborn
Just look at this cover! An absolute must have, you can’t imagine my excitement when this issue came out. You knew you were in for an absolute brawl between Green Goblin and Spider-Man. But this would end up being not just any battle, as Harry Osborn is killed in the issue! An absolute pivotal issue in the Spider-Man lore, it is extremely worth the read, and of course, a priceless gimmick cover!
Superman #75: Death of Superman
The most obvious book to appear on this list, but one that just can’t be passed up. The death of all deaths! Much has been said of this book and of course it was a huge cultural event at the time, DC went all out with this polybagged issue, with the beyond iconic dripping blood Superman symbol. Sick! And jam packed with goodies, it came with a memorial poster, commemorative stamps, Daily Planet obituary, trading card, and outrageously a black mourning armband. A must have for any collection, it was THE book to own in the early 90s!
Amazing Spider-Man #400: Death of Aunt May
An absolute tearjerker, I was not prepared for the Death of Aunt May. You knew it was coming, as the cover has a wraparound, embossed gravestone cover! But it was still quite affecting for my young heart. No matter what was ever going on in Peter Parkers life, Aunt May could always be counted on to be there for him. I have to tell you; I cried my eyes out along with Pete in this one. Of course, Aunt May would return, but at the time, I thought it was forever. Personally, made all the more memorable for having gotten into a huge fight with my brother for making fun of me being sad over a comic book character dying. Will always be an unforgettable read. And a cover like none other!
So, there you have it, my favorite death of issues with memorable covers that demanded you take it home with you. Some may see a gimmick cover as a cheap ploy to sell some extra copies, but for me, it was a gateway to the imagination, and a clear signal that this was an issue that could make an impact on you for years to come. The true magic of comics!