Wonder Woman Variants: Alternative Covers to Collect

Wonder Woman holds a unique place in the DC Comics pantheon. The first major superhero, Diana Prince attracted a community of collectors passionate about the artistic diversity of her covers. From the iconic Adam Hughes period to modern variants of Artgerm, the Wonder Woman market combines historical prestige and contemporary dynamism.

The symbolic dimension of the character amplifies the demand: each quality alternative cover becomes a piece at the crossroads of art and collecting.

This guide helps you identify and evaluate the most sought-after variants. Whether you are starting your collection or looking to enrich it with premium pieces, here are the essential references to know.

Types of Wonder Woman variants

Adam Hughes covers — the classic reference

Adam Hughes designed the covers for Wonder Woman during a legendary run from 2001 to 2006 (issues 164 to 226). Her elegant pin-up style and careful compositions redefined Diana's modern image. These covers are not “variants” in the strict sense – they are the main covers – but their rating on the secondary market places them as premium pieces. Numbers 184, 194 and 200 are the most contested.

Artgerm variants

Stanley "Artgerm" Lau has become DC Comics' most sought-after cover artist thanks to his photorealistic female portraits. Its Wonder Woman variants, particularly in the Rebirth series, systematically achieve high ratings. The virgin versions (without text) are the most popular, with ratios sometimes limited to 1:50 which increases rarity.

750th issue variants (2020)

Wonder Woman #750, the anniversary issue celebrating 750 publications, was available in more than 20 alternative covers. Artists like Jim Lee, Artgerm, Joshua Middleton and Jen Bartel contributed to this major editorial event. The ratio variants (1:100 Jim Lee, 1:50 Middleton) became highly coveted pieces upon their release.

Foil covers and special editions

DC has regularly offered foil covers for Wonder Woman — embossed, holographic or with gold stamping. Issue #0 (1994) with foil cover and Wonder Woman #600 (2010) with its metallic cover are classics of the genre. More recently, card stock variants with premium finishes have taken over from this tradition.

Top 10 most rated Wonder Woman variants

1. Wonder Woman #750 Jim Lee 1:100 variant CGC 9.8 — €400-700
2. Wonder Woman #1 (2016) Artgerm virgin variant — €200-400
3. Wonder Woman #184 Adam Hughes cover CGC 9.8 — €150-280
4. Wonder Woman #750 Artgerm 1:50 variant — €150-250
5. Wonder Woman #194 Adam Hughes cover CGC 9.8 — €120-200
6. Wonder Woman #750 Joshua Middleton 1:50 — €100-180
7. Wonder Woman #1 (2016) exclusive foil convention — €90-160
8. Wonder Woman #600 metallic cover CGC 9.8 — €80-140
9. Wonder Woman #200 Adam Hughes cover CGC 9.8 — €80-150
10. Wonder Woman #750 Jen Bartel varying — €60-110

How to identify authentic variants

Artgerm variants are generally marked "variant cover" on the inside page with the artist's name. Authentic foil covers feature uniform embossing with no bubbles or peeling — counterfeits often show irregularities in the metal application.

For Adam Hughes covers, check the correspondence between the number and the Diamond code in the Previews catalogs of the time. Beware of late reprints which use the same cover but with inferior paper. OURDC Comics key issues guidecomplete this information.

Investment potential

Wonder Woman enjoys a cultural status that transcends the world of comics. Each cinematographic or television project revives interest in key editions. The Adam Hughes covers are established values ​​with a slow but steady progression.

Modern Artgerm variants offer greater speculative potential — the first pieces from its DC run have already doubled in value in five years. The anniversary issue #750 remains a strategic entry point: the multiplicity of variants makes it possible to constitute a coherent thematic set at different budget levels.

Conservation Tips

Foil covers are particularly fragile: the metal application can crack with temperature variations. Store them between two rigid boards, never folded in a longbox that is too tight. Artgerm variants on glossy coated paper are susceptible to micro-scratches — a rigid toploader or direct slab pass protects your investment.

Maintain a humidity level below 50% to avoid any oxidation of the foil elements. For #750 copies in variant card stock, the extra stiffness of the paper does not protect them from corner dings — use sleeves adapted to the slightly thicker format.