The Best Comic Book Cover Artists of 2013: Part Four

ComicsAlliance continues its look back at the best cover artists of 2013, putting the spotlight on Mike Del Mundo (X-Men: Legacy), Massimo Carevale (Conan the Barbarian), Kris Anka (Uncanny X-Force) and Dave Johnson (Brother Lono). When it comes to creating compelling character portraits that open a window on another world, these are four artists who make it look easy.

MIKE DEL MUNDO on X-MEN: LEGACY (Marvel)

In creating a book about a character as weird and fringe as Legion, Simon Spurrier and Tan Eng Huat must have had a lot of leeway to create a series with a unique voice and identity. Mike Del Mundo's inventive covers deserve a big chunk of the credit for establishing that identity, and for convincing readers like me to give this odd little book a chance.

MASSIMO CARNEVALE on CONAN THE BARBARIAN (Dark Horse)

Massimo Carnevale brings wonderful color, contrast and originality to the carnal, muscular world of Conan the Barbarian with covers that bring his world and stories to life. His covers are simultaneously intense and composed.

KRIS ANKA on UNCANNY X-FORCE, WOLVERINE & THE X-MEN and A+X (Marvel)

Few artists capture the spirit of Marvel's magnificent fighting ladies better than Kris Anka, which made him a natural choice to provide stunning covers across the X-books line in 2013. The women on his covers are always strong, confident and in control without being exploited or diminished.

DAVE JOHNSON on BROTHER LONO (DC Vertigo), PAINKILLER JANE (Marvel Icon) and SHADOWMAN (Valiant)

Finally, the Reverend himself; one can't talk about the best covers of any recent year without giving due to the poster-ready work of Dave Johnson. Whether he's creating the rockabilly Tiki bar aesthetic of his Brother Lono covers or doing his best Mignola tribute on the cover of Shadowman, his covers are always distinctively, eye-catchingly Dave Johnson.