The year 2024 has proven to be monumental for Marvel Comics in the realm of variant covers, showcasing stunning designs featuring fan-favorites like Godzilla and Venom Horse. For many years, variant covers have served as an effective way to spark interest and excitement among comic book enthusiasts. With the continued success of the Stormbreakers program, Marvel has seen an influx of artistic creativity in its variant covers this year, echoing the talents of a diverse array of artists.
Marvel has embraced the limitless possibilities offered by variant covers, allowing artists to fully unleash their imaginations. Throughout 2024, numerous collaborations have surfaced, resulting in extraordinary artwork that intertwines Marvel’s beloved characters with other popular franchises. Furthermore, many variants have cleverly tied into recent Marvel films and showcased unconventional concepts, presenting characters in fresh and unexpected ways. As a result, fans can anticipate discovering new favorites from this impressive array of variants well into 2025.
10
Giant Man and Captain America Battle Over Coca-Cola
Avengers #17 Variant Cover by Cory Smith
One of the year’s most whimsical collaborations is brilliantly captured in the variant cover for Avengers #17. This piece creatively commemorates a classic Coca-Cola ad featuring Marvel heroes, with Cory Smith illustrating an amusing confrontation between Captain America and Giant Man. The cover humorously depicts Cap soaring away with a Coca-Cola bottle while Giant Man makes a determined attempt to snatch it back, embodying a playful rivalry.
This concept of beloved superheroes entangled with a popular beverage is not only entertaining but also appeals to nostalgic moments for fans. Smith’s artwork accentuates the hilarity of the situation, notably highlighted by Giant Man’s fierce resolve and Iron Man’s comedic readiness to intervene. The scene invites readers to envision it as part of a larger mini-adventure, making it a delightful addition to Marvel’s variant collection.
9
Ms. Marvel Betrays Her New X-Men Family as a Vampire
X-Men #33 Variant Cover by Lee Garbett
Marvel has a tradition of introducing iconic events that profoundly impact its narrative universe. In 2024, the dramatic Blood Hunt summer event saw vampires threaten fan-favorite heroes. To build anticipation, artists recreated classic vampire-themed comic covers featuring different characters, with Ms. Marvel dominating the spotlight by triumphantly standing over the X-Men, an image that expertly conveys deception and intrigue.
Artist Lee Garbett pays homage to a classic 1982 cover while adding a fresh twist, as Ms. Marvel’s recent initiation into the X-Men adds palpable tension to the artwork. The portrayal of her as a formidable vampire betraying her comrades not only heightens the drama but also underscores her complex journey within the X-Men. This cover resonates with fans, stirring feelings of melancholy and suspense.
8
Alien Proves that Sometimes Less is More with a Xenomorph Deck of Cards
Alien: Paradiso #1 Variant Cover by J. Gonzo
Moving away from the flashier designs, the cover for Alien: Paradiso #1 presents a succinct yet captivating concept featuring the haunting Xenomorph Queen illustrated masterfully by J. Gonzo. This design effectively captures the essence of the series’ blood-soaked narrative, where the Xenomorphs wreak havoc at a resort.
The understated brilliance lies in the artwork, which transforms the Xenomorph Queen into a playing card figure. Clever details, like the Ace card beneath, hint at “Alien Queen”(A.Q.), while the small Ovomorph eggs on her back are a nod to her integral role in the Xenomorph life cycle. This simple yet skillfully integrated design perfectly bonds with the theme, leaving fans eager for more unique pieces featuring Gonzo’s art.
7
The Thing Gains Black Panther’s Powers
The Avengers #20 Variant Cover by Paco Medina
Throughout 2024, the Thing enjoyed significant visibility within the variant cover scene, appearing in various roles, including a fascinating twist where he assumes Black Panther’s persona. Paco Medina’s outstanding cover captures this thrilling transformation as the Thing dons T’Challa’s iconic suit while emanating purple energy from his rocky surface.
This striking visual not only showcases the Thing in an entirely new light but also raises intriguing questions about his abilities when fused with Black Panther’s powers. Medina has succeeded in creating a memorable design that rejuvenates the Thing’s character while remaining true to the essence of Marvel’s dynamic universe.
6
Ghost Rider ’44 Bursts on the Scene
Hellhunters #1 Variant Cover by Taurin Clarke
Marvel’s rich history features multiple iterations of the Ghost Rider, but 2024 introduced an exciting new character: Sal Romero, a WWII sergeant who embraces the mantle of Ghost Rider. The debut of Hellhunters warranted a variant cover by renowned artist Taurin Clarke, showcasing this new Ghost Rider in a breathtaking action sequence.
