Foil-enhanced covers coming back to Marvel?

[bartleby]

http://www.bleedingcool.com/2009/07/09/the-return-of-the-enhanced-cover/



And let the bitching commence.


Marvel Introduces Groundbreaking Foilogram Covers on ULTIMATE COMICS

Marvel is pleased to unveil the special variant covers to Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #1, Ultimate Comics Avengers #1 and Ultimate Comics Armor Wars #1 utilizing the brand-new Foilogram cover treatment! Part foil, part hologram, these reflective covers will jump at you from shelves! Watch as Spider-Man’s webbing catches the light! Examine the intricate technology of Tony Stark! And, yes, that’s Captain America’s shield shining back at you!

“This is Marvel doing the nineties right,” explained David Gabriel, Marvel Comics Senior Vice President of Sales & Circulation. “We’re taking two of the most popular cover treatments of all time—foil and holograms—to create an all new kind of cover, as a ‘thank-you’ to fans who’ve been demanding this kind of variant! Retailers and fans don't need to worry. We're only doing this on a limited basis. You won't see one on Ms Marvel #46 or Lockjaw and the Pet Avengers #4. We're using them to mark very special occasions…such as the launch of Ultimate Comics line.”

As the Ultimate Comics line launches with Marvel’s top characters and top creators, you can’t miss the star-studded Ultimate Comics Avengers #1, Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #1 and Ultimate Comics Armor Wars #1, now with Foilogram Variant Covers! Fans, speak to your retailers now about how to secure one of these variant covers!

ULTIMATE COMICS AVENGERS #1 FOILOGRAM VARIANT (JUN090470)
Written by MARK MILLAR
Pencils by CARLOS PACHECO
Special Foilogram Variant by CARLOS PACHECO
Parental Advisory …$3.99
FOC—7/21/09, On-Sale—8/12/0

ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDER-MAN #1 FOILOGRAM VARIANT (JUN090473)
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Pencils by DAVID LAFUENTE
Special Foilogram Variant by DAVID LAFUENTE
Rated T+ …$3.99
FOC—7/21/09, On-Sale—8/12/09


ULTIMATE COMICS ARMOR WARS #1 (of 4) FOILOGRAM VARIANT (JUL090484)
Written by WARREN ELLIS
Penciled by STEVE KURTH
Special Foilogram Variant by BRANDON PETERSON
Rated T+ …$3.99
FOC—8/27/09, On-Sale—9/16/09

[bachman]

http://www.bleedingcool.com/2009/07/09/the-return-of-the-enhanced-cover/



And let the bitching commence.

Isn't preemptive bitching about bitching the same as regular bitching?

[Zac Goyette]

I don't buy variants regularly so it doesn't really bother or affect me. If people like them and want to buy them, more power to them.

[Ray G.]

:lol:

Hilarious.

[DAVE]

Awesome!

[bachman]

I would buy one. Because of the funny.

[bartleby]

I don't buy variants regularly so it doesn't really bother or affect me. If people like them and want to buy them, more power to them.

Yeah, I'm basically the same way. As long as enhanced covers don't become an excuse to publish comics with inferior content, I could care less about what they do with the cover, especially on "chase" variants.

[JasonD]

It might not be too bad as long as they're done only on rare occasions. I believe the reason they were so prevelent in the 90s was because collectors would come and in and snatch them up, collectors who all disappeared when they realized that most of these titles weren't worth the paper they were printed on, very least going to be able to put their kids through college.

Occasionally a cool cover is just that, and not some harbinger of the death of the industry.

[THWIP!]

Who cares?

[Zac Goyette]

Yeah, I'm basically the same way. As long as enhanced covers don't become an excuse to publish comics with inferior content, I could care less about what they do with the cover, especially on "chase" variants.
Yep. I'm sure some people will use this as an excuse to push their dislike for Marvel, but if it doesn't affect anyone's buying habits which it shouldn't then the bitching is pointless.

[AndrewG]

If it's a variant, who cares? They could make a glow in the dark, cut out and charge 9 bucks for a 22 page story but if it's a variant I don't have a problem with it. If companies were to start putting special covers on all versions of a comic and upping the price then I'd be miffed.

