Daredevil Variants: Alternative Covers to Collect

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

1. Daredevil #1 (2016) variant 1:100 Sienkiewicz— $400-650 in NM
2. Daredevil #1 (2019) variant 1:100 Checchetto virgin— $250-400
3. Daredevil #1 (2014) variant 1:50 Aja— $200-350
4. Daredevil #1 (2016) variant 1:50 Quesada— $175-280
5. Daredevil #1 (2019) variant 1:50 Peach Momoko— $150-250
6. Daredevil #600 variant 1:50 Sienkiewicz— $120-200
7. Daredevil #1 (2022) variant 1:100 Alex Ross— $120-180
8. Daredevil #25 (2020) variant 1:25 2nd print Elektra DD— $80-140
9. Daredevil #1 (2014) variant 1:75 Alex Ross— $80-130
10. 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 toDaredevil key numbersfor 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.