Exclusive: A Look at the Complete History of DC Comics Variant Covers

Since 1986, variant covers have been a part of the history of DC Comics. Now fans can take a stroll down that piece of memory lane with Insight Edition’s new book DC Comics Variant Covers: The Complete Visual History.

The new book traces the history of DC Comics variants covers from the very beginning when DC Comics published The Man of Steel #1 with two different covers from artist John Byrne.

ComicBook.com can give fans an exclusive peek at what’s inside Insight Edition’s new hardcover, including pages dedicated to the work of Alex Ross and more. Insight Editions is known for their high-quality art and reference books, and this looks no different. Take a look at the attached gallery.

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Here’s the book’s description, released by Insight Edition:

“For the first time ever, explore the complete visual history of DC Comics variant comic book covers in this amazing collection.

DC Comics cover art is some of the most celebrated in the world, from the first appearance of Superman in Action Comics #1 to the iconic covers that adorn classics such as Batman: The Killing Joke and Watchmen.

Fans of comic book cover art have also come to relish a phenomenon that began in 1986 with the first issue of The Man of Steel, which featured two different covers from artist John Byrne. The notion of so-called “variant covers” caught on and has now become a regular part of DC Comics’ diverse output, with a wildly creative set of alternate covers being created for many key issues. Now you can explore the world of these alternative works of art with DC Comics Variant Covers: The Complete Visual History, which showcases some of the finest and most famous variant covers ever produced, with insight into the design process from leading comic artists and industry experts. Featuring an astounding collection of covers featuring DC Comics’ remarkable characters, including Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Aquaman, Cyborg, The Flash, and more, DC Comics Variant Covers: The Complete Visual History is the perfect gift for casual fans and comic book aficionados alike.”

DC Comics Variant Covers: The Complete Visual History releases in stores on April 28th.