I think it would be genius to use these types of cover variants for books like X-Men Forever and Clone Saga especially.

[cPol]

Bring it. If it's a book I don't want to read, I can ignore holo-chromatic glow-in-the-dark foil as easily as a regular cover. If it raises the price of a book I do want to read, well... I can drop books from my subscription, too.

[bartleby]

I believe the reason they were so prevelent in the 90s was because collectors would come and in and snatch them up, collectors who all disappeared when they realized that most of these titles weren't worth the paper they were printed on, very least going to be able to put their kids through college.

Yeah, that's definitely how I see it. A lot of the speculators didn't know the first thing about comics because they didn't actually read any of them. They were basically looking for whatever books they thought would have some potential value whether it be because of a special cover or a big event or a first issue or the introduction of a character. A comic book that was just well-written and well-drawn didn't have any appeal to those people because they were just looking for something that was going to make them rich, and those books typically didn't do it.

[fast1]

it doesn't matter to me as long the content remains good.http://photosnag.com/img/3322/n09x0302vnsn/clear.gif

[I AM GROOT!]

If they're just variants, I don't see a problem. It just means I can buy the regular, non-enhanced edition. The problem you originally ran into back in the 90s was that, at times, the enhanced edition was the only option you had (Marvel did wise up and start offering a non-enhanced edition in addition to the enhanced cover).

[Zac Goyette]

If it's a variant, who cares? They could make a glow in the dark, cut out and charge 9 bucks for a 22 page story but if it's a variant I don't have a problem with it. If companies were to start putting special covers on all versions of a comic and upping the price then I'd be miffed.

I think it would be genius to use these types of cover variants for books like X-Men Forever and Clone Saga especially.

You will find a way to work the Clone Saga or Ben Reilly into any thread, won't you?:wink:

[DAVE]

Enhanced covers were a symptom, not the cause, of the problems in 90's comics. They clearly were an effective way of attracting attention to comics. It just so happens that many of the comics behind those shiny covers lacked quality. There is nothing inherently wrong with enhanced covers in and of themselves. As long as the focus is on the quality of the stories, and not merely on the newest gadget on the cover, this won't happen again. It's a knee jerk reaction to be like, "Foil covers=90's, BAD!". That's like saying if a specific color was used a lot during the 90's so now that color can't be used anymore. It's not like these are the only way you can buy the book, they're alternate covers.
It's a ballsy move on Marvel's behalf to bring back something that is so hated. I look forward to seeing what they come up with. And, if like it did for a lot of us back in the 90's, if it causes a kid to check out Ultimate Comics Spider-man for the first time because the cover is shiny, and he loves the story inside- isn't that a good thing?

Also, am I the only one that got pretty nostalgic looking at the covers that Rich posted on Bleeding Cool from the 90's?

[RebootedCorpse]

Wow. Those who refuse to learn from history yadda, yadda.

[bartleby]

I wouldn't even mind that much if the occasional regular cover had some kind of enhancement as long as it looked good, didn't effect the price too significantly, and had some reason for being done. For instance, if the Alex Ross cover for CAPTAIN AMERICA: REBORN was in chromium and only cost $3.99 or $4.99, I'd have no problem getting it.


But if they were to start sticking hologram covers on books just because Wolverine makes a guest appearance, I wouldn't be happy about it.

[Doug]

I wasn't planning on getting the regular versions of the books, so an enhanced variant does not bother me at all.

[Magnum V.I.]

Enhanced covers were a symptom, not the cause, of the problems in 90's comics. They clearly were an effective way of attracting attention to comics. It just so happens that many of the comics behind those shiny covers lacked quality. There is nothing inherently wrong with enhanced covers in and of themselves. As long as the focus is on the quality of the stories, and not merely on the newest gadget on the cover, this won't happen again. It's a knee jerk reaction to be like, "Foil covers=90's, BAD!". That's like saying if a specific color was used a lot during the 90's so now that color can't be used anymore. It's not like these are the only way you can buy the book, they're alternate covers.
It's a ballsy move on Marvel's behalf to bring back something that is so hated. I look forward to seeing what they come up with. And, if like it did for a lot of us back in the 90's, if it causes a kid to check out Ultimate Comics Spider-man for the first time because the cover is shiny, and he loves the story inside- isn't that a good thing?

