Currently, DC and other publishers use variants for landmark issues, 1st appearances and the #1 issues in a title.  There might be 100 different variants for Action Comics #1000 but it wasn’t always like that.  From March 2014 to May 2015 DC was testing theme variants that covered several titles.  So the variants weren’t all confined to a single issue or even title.  Superman, Batman, Aquaman and Wonder Woman might all have selfie variants in the same month.   The movie poster series was the end of what I refer to as the theme variant experiment. 

The most sought after cover in this set is the Batgirl homage to Prince’s Purple Rain.  Cliff Chiang, who is the cover artist, creates a near-perfect tribute with the motorcycle, the smoke, and the facial expression.  It’s amazing.  The other issue that resonates with people is Wonder Woman #40 and it’s an incredible homage to 300 by Bill Sienkiewicz.  “Tonight we dine in Themyscira”  Overall, there are some great looking covers with something that appeals to everyone.  

Action Comics #40 – Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure

Aquaman #40 – Free Willy

Batgirl #40 – Purple Rain