Blue Romance, part 3: Under the covers!

Before we get back to the inexplicable tale of romance that is Beauty and the Beast, let's take a look at one of the best things about this four-part mini-series — the covers.

I've mentioned it before, but Bill Sienkiewicz is one of my favorite artists. His artsy sensibility and ever-evolving — yet still signature — technique has a tendency to elevate whatever particular comic book he's working on. That's certainly the case with his Beauty and the Beast covers.

Each of these has that Sienkiewicz look, and while I think issues #3 and #4 are pretty standard in terms of setting and design, they've all got a certain visual energy. That said, what's up with issue #4? That one is particularly weak and looking at it is the optical equivalent of a sour note — I want to ignore it, but it's tinny and flat in a way that just bugs me. I always get the feeling Sienkiewicz phoned that last one in.


My favorite, though, is probably the cover to issue #2, just because it's such a great callback to the classic romance comic. I especially dig the way Sienkiewicz renders Dazzler's light powers; it's subtle but touches on an important characteristic while also drawing in the viewers' focus without hitting them over the head with it.

Take a look, and see what you think:


Even more than the covers themselves, my absolute favorite design element is the itty-bitty Beast and Dazzler that Sienkiewicz drew for the cornerbox. In just one little mini-scene, the artist has summed up the attempted tone of the story and all the bittersweet, clutching emotion that goes with it. It's really freakin' impressive, actually:


Awww — aren't they adorable?


Beauty and the Beast: Blue Romance week continues tomorrow! Catch up with parts 1 and 2 here!

Cover art by Bill Sienkiewicz