Female Character ACTION FIGURE COMICS COVERS!

The Coolest Variant Cover Trend of Recent Years - Fantasy Action Figures

This is the first post I've made on this blog that doesn't have to do with real action figures or statues. Comic Book cover variants are a major trend in the hardcopy comic world. Back in the day, variants would be rare incentives for some super-special issue. But now it's actually rare when and issue doesn't have at least one variant. Different companies will have themes, like Lego covers or Women of Power. But my favorite by far has been the Action Figure covers. There are a few early examples of this kind of cover, but I believe the current trend was kicked off by the various Marvel Star Wars comics from Spring of 2015. There were tons of action figure variants across all the Star Wars titles at the time. Then later that Summer, Marvel's Secret Wars event used the same tactic and its momentum has only grown since then. There are usually a few Marvel Action Figure Variants each week now. And other publishers are picking up on the trend as well.  Let's check out a slew of these covers below!

I'm going to do my best to keep adding to this list as more issues are published. Let me know if I'm missing any!

*** Note: This post was originally posted in April of 2016 with 41 covers. Then updated in October of 2018 with an additional 77 covers. Then re-posted in December of 2023 with an additional 106 covers added. ***

I'm not keeping these in any real order, but I might as well start with the first of the modern batch.

The majority of these covers are drawn by John Tyler Christopher (I'll try to note the exceptions).

Princess Leia Organa on the cover of Princess Leia #1 (3/4/2015)
Princess Leia (Bespin Gown) on the cover of Star Wars #19 (5/25/2016)

Princess Leia (Hoth Outfit) on the cover of Star Wars #36 (9/13/2017)

Leia (Yavin Gown) on the cover of Star Wars #58 (12/5/2018)

Princess Leia Organa (Combat Poncho) on the cover of Star Wars #12 (3/10/2021)

Princess Leia Organa (Boushh Disguise) on the cover of Star Wars #64 (4/3/2019)

Sy Snootles on the cover of Star Wars #10 (1/6/2021)

Keeve Trennis on the cover of Star Wars High Republic #7 (7/28/2021)

Sabe (Queen Disguise) on the cover of Star Wars #42 (1/10/2024)

Queen Padme Amidala (Naboo Gown) on the cover of Star Wars #29 (11/2/2022)

Padme Amidala (Handmaiden Disguise) on the cover of Star Wars #36 (7/5/2023)

Jyn Erso on the cover of Rogue One #1 (4/5/2017)

Tulon on the cover of Darth Vader #21 (6/8/2016)

Doctor Aphra on the cover of Darth Vader #25 (10/12/2016)

Leia Organa on the cover of Vader Down #1 (11/11/2015)

Leia on the cover of Star Wars Action Figure Variant Covers #1 (8/12/2020)

Jyn Erso on the cover of Rogue One #1 (4/5/2017)

Captain Marvel on the cover of Captain Marvel and the Carol Corps #1 (6/10/2015)

Jane Foster Thor on the cover of Thors #1 (6/17/2015)

Emma Frost on the cover of X-Men #600 (11/4/2015)

Jean Grey on the cover of X-Men #600 (11/4/2015)

Jubilee on the cover of X-Men '92 #1 (3/30/2016)

Polaris on the cover of X-Men Legends #5 (7/21/2021)

Dark Phoenix on the cover of X-Men #13 (10/21/2020)

Jean Grey on the cover of X-Men Legends #4 (6/23/2021)

Wolverine on the cover of All-New Wolverine #1 (11/11/2015)

Jean Grey on the cover of Uncanny X-Men #9 (1/9/2019)

Ms. Marvel on the cover of Ms. Marvel #1 (11/18/2015)

Ms. Marvel (The New Mutant) on the cover of Ms. Marvel: The New Mutant #1 (8/30/2023)

Squirrel Girl on the cover of The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl #3 (12/16/2015)

Gwenpool on the cover of Gwenpool #1 (4/13/2016)

Mockingbird on the cover of Mockingbird #1 (3/9/2016)

Black Widow on the cover of Black Widow #1 (3/2/2016)

