War of the Realms #1 — Russell Dauterman Concept Art Variant Cover (2019)

War of the Realms #1 is the opening issue of Marvel's six-part 2019 crossover event, written by Jason Aaron, with interior art by Russell Dauterman and colors by Matthew Wilson. The main story is “The War of the Realms, Chapter One: The Last Realm Standing.”

This copy is the Russell Dauterman Concept Art Variant, a 1:10 retailer incentive edition identified by UPC 75960609103400181. The cover is presented primarily as black-and-white concept/sketch artwork, with the War of the Realms logo rendered in orange and yellow.

The artwork is a sprawling ensemble composition featuring a large group of Marvel heroes and Asgardian characters charging into battle. Captain America dominates the foreground with his shield raised, while She-Hulk, Punisher, Thor, Iron Fist, Spider-Man, Wolverine, Venom, Doctor Strange, Daredevil, Iron Man, Captain Marvel, Black Panther, Blade, Ghost Rider and other heroes fill the surrounding scene. Odin, Freyja, Brunnhilde, Sif and Jane Foster are also among the characters represented in the artwork.

The sideways composition emphasizes the enormous scale of the conflict and gives the cover the appearance of a detailed Dauterman character/concept-art lineup. The predominantly monochrome presentation allows the orange-and-yellow War of the Realms branding to stand out dramatically.

The story begins with Malekith and his forces conquering the Ten Realms, leaving Midgard/Earth as the final realm standing. His invasion brings the war directly to Earth, forcing the Marvel heroes to unite against the coming catastrophe.