The most researched Daredevil variants are the Daredevil #1 (2016) variant 1:100 Bill Sienkiewicz ($400-650), the Aja cover for Daredevil #1 (2014) variant 1:50 ($200-350) and the Checchetto variant 1:100 for Daredevil #1 (2019)($250-400).
Daredevil is a title that has always attracted the biggest cover artists, from Frank Miller to David Mack to Bill Sienkiewicz. This tradition of visual excellence is found in its modern variants, where each relaunch becomes an opportunity to bring together prestigious illustrators for alternative covers that transcend the simple collector's item to become true pieces of art.
The television revival of Daredevil, from the Netflix series to Born Again on Disney+, has injected a steady stream of new collectors into the market. The variants of the Chip Zdarsky and Saladin Ahmed series, illustrated by Marco Checchetto, benefit from sustained demand which pushes the variant ratio to record levels for a title once considered secondary on a speculative level.
Types of Daredevil variants
Bill Sienkiewicz Covers
Sienkiewicz made Daredevil history with Elektra: Assassin and its legendary covers from the 80s. His modern variations perpetuate this unique expressionist style (watercolor, splattered ink, abstract compositions) which make them instantly recognizable and extremely sought-after pieces. Every appearance of Sienkiewicz on a DD cover generates a frenzy of pre-orders.
Variants David Aja
David Aja redefined comic book graphic design with Hawkeye, and his forays into Daredevil covers apply that same minimalist, modern vision. Its variants play on typography, flat areas of color and geometric compositions which appeal to collectors sensitive to contemporary design.
Checchetto variant ratio
Marco Checchetto has become the definitive Daredevil artist for today's generation. Its format variants (often in blank, logo-free format) offer striking cinematic compositions from Matt Murdock and Elektra. The 1:50 and 1:100 prints of its covers sell out instantly and increase in value upon release.
Top 10 most valued Daredevil variants
- Daredevil #1 (2016) variant 1:100 Sienkiewicz: $400-650 in NM
- Daredevil #1 (2019) variant 1:100 Checchetto virgin: $250-400
- Daredevil #1 (2014) variant 1:50 Aja: $200-350
- Daredevil #1 (2016) variant 1:50 Quesada: $175-280
- Daredevil #1 (2019) variant 1:50 Peach Momoko: $150-250
- Daredevil #600 variant 1:50 Sienkiewicz: $120-200
- Daredevil #1 (2022) variant 1:100 Alex Ross: $120-180
- Daredevil #25 (2020) variant 1:25 2nd print Elektra DD: $80-140
- Daredevil #1 (2014) variant 1:75 Alex Ross: $80-130
- Daredevil #1 (2019) variant 1:25 Checchetto: $60-100
Identify authentic variants
The Sienkiewicz variants can be recognized by their unique pictorial style: impossible to convincingly fake. For Checchetto ratio variants, the virgin format (without Marvel logo or title) is reserved for high ratios (1:50+), while the "trade dress" versions are for lower ratios. Check the Diamond Code and printed cover price: 1:100s generally do not display a price. The incentive variants are marked “incentive” in the Previews solicitations.
Investment potential
Daredevil entered a golden era with the Zdarsky/Checchetto series which is already considered one of the best runs in the character's history. The variants associated with this period will appreciate over the long term, comparable to the Miller/Mazzucchelli of a previous generation. The success of Born Again on Disney+ amplifies demand. Explore our guide to Daredevil key numbers for a complete view.
Conservation and grading
The Daredevil variants with a dominant red background (signature color of the character) hide minor defects well but cruelly reveal white creases (“color-breaking creases”). Sienkiewicz covers on textured paper are fragile at the corners. Submit premium copies for grading promptly: the window between purchase and encapsulation is the time of greatest risk of accidental damage.
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Building a Daredevil variant collection: by artist and by ratio
Daredevil variants lend themselves to a structured collection, because they fall into very recognisable artist families. Rather than buying as listings appear, choose a guiding line first, then stick to it.
Three possible guiding lines
By artist. Gathering the covers of a single illustrator gives the most coherent collection to the eye. With Bill Sienkiewicz, you look for the expressionist painterly style, impossible to counterfeit convincingly. With David Aja, it is minimalist graphic design built on typography and flat colour. With Marco Checchetto, it is cinematic compositions of Matt Murdock and Elektra.
By relaunch. Daredevil #1 has received variants on several dates: 2014, 2016, 2019 and 2022. Collecting the same issue across those relaunches lets you compare visual approaches and follow the character's evolution under different creative teams.
By ratio. A ratio variant is obtained by ordering a set quantity of copies of the standard cover. The higher the ratio (1:25, 1:50, 1:75, 1:100), the scarcer the cover. A collector can decide to aim only at the high ratios, or on the contrary start with the lowest ones to learn the market.
Reading a listing correctly
Listings often mix elements that need separating. The virgin format, with no logo or title, is reserved for high ratios (1:50 and above), while “trade dress” versions correspond to the lower ratios. A 1:100 cover generally shows no printed price. The Diamond Code and the “incentive” mention in the Previews solicitations help confirm the origin. If a seller describes a “virgin 1:25” or a 1:100 cover with a printed price, the description contradicts itself and deserves a check.
Protecting a purchase until grading
The dominant red of Daredevil covers hides minor flaws well, but ruthlessly reveals white creases. Sienkiewicz covers, on textured paper, are fragile at the corners. The riskiest period is the one between purchase and encapsulation: handle as little as possible, store flat in a suitable sleeve and submit premium copies for grading quickly.
A simple plan
- Choose a guiding line (artist, relaunch or ratio) before the first purchase.
- Check the format and ratio of each cover before paying.
- Ask for sharp photos of the corners, spine and creases on the red background.
- Compare with real recent sales rather than a single listing.
This discipline avoids redundant purchases and keeps the collection readable, which matters as much as the rarity of the pieces.
Frequently asked questions
The 1:100 Bill Sienkiewicz variant of Daredevil #1 (2016), the 1:50 Aja cover of Daredevil #1 (2014) and the 1:100 Checchetto variant of Daredevil #1 (2019). These are the top three of the article's ranking.
It is an alternative cover obtained by ordering a set quantity of copies of the standard cover. The higher the ratio, such as 1:50 or 1:100, the scarcer the cover.
Sienkiewicz covers are recognised by their painterly style, impossible to counterfeit convincingly. For Checchetto, the virgin format, with no logo or title, is reserved for ratios of 1:50 and above, and 1:100 covers generally show no price.
The character's television revival, up to Born Again, brings in new collectors. Variants from the Chip Zdarsky and Saladin Ahmed series, illustrated by Marco Checchetto, benefit from this momentum.
The dominant red background hides minor flaws but reveals white creases. Sienkiewicz covers, on textured paper, are fragile at the corners: submit premium copies for grading quickly.