Aquaman Variants: Alternative Covers to Collect

Aquaman variant covers have experienced an explosion in popularity thanks to the revival of the character during DC Comics' New 52 and especially with the success of the 2018 film worn by Jason Momoa. What was once a minor character in the eyes of the general public has become a must-have for discerning collectors, and its variants reflect this spectacular rise in power.

Unlike the Spider-Man or Batman variants that have dominated the market for decades, Aquaman alternate covers still represent a relatively accessible investment area. The limited editions of the 1:50 and 1:100 ratio variants of the New 52 series, combined with the sublime illustrations of Joshua Middleton, offer exceptional value for money for those who know how to identify the right pieces.

Types of Aquaman Variants to Know About

Ratio variants (1:25, 1:50, 1:100)

DC Comics offered limited-run incentive covers throughout the New 52 series. For every order of 25, 50, or 100 copies of the standard cover, retailers received a single copy of the variant. The Geoff Johns/Ivan Reis 1:100s are particularly prized because of their absolute rarity.

Covers Joshua Middleton

Artist Joshua Middleton produced a series of watercolor variations for Aquaman (2016) which became major market pieces. His unique pictorial style gives these covers the status of a work of art in their own right, highly sought after even outside the circle of usual readers.

Cinema and convention variants

Tie-ins with the film Aquaman (2018) and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023) generated SDCC, WonderCon and retailer exclusives. The photo variants with Jason Momoa and the IMAX covers are very popular with cinema/comics crossover collectors.

Top 10 most valued Aquaman variants

1. Aquaman #1 (2011) variant 1:100 Ivan Reis— $350-500 in NM (9.4+)
2. Aquaman #33 (2017) Middleton variant— $150-250 (first Mera by Middleton)
3. Aquaman #1 (2011) variant 1:25 sketch— $120-180
4. Aquaman #41 Middleton variant— $100-175 (iconic portrait)
5. Aquaman #1 (2016) SDCC exclusive foil— $100-150
6. Aquaman #0 (2012) variant 1:50— $80-130
7. Aquaman #23.1 Ocean Master 3D lenticular— $60-100
8. Aquaman #43 variant Middleton (Mera)— $60-90
9. Aquaman/Justice League: Drowned Earth variant 1:50— $50-80
10. Aquaman #1 (2018) movie variant photo— $40-70

Identify authentic variants

Aquaman variants are distinguished by their barcode: ratio variants have a different suffix (e.g. “11” for 1:10, “125” for 1:25). Convention exclusives usually display the event logo on the back. Be wary of reprints that are not marked "First Print" — only original prints have significant collectible value. For Middleton variants, check the Diamond Code corresponding to the month of publication.

Investment potential

The pre-movie Aquaman variants (2011-2017) remain undervalued compared to the Marvel equivalents. The film franchise guarantees renewed interest with each announcement of a sequel or TV series. The Middleton variants, in particular, have been on a steady upward curve since 2019. For a complete guide to essential numbers, see our article onAquaman key numbers.

Conservation and grading

Modern variants of Aquaman in 9.8 CGC command a 40-60% premium over raw copies. Store them in Mylar pouches with acid-free cardboard, away from direct light. Middleton blankets, with their delicate pastel tones, are particularly susceptible to yellowing — a humidity-controlled environment (45-55%) is essential.