Clarke’s artwork features Sal leaping over an explosion while chasing down a malevolent spirit, emphasizing the drama and action inherent in Ghost Rider’s legacy. The combination of the character’s skeletal grin and the fiery wheels of his motorcycle provides a dazzling visual that underscores the dynamic essence of his new incarnation.
5
The Thing and Thor Team Up for an Epic Battle of the Gods
Immortal Thor #17 Variant Cover by Stefano Caselli
Channeling nostalgia from classic Marvel Two-in-One series, the cover for Immortal Thor #17 captures a compelling team-up between the Thing and Thor, beautifully rendered by Stefano Caselli. This variant encapsulates the essence of their partnership against a backdrop of dark colors and bright flashes of lightning that rouse anticipation for an epic showdown.
Odin’s imposing visage in the background enhances the cover’s grandeur, suggesting the weightiness of this mythical encounter. Caselli’s artistic contribution not only highlights the Thing’s role but also depicts Thor as a mighty figure, making this variant a must-have for fans pursuing an elevated representation of both heroes.
4
Deadpool Kills Scarlet Witch Before She Can Say “No More Mutants”
Scarlet Witch #2 Variant Cover by Corin Howell
With the anticipation building for Deadpool’s latest chapter, Marvel’s launch of variants showcasing the Merc with a Mouth eliminating various characters adds a humorous yet dramatic flair to the series. Among them, the cover designed by Corin Howell stood out, featuring Deadpool dismantling Scarlet Witch piece by piece, reminiscent of a jigsaw puzzle.
This clever homage to Scarlet Witch’s iconic “House of M”pose intertwines humor with nostalgia, showcasing Deadpool’s irreverent approach while eliciting laughter and admiration from fans. This cover becomes more than just a collectible; it encapsulates a moment in Marvel history, highlighting the enduring appeal of both Deadpool and Scarlet Witch.
3
Venom Horse Finds Its Way to Marvel Comics
All-New Venom #1 Variant Cover by WeAN
The success of Venom: The Last Dance, which introduced the striking Venom Horse, has led to a significant buzz in fan circles. Marvel swiftly integrated Venom Horse into its comic canon, where it wreaks havoc during the Venom War event. The highlight of this year is captured in the variant cover for All-New Venom by talented artist SKAN.
Known for its gritty yet breathtaking designs, the cover blends inspiration from classic animations with striking detail. Venom is depicted gallantly riding the Venom Horse, wielding a blood-red sword against a chilling backdrop. The artistic elements come together to convey the immense excitement surrounding Venom Horse, making this cover a tantalizing tease for fans eagerly awaiting future appearances of this formidable creature.
2
Princess Leia Joins Her Father on the Dark Side
Star Wars: Darth Vader #50 Variant Cover by Derrick Chew
As Marvel’s groundbreaking Star Wars: Darth Vader series concluded in 2024, it left an indelible mark with its final issue. This important installment delved into Vader’s efforts to sway Leia toward the Dark Side, an intriguing concept that artist Derrick Chew skillfully depicted on the variant cover.
Chew’s portrayal of Leia standing beneath Vader, wearing an outfit inspired by his own, is visually arresting. Retaining her traditional white attire while hinting at Sith themes offers a captivating perspective on her character arc. The eerie resemblance to her father enriches the cover, capturing the series’ climactic essence and solidifying it as one of the finest in the Star Wars canon.
1
Venomzilla Rises, Causing Demand for a Much-Needed Spin-Off Series
Venom #37 Variant Cover by Dave Wachter
Without a doubt, the standout variant cover of 2024 features the awe-inspiring Venomzilla. Crafted by Dave Wachter, this exceptional cover presents an imaginative “What If…?”scenario where the towering Godzilla merges with the Venom symbiote. The immense reception from fans sparked discussions about the potential of a dedicated comic series centered around this enthralling concept.
The implications of such a fusion extend beyond mere visuals, presenting new narrative potentials that could lead to dynamic conflicts, particularly within iconic settings like New York City. Following the cover’s initial popularity, Marvel confirmed a forthcoming crossover featuring Godzilla and Marvel’s Universe, igniting excitement for what lies ahead. Until its anticipated arrival, Marvel has undeniably made its mark with this breathtaking Venom and Godzilla collaboration, securing its place as the best variant cover of 2024.
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