Also, am I the only one that got pretty nostalgic looking at the covers that Rich posted on Bleeding Cool from the 90's?

I had several of them. :Oops:

[DAVE]

I had several of them. :Oops:

Millions of people had several of them. There's nothing to be embarrassed about.

[Zac Goyette]

Enhanced covers were a symptom, not the cause, of the problems in 90's comics. They clearly were an effective way of attracting attention to comics. It just so happens that many of the comics behind those shiny covers lacked quality. There is nothing inherently wrong with enhanced covers in and of themselves. As long as the focus is on the quality of the stories, and not merely on the newest gadget on the cover, this won't happen again. It's a knee jerk reaction to be like, "Foil covers=90's, BAD!". That's like saying if a specific color was used a lot during the 90's so now that color can't be used anymore. It's not like these are the only way you can buy the book, they're alternate covers.
It's a ballsy move on Marvel's behalf to bring back something that is so hated. I look forward to seeing what they come up with. And, if like it did for a lot of us back in the 90's, if it causes a kid to check out Ultimate Comics Spider-man for the first time because the cover is shiny, and he loves the story inside- isn't that a good thing?

Also, am I the only one that got pretty nostalgic looking at the covers that Rich posted on Bleeding Cool from the 90's?

You hit it right on the head.

[bartleby]

Wow. Those who refuse to learn from history yadda, yadda.

As AMERICA DAVE so eloquently put it, enhanced covers weren't the problem themselves. As long as Marvel handles it properly, it doesn't have to be a bad thing. The tricky part will be showing restraint if people are eager to buy the books with these covers.

[AndrewG]

You will find a way to work the Clone Saga or Ben Reilly into any thread, won't you?:wink:

Hmm. Wonder if I could figure out a way to legitimately work it into the political thread or something equally difficult. :)

[Zac Goyette]

I had several of them. :Oops:

Same here. They were nice looking covers even thought they were a gimmick.

[Zac Goyette]

Hmm. Wonder if I could figure out a way to legitimately work it into the political thread or something equally difficult. :)
Do It!!!!!:D

[AndrewG]

Do It!!!!!:D

It has to come naturally. :)

[DAVE]

Hmm. Wonder if I could figure out a way to legitimately work it into the political thread or something equally difficult. :)

Easy: Stem cell research and the Jackal's effect on the field of research.

[Magnum V.I.]

Millions of people had several of them. There's nothing to be embarrassed about.

I loved the covers personally. I would never spend 50 bucks on one, but I like shiny comics.

[Ray G.]

Yeah, I have no problem with this unless they start releasing them as the only cover at a higher price point.

[AndrewG]

Easy: Stem cell research and the Jackal's effect on the field of research.

:thumb:

[RoShambo]

I had several of them. :Oops:

I still have 9 of them. :rock:

[bartleby]

Yeah, I have no problem with this unless they start releasing them as the only cover at a higher price point.

What if it's for an anniversary issue or a first issue that's already going to have a higher cover price than normal?

[bartleby]

But honestly, is there anyone, even today, who doesn't think the glow-in-the-dark GHOST RIDER cover looks cool?

[Zac Goyette]

I loved the covers personally. I would never spend 50 bucks on one, but I like shiny comics.

Me too! Shiny comics are pretty sweet.

[Ray G.]

What if it's for an anniversary issue or a first issue that's already going to have a higher cover price than normal?

If it's for a $4.00 anniversary/first issue that's now going for $5.00 because of the cover, I have a problem with it.

[jason hissong]

I can't wait.

[TheKraken]

I like how, in amongst all those foils and die-cuts and holograms and glow-in-the-dark covers, Rich included that Hulk issue with its truly outrage-worthy enhancement, a spot color. It didn't even cost more than a regular issue.

[Supreme Convoy]

Ooh, shiny!

Honestly, if the cover is cool I'd consider it. The director's cut of certain books like Avengers #500 and Fantastic Four #500 had foil covers and I didn't mind those.

