15 most shocking comic book covers of all time

Since the advent of comics, some writers and artists have begun to strive to portray the most extraordinary pictures on the covers. Others drew the most shocking and unusual cover art. There are comics that make you feel better, give you a boost of vivacity, motivate, encourage action.

Among the outstanding works there are many comics, a whole bunch of stories and images that could hardly motivate, they still stir up controversy among people. Some of them were somewhat contradictory, people could not immediately understand what was at stake. Whether it's propaganda or honest and gracious descriptions of the time, comic book covers can be a powerful addition.

So, this article describes 15 of the most famous, scandalous and shocking comic book covers of all time. Of course, one or two of them may seem “innocent"By today's standards, but that doesn't mean they didn't generate outrage when they were first released. In addition, some of them have caused controversy and surprise for decades to those who viewed them with modern eyes. Also take a look at the article 10 Best Russian Comics.

15. Superman's Friend Lois Lane # 106

To promote Superman, journalist Lois Lane wanted to know what life is like for black people living in Africa. Upon arrival in Africa, no one wanted to talk to the girl who quickly received the inscription "Whitey". Frightened, Lois decided to use the car Plastimold Superman to darken himself during the day. Yes, it really happened.

After the black Lois Lane ends up in Africa, she greets the locals, gets inspired and writes history. Unfortunately, she is now ignored by white people thanks to her new appearance. You can see DC trying to tackle the racism and racial tensions of the time, but the cover and story were as hard as the punch in the face. You might be interested in article 15 comic book heroes from different countries.

14. World's Finest # 14

Many comments have been written over the years of Batman's relationship with his ward, Dick Grayson / Robin, and things like the 1941 World's Finest # 14 covers will not help you understand, and on the contrary, will confuse you.

Of course, in the 40s, this kind of cover was not surprising because it was a more innocent time when two adults could just swim with a group of scantily dressed boys without worrying about how people would view the situation. Looking at it through a 2017 lens, it gives a completely different response.

Such a cover in our time would have caused a crowd of people with weapons in their hands because of sexualization, in connection with all the events that are taking place. Because many can assume how everything could end.

13.X-Statix # 15

One of the comic book covers that has left a lot of people confused, especially those who call the UK “home". Designed as a parody of the X-Men, this story featured many strange characters and bizarre imagery. And then X-Statix # 15 came out, which featured a mutant version of Diana, Princess of Wales, on the cover.

Diana passed away tragically in 1997 after a car accident caused in part by a high-speed paparazzi chase. To many, Diana still seems to be a figure of hope, sincerity and positiveness in the world, and her placement on the front cover of a comic book 6 years after her death was strange, controversial, shocking.

12. Life with Archie # 36

Released in 2014 Life with Archie # 36, a major decision was made to kill Archie Andrews. Although he may not be as popular or well-known as some of the characters from Marvel or DC, Archie has built a huge fan club since debuting in 1941. But in theory, he should have died.

It was a monumental moment that was the perfect way to ward off the death of innocence that had long been lost in a world of hatred, bigotry and anger. Of course, the younger Archie is still alive and well used in other comics.

11. Amazing Spider-Man # 422

For those who are even remotely familiar with the history of Spider-Man, you should know that Electro is a rogue who can control, manipulate and generate electricity. We saw a brutal implementation on the cover of Amazing Spider-Man # 422 Electrowho is trying to regain his strength after temporarily losing it.

Thus, Max Dillon is electrocuted to death. The cover depicts Max being electrocuted, hoping to get his powers back.

Of course this whole scheme will work and Electro will return with more powerful powers than ever before. However, this does not mean that the cover of The Amazing Spider-Man # 422 was not true, the image of the deceased Max stayed with readers for a long time before leaving the shelves.

10. Superman # 75

When you talk about monumental moments in comic book stories, Superman's death is one of the most famous and startling standout stories. You have to keep in mind that this was a time when comic book heroes rarely died. More often it happened that the characters died, but instantly returned from the world of the dead, as if death meant nothing.

At the time, no one had a clue that Superman would ever be killed, but DC decided to do just that. At the time of Superman's death, the monstrous Doomsday debuted and fought to death with the Man of Steel. Superman's death was one of the most striking, in addition to the shocking cover for Superman # 75.

Of course, Superman will indeed return from the dead, in fact, he was in a deep nightmare all this time, and not died, after all, he started the tendency of the characters not to stay dead forever.

9. Spider-Woman # 1

From a modern point of view, the cover of this comic has caused a major scandal and controversy. This 2014 cover version by Mila Manara for Spider-Woman, her title has been extremely criticized for the erotic style and sexual nature in which she portrayed Jessica Drew.

