Justice League International JLI Annual #3 Cover (1989) Kevin Maguire & Joe Rubinstein

Can I get a BWAH HA HA? As a smartass teenager of the 80s, I instantly fell in love with the Giffen / DeMatteis / Maguire version of the Justice League. Loved the collection of heroes placed in unusual and sit-com like circumstances and the fun dialogue that ensued. But it was the amazing talent of Kevin Maguire and his mastery of facial expressions that made it all click.

That's why I love this cover. It isn't an over the top action splash or dramatic pose, but a very clever layout of random photos featuring the humor, silliness and perfect facial expressions of 13 different JLers. Whether it is the frustration of Power Girl being photobombed by Ralph Dibny, the team making fun of Guy Gardner behind his back, Fire & Ice with Blue Beetle and Booster Gold in Kooey Kooey Kooey (first appearance), J'onn J'onzz standing as a giant in Tokyo, or Guy and Metamorpho trying to distract the Buckingham Palace guards... we are treated to individual personalities and emotions thanks to Maguire's skill.

When compared to the published cover, the original art reveals some things that were covered up by trade dress on the left... we see Mister Miracle and Oberon laughing at the unexpected Garner, the cassette tape for How to Speak French, the tacky Big Ben ash tray, and more. 

Also... did Adam Hughes get his inspiration for his famous JLI #34 "Club JLI" cover from this center photo? You be the judge!