Symbiote Spider-Man: Alien Reality #1 variant COVER by Aaron Kuder ft Deathlok (after Spider-Man #21 by Erik Larsen)
Artists: Aaron Kuder (Penciller) , Aaron Kuder (Inker)
33 Comments - 1,187 Views - 16 Likes
Additional Images:
Colored/Published Version
Larsen’s Spider-Man #21 Cover
Artwork Details
|
DescriptionFollowing up last week’s Deathlok add by Denys Cowan with this beaut of a cover by Aaron Kuder! I’m a big fan of his and it’s been almost 3 years since I posted something from him…too long :) Also, my last few posts have been from the good ol’ ‘90s, and though this cover wasn’t published then, it’s homaging a memorable one that was.This 2019 class of Marvel Young Guns were all tasked with picking a Spidey cover from the past and homaging it with a “Symbiote Swap”, i.e, swapping out the classic red-and-blue costume with the equally classic black one. Aaron picked 1992’s Spider-Man #21 by Erik Larsen – see additional images. Fun choice in that, along with the costume swap, this is a cover where a battle damaged Spidey was outfit with some cyborg support tech, including an arm cast and lens replacement. So we got Aaron’s version here, and he also decided to change it up by having Spidey hang upside down on a web line – nice touch, I think. Like that Spidey image, and the homage factor, but Aaron’s Deathlok rendition is really what sealed this one for me. Aaron’s got outstanding line work – I’ve been impressed with it since I found his work on Green Lantern in 2012, and he continues to get better. Sweet example here with Deathlok particularly, from top to bottom, starting with that gun. Full full profile shot, outside of the slight head turn, with eyes on the reader. Love it. The figure really pops, too, as a matter of fact both characters do, in different ways, against that splotchy background. Real nice contrast throughout! Social/Sharing |
About the Owner
|
 |
Contact the OwnerUse can use a contact form to send an email to this gallery owner,
|
Comments on this Artwork
You must be logged in to make comments.
M L 
Member Since 2015
1 - Posted on 7/12/2021
Not familiar with the title at all but very intriguing image - I want to know what these two get up to. Good stuff! And very nicely finished.
Marcus Wai
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 7/12/2021
Hot 90's fashions mashed up in this homage cover. The quality could have been done and used as a cover back then as well. Two too many feet though, place this artwork in modern times..
Steve N. Comic/Fantasy Art
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 7/12/2021
The current gen of artists is fortunate to have a superb curator in you, my friend. We're in good hands with talents like Aaron, who's done Larsen proud here! Plus the inks to me have a 90s feel that somehow manages to be cutting-edge, too... love it.
André .
Member Since 2015
1 - Posted on 7/12/2021
First time seeing this artist, but what a great homage. Enough of a nod, but the art stands on its own.
Ruben DaCollector
Member Since 2008
1 - Posted on 7/12/2021
Interesting take on Larsen's original. I too, like the Deathlok figure more than anything else! Very nice. The only question is, what exacty did you think you were doing looking through a DC comic in 2012?!?
K Gearon
Member Since 2011
1 - Posted on 7/13/2021
Ruben DaCollector wrote:
Interesting take on Larsen's original. I too, like the Deathlok figure more than anything else! Very nice. The only question is, what exacty did you think you were doing looking through a DC comic in 2012?!?
Lol! Been awhile since I posted some DC stuff. But I'm gonna get around to it soon, just for you, Ruben :) Back in the early 2010s was the Green Lantern heyday for many and I was part! Thanks, man, and all, for the comments!
Dave W
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 7/12/2021
Kuder is great and I love the homage - congrats KG! Thanks for sharing!
J H
Member Since 2019
2 - Posted on 7/12/2021
In the published cover, I get a real Future Swashbuckler vibe from Spidey. I think it's the thick red cloth and the angled stitches coming away from that cybernetic eye like an eye patch. Man, is that cover ever clean! Super crisp detail throughout. Every stitch, fold, crease, and glint, look like they got equal attention, and it takes the whole image up a notch. I love the homage, too. Great covers, then and now. Big congrats!