[AndrewG]

But honestly, is there anyone, even today, who doesn't think the glow-in-the-dark GHOST RIDER cover looks cool?

That was the best variant/gimmick cover of all time

[JABSEN]

That Wolverine #50 one was actually really cool.

[dEnny!]

Marvel Introduces Groundbreaking Foilogram Covers on ULTIMATE COMICS

Marvel is pleased to unveil the special variant covers to Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #1, Ultimate Comics Avengers #1 and Ultimate Comics Armor Wars #1 utilizing the brand-new Foilogram cover treatment! Part foil, part hologram, these reflective covers will jump at you from shelves! Watch as Spider-Man’s webbing catches the light! Examine the intricate technology of Tony Stark! And, yes, that’s Captain America’s shield shining back at you!

“This is Marvel doing the nineties right,” explained David Gabriel, Marvel Comics Senior Vice President of Sales & Circulation. “We’re taking two of the most popular cover treatments of all time—foil and holograms—to create an all new kind of cover, as a ‘thank-you’ to fans who’ve been demanding this kind of variant! Retailers and fans don't need to worry. We're only doing this on a limited basis. You won't see one on Ms Marvel #46 or Lockjaw and the Pet Avengers #4. We're using them to mark very special occasions…such as the launch of Ultimate Comics line.”

As the Ultimate Comics line launches with Marvel’s top characters and top creators, you can’t miss the star-studded Ultimate Comics Avengers #1, Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #1 and Ultimate Comics Armor Wars #1, now with Foilogram Variant Covers! Fans, speak to your retailers now about how to secure one of these variant covers!

ULTIMATE COMICS AVENGERS #1 FOILOGRAM VARIANT (JUN090470)
Written by MARK MILLAR
Pencils by CARLOS PACHECO
Special Foilogram Variant by CARLOS PACHECO
Parental Advisory …$3.99
FOC—7/21/09, On-Sale—8/12/0

ULTIMATE COMICS SPIDER-MAN #1 FOILOGRAM VARIANT (JUN090473)
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS
Pencils by DAVID LAFUENTE
Special Foilogram Variant by DAVID LAFUENTE
Rated T+ …$3.99
FOC—7/21/09, On-Sale—8/12/09


ULTIMATE COMICS ARMOR WARS #1 (of 4) FOILOGRAM VARIANT (JUL090484)
Written by WARREN ELLIS
Penciled by STEVE KURTH
Special Foilogram Variant by BRANDON PETERSON
Rated T+ …$3.99
FOC—8/27/09, On-Sale—9/16/09

[bartleby]

“This is Marvel doing the nineties right,” explained David Gabriel, Marvel Comics Senior Vice President of Sales & Circulation. “We’re taking two of the most popular cover treatments of all time—foil and holograms—to create an all new kind of cover, as a ‘thank-you’ to fans who’ve been demanding this kind of variant! Retailers and fans don't need to worry. We're only doing this on a limited basis. You won't see one on Ms Marvel #46 or Lockjaw and the Pet Avengers #4. We're using them to mark very special occasions…such as the launch of Ultimate Comics line.”

At least, he's saying the right things. And the cover price is only $3.99, which is the regular cover price, although it's not clear if these are going to be "chase" variants that stores are going to sell for above cover price.

[dEnny!]

At least, he's saying the right things. And the cover price is only $3.99, which is the regular cover price, although it's not clear if these are going to be "chase" variants that stores are going to sell for above cover price.

I would think these would be 1:X number variants, which will result in a premium placed on these at the retailer level. This will also be a great way to get orders up on these titles if they offer them as a 1:X variant because if it's 1:25 and you normally order 90 copies you'll increase it to 100 to get the extra variant to sell.

I have been nostalgic for the 90's. :p

But while he's saying the "right things" for the enhanced cover treatment Marvel has been very variant happy this past year.

70th Anniversary White Variants
King Variant
Volverine Art Variants
Decade Variants
70th Frame Variant
Villain Variant
Martin Variants on 70th Anniversary Special
Milestone Issue Variants 1:25/1:50
Young Guns Variants
Calero Variants on Noir
EMC Variants on Hulk
Cow Variants

For me this is just another variant, no biggie.