The problem here, however, is that Marvel comics fully knew that the cover they received from Manara was in the erotic genre - and the company defended its choice.

The most dizzying thing here was that it happened at the moment when Marvel tried their best to reach out to readers with characters like Spider-Woman and Captain Marvel. And that the best way to attract readers is to create a new female image.

8. Captain America # 1

It received tremendous attention with the hero slapping Adolf Hitler in the face in 1941 during World War II. This is exactly the moment when Modern Comics (later known as Marvel Comics) introduced Captain America to the world. And this is perhaps the best way to introduce your character. By depicting him with one of the most famous villains.

This theme of the comic was most likely used for propaganda purposes, caused by the cause of the United States and its allies in the fight against Nazi Germany. Of course, the Sentinel of Liberty has been used as a propaganda tool too, but it has been modernized over the decades to be a sign of hope, ambition, honesty, and simply motivate people to do the right thing and make tough decisions. Captain America # 1 was controversial and impressive.

7. Astonishing X-Men # 51

What makes Astonishing X-Men # 51 so memorable is Marvel Comics' first ever gay marriage. At the time, Marvel was not against gay marriage in their stories, but this was the first time they had written a story about gay marriage.

With some US states still refusing to recognize gay marriage, Marvel has taken a bold move to show its support for the gay community.After all, the entire creation of the X-Men back in 1963 was made to show how different and unique people are, and that we should all be treated as equals, regardless of background, culture or belief.

6. Iron Man # 128

As seen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Tony Stark is a man who loves to drink expensive drinks, usually expensive, rare whiskey. But while Robert Downey is positioned to be attractive, Tony Stark has had some far more serious drinking problems.

After several disputes and disagreements, this story finally ended, and Iron Man realized all his mistakes, which were sometimes shocking. It was hard for him not to lose control.

5. Crime SuspenStories # 22

Crime SuspenStories # 22 Comic Cover Entered top of the most vile and shocking covers of all time... Of course, in our time we have all seen worse pictures, and the picture itself is not particularly offensive or there is shocking graphics in it. But back in time when this comic was released in the early 1950s, the world was very different, naturally, the cover caused absolute outrage over the image of a man with an ax and a severed head.

It was very controversial, then it was relevant to use the comic book as evidence in a court case. Unfortunately, lawsuits, like the bad press, have helped generate a lot of horror comic book sales.

4. Ultimates # 8

The controversy here is that the duo in this photo are Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch, who are siblings. Now, the comic book cover's portrayal of siblings is far from controversial, but the shocking part is that in the story, they were indeed involved in an incestuous love relationship.

The fact that Marvel chose to create a sibling romance is one of the most striking and surprising plot points in modern comic book history, and everything you need to know about it is depicted on the cover of Ultimates # 8. However, it was also controversial when Marvel decided “kill"The heroine of the comic book Scarlet Witch, and end the relationship.

3. Lobo # 1

Back in 1965, little was heard of Dell Comics, but in the future they gave the world a new comic book title called Lobo, which features an African American cowboy in the Wild West on its cover. For many, it was a surprise that the comic was adorned with a black hero.

So it was controversial at the time, Lobo managed to be popular, but not for long, in the future the release was canceled. Unfortunately, in 1965, the world was not ready to accept an African American hero. However, it was a completely groundbreaking comic and the event paved the way for a wider variety of comics and heroes.

2. Adventure Comics # 415

The cover art for Adventure Comics # 415 is one of the most shocking and controversial comic book history. The cover depicts Supergirl unconscious, being dragged by her hair due to her refusal to marry.

In addition to this, critics hailed the comic as propaganda of sexism and violence. Another thing that is also surprising is that the reaction to this comic during its early 1972 release was relatively subtle.

It's clear that mindsets have changed over the decades, and a cover like this just won't shock you today. Again, the 70s was a time when views of gender equality were constantly expanding.

1. Green Lantern / Green Arrow # 85

The cover art for this comic is by far one of the most controversial, shocking, and iconic in comic book history. To DC Comics' credit, it was a way to tackle the ever-growing drug problems that faced the public in 1971. Essentially, the shocking cover of Green Lantern / Green Arrow # 85 shows Roy Harper among injecting drug users. Yes, Roy Harper, later known as Arsenal and Red Arrow, is portrayed as a drug addict at some point in time.

At that time, and even to this day, the cover of Green Lantern / Green Arrow # 85 is an image that may not motivate but is shocking no matter how many times you look at it. Dealing with such a huge challenge in real life was a bold step from the constant pressure, but it certainly paid off as this cover, and especially the story, became some of the most memorable at that particular moment in comic history.