K Gearon
Member Since 2011
1 - Posted on 7/13/2021
J H wrote:
In the published cover, I get a real Future Swashbuckler vibe from Spidey. I think it's the thick red cloth and the angled stitches coming away from that cybernetic eye like an eye patch. Man, is that cover ever clean! Super crisp detail throughout. Every stitch, fold, crease, and glint, look like they got equal attention, and it takes the whole image up a notch. I love the homage, too. Great covers, then and now. Big congrats!
The title of this miniseries is "Symbiote Spider-Man: Alien Reality" - just reading that title makes you think that "Future Swashbuckler Spider-Man" isn't much of a stretch! I'll start the Marvel lobby :) Thanks for the comments, J - totally agree regarding the cleanliness. Glad you dig it!
Harry M
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 7/12/2021
Yeah, I'm a Kuder fan and this is a great example why. Congrats.
Paul P Spiderversity
Member Since 2011
1 - Posted on 7/12/2021
What a fantastic homage! I agree with JH. When I first saw this one, I got a Future Swashbuckler, High-Tech Pirate kind of vibe from Spidey. I also am quite taken with how crisp and clean this image is. And I like how Spidey is kind of in mid reaction to whatever menace they are facing. And yeah, he's upside down! So great! Really great add here, K, congrats!!
Duke Fleed aka #1 Groo Fan
Member Since 2013
1 - Posted on 7/13/2021
Such a fun cover! Got to look more into Kuder. Just fabulous inks. Love the humour too! Congrats!!
David Askani’Son
Member Since 2012
Forum Moderator
1 - Posted on 7/13/2021
What an awesome image of the Duo! Great addition Bud, Crazy Good Cover.
F M
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 7/13/2021
Fun homage. I also prefer Deathlock's rendition here.
I've been a fan of Kuder since his great Action Comics run with Park. I wish Marvel made better and more frequent use of his talent though.
K Gearon
Member Since 2011
1 - Posted on 7/13/2021
F M wrote:
Fun homage. I also prefer Deathlock's rendition here.
I've been a fan of Kuder since his great Action Comics run with Park. I wish Marvel made better and more frequent use of his talent though.
Thanks, F! Yeah, I know he's been working on different series in spots, and producing great stuff there. Would love to see him get to a title that he and Marvel agree would showcase his talents well.
John Espinoza
Member Since 2014
1 - Posted on 7/13/2021
I loved the original Larsen cover then, still love it now. Kuder's homage is top notch. I'm glad that this Spidey design is getting its due with toy versions being manufacturing. Sadly, Erik Larsen recently mentioned on Twitter that the toy companies don't even send him a comp copy.
K Gearon
Member Since 2011
1 - Posted on 7/13/2021
John Espinoza wrote:
I loved the original Larsen cover then, still love it now. Kuder's homage is top notch. I'm glad that this Spidey design is getting its due with toy versions being manufacturing. Sadly, Erik Larsen recently mentioned on Twitter that the toy companies don't even send him a comp copy.
Heard that story a few times. Seems it would go without saying to send comps to certain obvious folks. I didn't even know there were new ones being made. Just looked it up and saw the Marvel Legends one in the retro Toy Biz packaging - cool! And looks like Hot Toys is making one, too?! Wonder if he's gonna be in a show? Thanks, John!
Nathan Hanley
Member Since 2010
1 - Posted on 7/13/2021
Sweet. Deathlok looks badass on this cover and the art is superb. Very cool.
Jason Hussa
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 7/13/2021
Beautiful cover, K! Yowza! I absolutely adore the contrast you remarked about... The "splotch" background, and how it darkens or lightens behind our heroes, allows both characters to jump off the page; the lighter-rendered top of Deathlok is on almost solid black, while the Symbiote hangs into the light at the bottom (and double-dipping here, the rough texture of the dark fill really also allows the clean figure rendering to "double pop")... REALLY excellent composition. Wow.