[xhondax]

The Ghost Rider glow in the dark and Wolvie #50 covers were the best. I still have those somewhere. I got out of comics around this time so the second half of the ones Rich posted I have never seen.
I don't really care about this, I stopped buying variants a long time ago just to buy more regular books. As long as this stays something they only break out every once in a while I'm fine with whatever Marvel or DC thinks will get people excited about comics.

[sharp1]

This is like variants in general to me. They don't really affect me at all (except for my having to remove them after I create my DCBS order from my pull list. :angry: )

During the 90s, the use of enhanced covers was not really the problem. The issue was that enhanced covers were sometimes used to attract attention to sub-standard books. Want a worse example than what they showed? Anyone remember the Eclipso special from DC with the plastic black diamond glued onto the cover? Yuck. Bad comic. Bad gimmick.

On the other hand, I don't mind if they do it to a good comic. Anyone remember that the Sandman Special: Orpheus featured a glow in the dark cover by McKean? Not a variant, only an enhancement. That was not a problem to me.

[DAVE]

Eclipso: The Darkness Within kicked ass.

[Hoggie]

I like these variants. I will try and get these and then sell them to someone for 10x the price.

[Ryan_ZOOM_Turner]

Cool!

[DAVE]

After these are a hit, and DC does this a year from now, will it be a news story?

[Jason Baur]

The first Ultimate Iron Man mini already had a shiny cover anyway. I have no problem with this.

[artimoff]

Tradewaiter. Don't care.

[Hoggie]

The image for UCSM #1 isn't the official cover right?

[Jew Mafia]

I like this line

"as a ‘thank-you’ to fans who’ve been demanding this kind of variant! "

As if fans have been bombarding their LCS's, the internet, and Marvel's offices for Foilogram.


I mean really?

:lol:

[Kefky]

Do they have to call them "groundbreaking"? I mean, c'mon, that's like begging people to mock you.

[Akira]

Same here. They were nice looking covers even thought they were a gimmick.

A large portion of my 90s collection agrees with you
http://www.comicbookdb.com/graphics/comic_graphics/1/17/11799_20051123220025_large.jpghttp://www.comicbookdb.com/graphics/comic_graphics/1/104/4001_20060807174504_large.jpghttp://www.comicbookdb.com/graphics/comic_graphics/1/104/4000_20060807174216_large.jpghttp://www.comicbookdb.com/graphics/comic_graphics/1/104/3806_20060807173154_large.jpghttp://www.comicbookdb.com/graphics/comic_graphics/1/104/3805_20060807180900_large.jpghttp://www.comicbookdb.com/graphics/comic_graphics/1/41/11974_20060121110338_v1_large.jpghttp://www.comicbookdb.com/graphics/comic_graphics/1/123/35327_20060918164450_large.jpghttp://www.comicbookdb.com/graphics/comic_graphics/1/103/3988_20060804115346_large.jpghttp://www.comicbookdb.com/graphics/comic_graphics/1/106/18966_20060813121232_large.jpghttp://www.comicbookdb.com/graphics/comic_graphics/1/105/18501_20060810195717_large.jpghttp://www.comicbookdb.com/graphics/comic_graphics/1/27/14471_20051213130413_large.jpghttp://www.comicbookdb.com/graphics/comic_graphics/1/101/3793_20060728203850_large.jpghttp://www.comicbookdb.com/graphics/comic_graphics/1/103/10945_20060801230604_large.jpghttp://www.comicbookdb.com/graphics/comic_graphics/1/50/31760_20060309100738_large.jpghttp://www.comicbookdb.com/graphics/comic_graphics/1/109/10288_20060820175447_large.jpghttp://www.comicbookdb.com/graphics/comic_graphics/1/104/5444_20060807175036_large.jpghttp://www.comicbookdb.com/graphics/comic_graphics/1/104/5445_20060807175420_large.jpghttp://www.comicbookdb.com/graphics/comic_graphics/1/209/37383_20070905001521_large.jpghttp://www.comicbookdb.com/graphics/comic_graphics/1/247/13018_20080320053319_large.jpghttp://www.comicbookdb.com/graphics/comic_graphics/1/247/30878_20080320052953_large.jpghttp://www.comicbookdb.com/graphics/comic_graphics/1/83/30633_20060610184716_large.jpghttp://www.comicbookdb.com/graphics/comic_graphics/1/63/30879_20060421150216_large.jpghttp://www.comicbookdb.com/graphics/comic_graphics/1/93/13020_20060711170338_large.jpg

[JamesV]

Do they have to call them "groundbreaking"? I mean, c'mon, that's like begging people to mock you.

