Rob Liefeld’s ‘Youngblood’ #100 To Feature Variant Covers By Fellow Image Comics Co-Founders

Rob Liefeld — one of the original bad boy Image Comics co-founders — is about to celebrate 100 issues of Youngblood with variant covers provided, amongst others, by his fellow Image Comics co-founders (well, all except Jim Lee), Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri, Erik Larsen, Jim Valentino, Whilce Portacio, Mark Silvestri and Skybound founder Robert Kirkman. It’s all part of a “Summer of Youngblood“, apparently. Y’know, like last year’s “Summer of Superman”, or this year’s “Summer of Supergirl”. Maybe the “Year of Youngblood” would have been a more catchy and original title?

But, wait … Kirkman’s providing a variant cover? Well, not quite. Judging from the images provided, he’s inking over Liefeld.

Here’s Liefeld with more on why a writer is providing a cover to this centennial issue:

“Having Robert Kirkman join the Youngblood #100 cover party? I had high hopes, and he just blew me away. I can’t stop smiling. Each of these covers, crafted by these comic book legends, is just so humbling. It shows that the energy surrounding Youngblood is surging. This isn’t just a milestone, it’s a powerful union that celebrates a Golden Age that launched the company 34 years back.”

Kirkman added:

“Youngblood is one of the most important independent comics ever published. It started the Image revolution and paved the way for everything that followed. As a corporate superteam that uses media manipulation and treats its heroes as celebrities you can find its DNA in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, The Boys, Invincible, and dozens of other modern superhero takes. The influence of Rob Liefeld’s creation reaches far and wide into all aspects of the entertainment industry. I was honored Rob allowed me to be some small part of his epic and historic 100th issue celebration.”

As part of this “Summer of Youngblood”, we also get Badrock #1 this July. And here’s Leifeld on this new debut too:

“Badrock is the heart of Youngblood. Giving him his own title allows us to go deeper into his character, his humor, and his sheer power. If you’re a fan of high-stakes, high-octane action that is loaded with laughs, this is the book you’ve been waiting for.”

Here’s more on this new series, illustrated by artist Seth Damoose:

” This July, Badrock #1 hits stands, featuring the massive, granite-skinned hero in an adventure that promises to shake the foundations of the Extreme Universe … The new series explores the heavy burden Badrock carries into his personal life as his family is compromised as a result of his high profile.”

Liefeld is joined by a bold new artist, Seth Damoose. “I’ve been following Seth’s work for years; he was the only artist I envisioned for a Badrock series. He’s an incredible storyteller and illustrator. Fans are in for a huge treat.”

Youngblood #100 will be available at comic book shops on Wednesday, 10th June with the following covers:

• Cover A by Liefeld
• Cover B by Liefeld
• Cover C by Liefeld
• Cover D by Portacio
• Cover E by Larsen
• Cover F by Silvestri
• Cover G by Liefeld & McFarlane
• Cover H by Valentino
• Cover I by Liefeld foil
• Cover J by Liefeld & Kirkman
• Cover K by George Perez
• Cover L I Hate Fairyland Team-up by Liefeld
• Cover M by Liefeld & McFarlane

Badrock #1 will be available at comic book shops on Wednesday, 15th July, with the following covers:

• Cover A by Damoose
• Cover B by Liefeld
• Cover C by Brett Bean
• Cover D Legacy variant by Liefeld
• Cover E by Damoose
• Cover F Blank Sketch