Hellcat on the cover of Patsy Walker: Hellcat #1 (12/23/2015)
Warrior Woman on the cover of Squadron Supreme #9 (7/20/2016)

Iron Cat on the cover of Iron Cat #1 (6/29/2022)

Power Princess on the cover of Heroes Reborn #2 (5/12/2021)

Scream on the cover of Absolute Carnage #5 (11/20/2019)

Aero on the cover of Aero #1 (7/3/2019)

M on the cover of House of X #4 (9/4/2019)

Armor on the cover of Powers of X #6 (10/9/2019)

Storm on the cover of House of X #2 (8/7/2019)

Mystique on the cover of Powers of X #2 (8/14/2019)

Spider-Gwen on the cover of Spider-Gwen #1 (10/14/2015)

Spider-Woman on the cover of Spider-Woman #1 (11/18/2015)

Jessica Jones on the cover of Jessica Jones #1 (10/5/2016)

Tara (and Howard) on the cover of Howard the Duck #1 (9/28/2016)

Nina the Conqueror on the cover of Doctor Strange and the Sorcerers Supreme #1 (10/26/2016)

Mary Jane and Annie on the cover of Amazing Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows #1 (11/9/2016)

Ironheart Riri Williams on the cover of Invincible Iron Man #1 (11/9/2016)

Scarlet Witch on the cover of Avengers #2.1 (12/21/2016)

Hulk (Jennifer Walters She-Hulk) on the cover of Hulk #1 (12/28/2016)

Iron Patriot (Toni Ho) on the cover of U.S.Avengers #1 (1/4/2017)

Wasp (Nadia Pym) on the cover of Unstoppable Wasp #1 (1/4/2017)

America Chavez on the cover of America #1 (3/1/2017)

Avenger X on the cover of Avengers #5.1 (3/29/2017)

Misty Knight on the cover of Black Panther and the Crew #1 (4/12/2017)

Jubilee on the cover of Generation X #1 (5/17/2017)

Gamora on the cover of All New Guardians of the Galaxy #1 (5/3/2017)

Psylocke (Astonishing) on the cover of Astonishing X-Men #1 (7/19/2017)

Psylocke (Betsy Braddock) on the cover of Uncanny X-Men #1 (11/14/2018)

Domino on the cover of Domino #1 (4/11/2018)

Shuri on the cover of Shuri #1 (10/17/2018)

Rogue on the cover of What If? X-Men #1 (10/3/2018)

Rogue on the cover of Powers of X #4 (9/11/2019)

Magik (Sorcerer Supreme) on the cover of What If? Magik #1 (10/31/2018)

Moon Girl (and Devil Dino) on the cover of Moon girl & Devil Dinosaur #1 (6/22/2016)

Spider-Gwen (Aqua Gear) on the cover of Spider-Gwen #7 (4/13/2016)

Spider-Gwen (Samurai) on the cover of Spider-Gwen #8 (5/4/2016)

Silk (Deep-Space) on the cover of Silk #7 (4/20/2016)

Silk (The Worthy) on the cover of Silk #8 (5/11/2016)

Spider-Woman (Polar-Gear) on the cover of Spider-Woman #6 (4/27/2016)

Spider-Woman (Hulkbuster) on the cover of Spider-Woman #7 (5/18/2016)

Cindy-65 on the cover of Spider-Women Omega #1 (5/25/2016)

 Crystal (and Thane) on the cover of All-New Inhumans #1 (12/2/2015)

Medusa (and Inferno) on the cover of Ms. Marvel #2 (12/16/2015)

Naja (and Karnak) on the cover of Karnak #3 (4/20/2016)

Agent Daisy Johnson (aka Quake) on the cover of Quake: S.H.I.E.L.D. #1 (9/9/2015)

Agent "Peggy" carter on the cover of Agent Carter: S.H.I.E.L.D. #1 (9/16/2015)

Agent Jemma Simmons (and Agent Leo Fitz) on the cover of Fury: S.H.I.E.L.D. #1 (9/23/2015)

Agent Melinda May on the cover of The Cavalry: S.H.I.E.L.D. #1 (9/30/2015)