I think the word "foilogram" is mock worthy enough actually..

[Dan-C]

I'm like half

http://indietravelpodcast.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/homer-doh-square.jpg

And half

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Pjw5U_2Yn3g/SFW4oIddMgI/AAAAAAAAADg/WalktodbiqY/s320/homer%2Bdrool%2B2%5B1%5D.JPG

[aasutton]

We’re taking two of the most popular cover treatments of all time—foil and holograms—to create an all new kind of cover, as a ‘thank-you’ to fans who’ve been demanding this kind of variant!



Has anyone -- anyone -- been demanding this kind of variant? Stand up and be counted!

[DAVE]

Has anyone -- anyone -- been demanding this kind of variant? Stand up and be counted!

We'll just count how many they sell, and then you'll know.

[mike black]

Enhanced covers were a symptom, not the cause, of the problems in 90's comics. They clearly were an effective way of attracting attention to comics. It just so happens that many of the comics behind those shiny covers lacked quality. There is nothing inherently wrong with enhanced covers in and of themselves. As long as the focus is on the quality of the stories, and not merely on the newest gadget on the cover, this won't happen again. It's a knee jerk reaction to be like, "Foil covers=90's, BAD!". That's like saying if a specific color was used a lot during the 90's so now that color can't be used anymore. It's not like these are the only way you can buy the book, they're alternate covers.
It's a ballsy move on Marvel's behalf to bring back something that is so hated. I look forward to seeing what they come up with. And, if like it did for a lot of us back in the 90's, if it causes a kid to check out Ultimate Comics Spider-man for the first time because the cover is shiny, and he loves the story inside- isn't that a good thing?

Also, am I the only one that got pretty nostalgic looking at the covers that Rich posted on Bleeding Cool from the 90's?

I don't like them because they're ugly.

[DAVE]

I don't like them because they're ugly.

All of them that have ever been made or ever will be made?

[Taxman]

I've been calling on this for months. :rock:

[Cth]

That was the best variant/gimmick cover of all time

Nope.

http://i5.ebayimg.com/06/i/001/41/2d/cdef_12.JPG
The Mighty Magnor (Issue 1 - First pop up cover)

http://www.coverbrowser.com/image/superman-man-of-steel/30-1.jpg
Superman Man of Steel (Issue 30 - Colorforms Supes vs Lobo, Blood splotches, detachable arms, etc)

http://www.valiantcomics.com/valiant/CD/vh1/Valiant/valiantvision.jpg
Valiant Vision Starter Kit (3D Glasses that make warm colors pop out and cool colors fade into the background -- I just picked up yet another copy at Heroes Con for 10 cents. It made every comic instantly 3D.. Valiant just decided to start coloring things intentionally that way, and that cover shows why it didn't catch on -- still you gotta have this issue for the glasses)

[mike black]

All of them that have ever been made or ever will be made?

I think generally, foil, chromium, glow in the dark, hologram, gold, etc covers are ugly.

There are rare exceptions (Ghost Rider #1 is pretty awesome, but that's in spite of it being glow in the dark, not because of it.) For the most part, though, they are ugly as hell, and something I had hoped that the comics industry had grown past.

They are the sequential art equivalent of:

http://freetraveler.net/pictures/09.28.06/gold_house/1.jpg

[dEnny!]

We'll just count how many they sell, and then you'll know.

Will that be accurate though? Since these will more than likely be a 1:X number variant they probably could sell more if it was 1:4, but I'm pretty sure we're looking at a 1:10, 1:15, 1:25, or maybe even 1:50 variant.

Of course they never publish that information in their press releases.