Criterion Movie Covers by Comics Creators: Daniel Clowes, Sean Phillips, Kate Beaton

This week marks the release of the Criterion versions of The Naked Kiss and Shock Corridor, two gritty Samuel Fuller pulp classics chock-full of special features -- including the stark, moody DVD cover by Daniel Clowes (Ghost World, Wilson). Of course, the Criterion Collection is no stranger to gorgeous illustrated covers courtesy of comic book industry luminaries, including everyone from Sean Phillips and Jaime Hernandez to Kate Beaton and Francesco Francavilla.

Indeed, a large portion of the Criterion Collection's success can be attributed to the company's unique sense of cover design. (The in-house style is so ubiquitous, it's even become the subject of hilarious parody.) While the Collection employs a wide variety of talented illustrators, comic book creators have supplied some truly memorable gems.

Take a look at some awesome Criterion movie posters (some of which were created for screenings at last year's All Tomorrow's Parties festival) that sprang from the pens of comics creators below. Beaton's moving Five Easy Pieces poster needs to be available for sale yesterday. Perhaps Criterion could release the Jack Nicholson classic separately from the pricey America Lost and Found set and use Beaton's image for the cover?

Shock Corridor by Daniel Clowes

Brute Force by Scott Morse (created for All Tomorrow's Parties)

The Naked Kiss by Daniel Clowes

Divorce Italian Style by Jaime Hernandez (also available as a limited-edition print)

Sweet Smell of Success by Sean Phillips. Check out a neat behind-the-scenes look at the making of Phillips' cover here.

Make Way For Tomorrow by Seth

A Colt Is My Passport by Francesco Francavilla (created for the All Tomorrow's Parties festival)

Five Easy Pieces by Kate Beaton (created for the All Tomorrow's Parties festival)

Monsters and Madmen box set by Darwyn Cooke