10 Comic Book Variants with Weird Gimmicks That Won Fans Over

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Marvel’s Holographic Covers (1992)

Marvel’s holographic covers became a huge hit in the early 90s, particularly with their use during big events like “The Amazing Spider-Man #365.” The cover featured a shiny hologram of Spider-Man in full action, which was the first of its kind for the comic book industry. The comic’s cover could shift as you tilted it, adding an extra layer of visual interest that appealed to fans. These holographic covers quickly became a collector’s item, leading to a surge in comic sales.

Although the novelty eventually wore off, the impact these holograms had on the market is undeniable. At the time, the gimmick seemed cutting-edge and futuristic, capturing the imagination of comic enthusiasts. As for its current value, a well-preserved copy of “The Amazing Spider-Man #365” with the holographic cover can fetch around $50, depending on its condition.

DC’s 3-D Covers (1990s)

DC Comics joined the trend with 3-D covers for several of their titles in the 1990s. These covers were printed using a special process that gave them a three-dimensional effect when viewed with a special red-and-blue 3D lens. One of the most iconic of these was “Superman: The Man of Steel #30,” which featured a 3D holographic depiction of Superman.

Fans of the time were fascinated by how the images seemed to pop out from the page, creating a visual experience that was unlike any comic they had seen before. Though these 3-D covers were quickly discontinued due to production costs, they remain a nostalgic favorite for collectors. If you’re lucky enough to find a pristine version of this particular comic, it might be worth around $75 on the market today.

X-Men #1 (1991) with 5 Different Covers

One of the most famous comic book variants ever released was “X-Men #1” in 1991, which was available with five different covers. Each cover featured a different team member from the X-Men, including Wolverine, Cyclops, and Jean Grey. The idea behind these multiple covers was to encourage collectors to buy each version of the comic.

This unique gimmick caught the attention of fans who wanted to complete their set, and it was a smart marketing tactic that boosted sales tremendously. The different versions were printed in limited quantities, increasing their appeal as collectible items. In the current market, a copy of “X-Men #1” with one of the original five covers can still fetch around $50, though pristine copies might be valued higher.

Blood-Spattered Covers of “The Punisher” #75

In 1993, Marvel introduced one of the more gruesome and memorable gimmicks in comic book history with “The Punisher” #75. The comic’s cover featured a splatter of what appeared to be blood, creating an intense and striking visual. This gimmick was designed to reflect the dark and violent nature of the Punisher series, making it even more memorable for readers.

The blood-spatter cover quickly became one of the most talked-about variants of the time. It generated a lot of buzz in comic book shops, with fans eager to get their hands on this attention-grabbing issue. Today, the market value for “The Punisher” #75 in good condition is about $50, though some copies may be worth more due to their scarcity.

“Spawn” #1 Glow-in-the-Dark Variant (1992)

When Todd McFarlane’s “Spawn” debuted in 1992, it came with a variety of different cover variants, including the famous glow-in-the-dark edition. The comic’s cover featured Spawn surrounded by an eerie greenish glow that could only be seen under certain lighting. This added an element of surprise for fans who were intrigued by the idea of a glow-in-the-dark comic.

The glow effect on the cover was a rare novelty that set the comic apart from other releases at the time. Collectors rushed to stores to grab this unique edition, which has since become one of the most sought-after variants in the “Spawn” series. Today, a well-preserved copy of the glow-in-the-dark “Spawn” #1 could be worth anywhere from $100 to $150, depending on condition.

“Justice League of America” #100 (1972) Die-Cut Cover

DC’s “Justice League of America” #100 featured one of the earliest examples of a die-cut cover, which was a groundbreaking concept at the time. The comic featured a hole in the center of the cover that revealed an image from inside the comic, making it a unique and interactive experience for readers.

This gimmick stood out as a bold way to get fans excited about the milestone 100th issue. The die-cut cover was not only eye-catching but also served as a symbol of the changing trends in the comic book industry during the early 70s. Collectors now value this comic as a piece of history, with copies in good condition often valued around $100.

The Death of Superman” #75 (1992) with Black Bag Variant

One of the most iconic comic book events in history was “The Death of Superman,” which was published in 1992. The comic book’s main selling point was its black bag variant, which contained a special polybag with a black armband, symbolizing Superman’s “death.” The black bag cover made the comic feel like a special, collectible item, encouraging fans to purchase the comic as a way to commemorate the event.

As the story went, Superman died after an epic battle with Doomsday, and the black bag added to the dramatic tone of the storyline. The comic remains one of the most collected issues of all time. If you’re looking for a copy today, the black bag edition of “The Death of Superman” #75 can fetch approximately $25 to $40.

“Fantastic Four” #416 (1995) with 3-D Lenticular Cover

In 1995, Marvel’s “Fantastic Four” #416 featured a lenticular 3-D cover, which was one of the most advanced printing techniques of the time. The lenticular cover gave the comic a three-dimensional appearance when tilted, adding a sense of depth and motion to the artwork. Fans of the series were excited about this new technology, as it provided a dynamic way to experience the cover art.

The cover featured a rotating image that depicted characters from the “Fantastic Four” in different poses, creating a visually striking effect. Today, this lenticular cover has a cult following among collectors, and a copy in good condition can go for around $30 to $50.

In 1994, Marvel released “Marvels” #1, a mini-series that featured a stunning hologram cover. The cover depicted iconic Marvel characters like Spider-Man and Captain America in a unique, shimmering holographic design. This cover was a key selling point for the comic, as it reflected the high-quality production values Marvel was embracing during this era.

The holographic effect gave the cover a dynamic and futuristic appearance, appealing to collectors who were eager to add this unique item to their collections. Fans loved the combination of the prestigious art by Alex Ross and the innovative hologram. A pristine copy of this comic can still fetch around $50 to $75, depending on condition and rarity.

“Batman: The Dark Knight Returns” #1 (1986) with Special Gold Foil Edition

When Frank Miller’s “Batman: The Dark Knight Returns” debuted in 1986, the series quickly became a revolutionary moment in comic book history. The #1 issue came in several special editions, one of which was the highly coveted gold foil cover. This edition had a limited print run and featured an embossed gold foil version of Batman’s logo, giving it an aura of exclusivity.

The gold foil edition was a marketing success, drawing in collectors who were eager to secure this rare and visually stunning variant. As a result, the comic became one of the most highly sought-after editions in the Batman catalog. The current value of a well-preserved copy of this gold foil edition is approximately $200, though the price can go up for pristine copies.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.