I do prefer the "new and improved" Spidey pose, partly because it feels more "in character" to me, but also because it makes the whole thing a "playing card"-type image (which I have this weird fascination with, apparently). Flip it upside down or right-side up and the image has the same integrity; it's just as much fun to look at. And no suicide Kings in Alien Reality, apparently... Love the hand you were dealt here, pal! Wild!
K Gearon
Member Since 2011
1 - Posted on 7/13/2021
Jason Hussa wrote:
Beautiful cover, K! Yowza! I absolutely adore the contrast you remarked about... The "splotch" background, and how it darkens or lightens behind our heroes, allows both characters to jump off the page; the lighter-rendered top of Deathlok is on almost solid black, while the Symbiote hangs into the light at the bottom (and double-dipping here, the rough texture of the dark fill really also allows the clean figure rendering to "double pop")... REALLY excellent composition. Wow.
I do prefer the "new and improved" Spidey pose, partly because it feels more "in character" to me, but also because it makes the whole thing a "playing card"-type image (which I have this weird fascination with, apparently). Flip it upside down or right-side up and the image has the same integrity; it's just as much fun to look at. And no suicide Kings in Alien Reality, apparently... Love the hand you were dealt here, pal! Wild!
Thanks, Jason! Good point on the composition - light character vs dark background up top and dark character vs light background at bottom. And the "playing card" aspect - didn't even notice that! Always appreciate your insights, man!
James Dornoff
Member Since 2019
1 - Posted on 7/13/2021
Another unique Deathlok piece, congrats! Good looking Kuder piece and fun homage to Larsen's older piece.
Alan Hamilton
Member Since 2013
1 - Posted on 7/15/2021
Kuder is an artist that's on my "to get" list, I really dig his work. Congrats on adding another great piece of art to your collection!
A K
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 7/17/2021
I have always loved that original Larsen cover and Kuder has done a wonderfil re-creation here, once that plays to his unique strengths.
George H
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 7/17/2021
WOW WOW! This looks so good in black and white. I love the homage and spin on a classic.
Matt Todd
Member Since 2014
1 - Posted on 7/26/2021
This is Wonderful!!! Love what Aaron did with this cover. Awesome pick up my friend!! Congratulations!!
Latest Updates
All |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
Auctions ADVERTISEMENT
Auctions
| Ham Fisher Joe Palooka Daily Comic Strip Original |
Auctions
 |
JOHN ROMITA JR. UNCANNY X-MEN #200 COVER (1985, "THE TRIAL OF MAGNETO!" ICONIC IMAGE OF THE 'NEW LOOK' MAGNETO IN CHAINS AND THE X-MEN IN BATTLE ON THIS MILESTONE COVER) |
Auctions
 |
John Byrne - Iron Fist #11, Page 17 |
Hakes Auctions
 |
SUB-MARINER #11 COMIC BOOK COVER ORIGINAL ART BY GENE COLAN. |
Subscribe to the YouTube Channel.. FREE!
TDArt Gallery
12 Accepting Commissions
Commission an Artist
For Sale Updates
Classified Updates |
|
COMIX ART9/6/2025 11:30:00 AM |
|
Federico Bettini9/6/2025 11:20:00 AM |
|
P A9/6/2025 11:02:00 AM |
|
DISNEY COMIC ART A9/6/2025 10:23:00 AM |
|
david hitchcock9/6/2025 10:06:00 AM |
|
Rene Dorenbos9/6/2025 5:20:00 AM |
|
Dealer Updates |
|
Essential Sequential9/6/2025 12:15:00 PM |
|
Kinetic Collectibles9/6/2025 12:15:00 PM |
|
Achetez de l'Art9/6/2025 12:15:00 PM |
|
Illustration Art Gallery9/6/2025 12:15:00 PM |
|
Galerie Daniel Maghen9/6/2025 12:15:00 PM |
|
Art of Jock9/6/2025 12:15:00 PM |
|
|
Become a Premium CAF Gallery Owner & you'll be supporting CAF and also gain access to many services and features not available to standard members.
|