In the case of TARANTINO COMICS, our 50th cover is just as iconic. Drawn by Amanda Rachels in 2014, this cover image highlights everything important in DEATH PROOF: Powerful Women and Fast Cars.
In most slasher films, the targets tend to be dimwitted hussies and douchey jocks. In DEATH PROOF, Tarantino mixes things up by making the victims strong women we can root for. Yes, these “cool” girls get murdered by Stuntman Mike. However, we spent time listening to their conversations, sharing shots of Chartreuse, and dancing to tunes by the juke box. Therefore we feel an attachment with these characters and become impacted by their demise halfway through the film.
TARANTINO COMICS #50 celebrates the last “hang out scene” with Arlene, Shanna, Lanna Frank, and Jungle Julia. As I look at this image, I reminisce how this female crew rocks out to the percussive beats of “Hold Tight!” Just like the film, Amanda portraits each foreboding casualty within their own frame. But as the bright headlights shine across their faces, this posse meets their death just as the murderous 1970 Chevy Nova darts out from the center of the page.
Amanda’s layouts are masterful and her likenesses are superb. I’ve always enjoyed her art. Plus, she’s a huge Tarantino fan and always includes subtle details – For instance, did you see Jungle Julia’s leg hanging outside the passenger window? Going back and gazing upon other covers drawn by Amanda, I think this might be my favorite. She continues to make leaps and bounds and I can’t wait for her to illustrate another issue!
