Superman Unchained variant covers celebrating Silver / Bronze ages

I recently picked up the Superman Unchained: Deluxe Edition hardcover, featuring Scott Snyder and Jim Lee's epic 9 issue tale. I found the main storyline to be pretty good, the best I read yet in the New 52 incarnation of Superman. It cannot compare to the best Bronze Age / post-Bronze age stories, of course, but it raised some interesting thoughts about Superman and how the U.S. military would view his role on Earth.

The 180+ page story isn't the reason to buy this volume, no, the real motivation are the backup extras! Each issue of this series had at least 8 variant covers celebrating all eras of Superman: Golden Age, Silver Age, Modern Age, New 52, etc. I had a great time looking at all of these and taking a trip down memory lane. Here are a few of my favorites.

1930s Era Superman (Triangle-S chest emblem)

Francis Manapul: this is a glorious composition, with the bi-plane above Metropolis and Superman's wonderful pose as he takes it down.

Howard Chaykin: featuring the original version of Luthor with red hair!

Silver Age Superman

Brian Bolland: glad they corralled Bolland into doing a cover for the Silver Age, his sense of humor fits right in there.

Yanick Paquette: bringing out the best in the Lois Lane drama.

Frazier Irving: The classic version of Braniac looms large in this illustration.

Bronze Age Superman

Jim Starlin: who can forget that Starlin gave Superman another worthy foe to battle.

Superman Reborn

Jon Bogdanove: featuring his creation, Steel! Looking very much like a Simonson illustration here, ironic considering that he worked with Louise Simonson.

Tom Grummett: featuring the new version of Superboy with the leather jacket and sunglasses! I can't help but miss this version and even the one that Geoff Johns did with the t-shirt and jeans (which apparently now Superman will wear).

New 52 Superman

Jim Lee: a classic Superman pose as he sheds his Clark Kent clothes to reveal the Superman costume underneath. I think it looks brilliant in black and white, lucky guys who went to ComicCon that year could buy it. How does he hide that raised collar under his shirt? :-)  Nuff Said!

Wonder Woman 600 pin-up by Francis Manapul

Here is Francis Manapul's pin-up that appeared in Wonder Woman #600, sans color.

If you are digging Manapul's Flash run, you should check out his interview with John Siuntres on Word Balloon.  Nuff Said!

Link: Francis Manapul's Homepage.

Flash Facts: Francis Manapul's Flash Artwork

Francis Manapul's work on the Flash has been revolutionary.  He is a great, fresh young talent with lots of enthusiasm for my favorite DC hero.

If you've been reading The Flash or Manapul's work on Superboy, you can tell that he doesn't have an inker.  I kept wondering why the finished product looks so good without one.  If you look at these pre-colored pages from Manapul's site, it gives you some insight.

The above illustration is from Flash #4.  How many times have we seen Barry Allen run up the side of a building?  Manapul's approach to this is refreshing, because of the perspective looking downward.  We see the cars, people, and after-images of the Flash on the street below.  The detail and shading are amazing.

Here's a look at the first issue cover.  Aren't the streets in Central and Keystone City all torn to shreds because of the Speedsters?  wouldn't mind being a special edition issue with all the original pages in this format. 

Does Manapul draw everything on paper or on a tablet, or some hybrid method?  Comic Book Resources featured this tour of Manapul's studio.  I'd love to be a fly on the wall.  Nuff Said!

Link: Faster Francis: Artist FRANCIS MANAPUL Talks THE FLASH

Link: Francis Manapul's Homepage.

Francis Manapul: Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes

Continuing on my Legion of Super-Heroes binge (there won't be a purge, don't worry), here is a great illustration by Francis Manapul...

Superboy and the founding Legion members (Saturn Girl, Lightning Lad, Cosmic Boy) flying in space.  I love how the Legion Ring shines on Superboy's hand.  Nuff Said!

Link: Francis Manapul's Homepage.