Rant: I bought a $75 variant cover that was just a reprint

I saw a cool looking 'exclusive' cover for a new issue at my local shop and grabbed it without checking the fine print. Turns out it was just a second printing with a different cover, not a real variant, so it's basically worthless now. Has anyone else fallen for this trick?

3 comments

3 Comments

keith2641mo ago

Oof, that's a rough one. Technically a second printing with a new cover is still a variant, just a much less valuable kind. The real trick is the shop selling it for that price without making it super clear what you're buying. Always check the fine print or the inside credits page for the printing info before you drop that kind of cash.

uma_baker991mo ago

Keith264 is totally right about checking the fine print. I once got burned on a book that looked like a first print but was actually like a fifth. Felt pretty silly after. Maybe it's just me but I need to start carrying a magnifying glass to the comic shop. The credits page is your best friend before you hand over your money.

terry_barnes1mo ago

Hold on though, the cover is what you're buying when you pick up that variant, not the inside number. If the art is good and you like having a different look on your shelf, then who really cares if it's a second printing or not. Price is just what the shop decides to charge, but value is what the art means to you.