Comic Book Variant Covers: Store Exclusives, Open Order, Incentives

In the comic book industry, publishers often release multiple versions, or variants, of a single comic book issue. These variants can be store exclusives, open order variants, or incentive variants. A variant is comic book that features a different cover than the main cover.

Open Order Variants

Open order variants are variants that are available to order by any comic book retailer. These variants are often produced in larger quantities than store exclusives, and they are typically sold at the same price as the regular cover. Open order variants may feature unique cover art or other special features, such as foil or embossed covers.

Incentive Variants

Incentive variants are variants that are produced in limited quantities and are only available to retailers who meet certain ordering thresholds. For example, a publisher may offer a variant to retailers who order a certain number of copies of a particular title. Incentive variants are often highly sought after by collectors, as they are usually produced in very limited quantities and feature unique cover art.

Store Exclusives

Store exclusives are variants that are sold exclusively through specific comic book stores. These variants are often produced in limited quantities, and they feature unique cover art that is only available at that particular store. Store exclusives are typically commissioned by the store, and they are often created by popular comic book artists.

The Differences

The main difference between store exclusives, open order variants, and incentive variants is how they are produced and distributed. Store exclusives are produced and sold exclusively through specific comic book stores, while open order variants are available to order by any comic book retailer. Incentive variants are only available to retailers who meet certain ordering thresholds.

Another difference is the quantity in which they are produced. Store exclusives are typically produced in smaller quantities, while open order variants are produced in larger quantities. Incentive variants are produced in limited quantities, and the quantity produced is often determined by the number of copies of the regular cover that are ordered.

In conclusion, comic book variants are a popular part of the comic book industry, offering collectors and fans unique cover art and other special features. Store exclusives, open order variants, and incentive variants are the most common types of variants, and each has its own unique features and distribution methods. Whether you are a collector or a casual reader, comic book variants offer a fun and exciting way to experience your favorite titles.