Jessica Jones (and Daredevil, Power Man, and Iron Fist) on the cover of Defenders #1 (7/26/2017)

 Storm (Magneto vs Storm) on the cover of Civil War II: X-Men #1 (6/15/2016)

Captain Marvel (Iron Man vs Captain Marvel) on the cover of Civil War II: Choosing Sides #1 (6/22/2016)

Viv Vision (and Nova) on the cover of Champions #1 (10/5/2016)

Ms. Marvel (and Cyclops) on the cover of Champions #3 (12/7/2016)

Storm on the cover of Secret Empire #5 (6/28/2017)

Medusa on the cover of Secret Empire #6 (7/19/2017)

Black Widow on the cover of Secret Empire #7 (7/26/2017)

Valeria Richards on the cover of Empyre #3 (7/29/2020)

Invisible Woman on the cover of Empyre #0 Fantastic Four (7/8/2020)

Captain Marvel on the cover of Empyre #0 Avengers (6/24/2020)

Danvers the Accuser on the cover of Empyre #6 (7/2/2020)

Hulk on the cover of Empyre #2 (7/224/2020)

Darkstar on the cover of Champions #3 (12/27/2016)

Medusa vs Storm on the cover of Inhumans vs X-Men #1 (12/14/2016)

Hallows Eve on the cover of Hallows Eve The Big Night #1 2nd Printing (12/20/2023)

Maximum "Max" Ride on the cover of Max Ride: First Flight #1 (4/8/2015)

Capri on the cover of Figment #3 (11/11/2015)

Constance the Bride on the cover of The Haunted Mansion #1 (3/9/2016)

Crimson Witch on the cover of Conan the Barbarian #3 (2/6/2019)

Belit on the cover of Age of Conan: Belit #5 (7/24/2019)

Valeria on the cover of Age of Conan: Valeria #1 (8/14/2019)

Now this one is interesting.  Seemingly unrelated to the batch of covers above, this cover came out roughly 2 years before this modern series. This was the main cover for Fearless Defenders #2 and was likely inspired by the toy world's frustration with the missing Dani Moonstar Marvel Legends figure which was supposed to hit the shelves in late 2012. It was never released, despite being advertised on the cardback for Mystique. This cover is by Mark Brooks who also played around with other non-comic themes for covers (like paper cut-out dolls). I consider this cover the true precursor to the modern action figure cover, but it's possible John Tyler Christopher never saw this image before.

Dani Moonstar on the cover of Fearless Defenders #2 (3/13/2015)

April O'Neil on the cover of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #52 (11/25/2015) Blindbox Comics Exc.

Jennika on the cover of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #98 (9/25/2019)

Doctor Zira (Indigo Lantern) on the cover of Planet of the Apes Green Lantern #5 (6/14/2017)

Chun-Li on the cover of Street Fighter Masters: Chun-Li #1 (9/7/2022)

Pink Ranger on the cover of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #3 (5/11/2016)

Yellow Ranger on the cover of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #5 (7/20/2016)

Pink Ranger (Kimberly Hart) on the cover of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #19 (9/27/2017)

Yellow Ranger (Trini Kwan) on the cover of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #20 (10/18/2017)

Scorpina on the cover of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #9 (11/23/2016)

Rita Repulsa on the cover of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #10 (12/21/2016)

Yellow Ranger (Aisha) on the cover of Power Rangers #103 (12/21/2022)

Yellow Ranger Omega (Trini) on the cover of Power Rangers #109 (6/21/21)

Ranger Slayer on the cover of Power Rangers #104 (1/18/2023)

Mistress Vile on the cover of Power Rangers #106 (3/22/2023)

Baroness on the cover of G.I.Joe: A Real American Hero #216 (7/22/2015)

Scarlett on the cover of G.I.Joe: A Real American Hero #221 (12/9/2015)

Scarlett (and Optimus Prime) on the cover of Revolution #1 (9/21/2016)

Arcee ( and Snake Eyes) on the cover of Revolution #4 (11/2/2016)

G.I.Joe Veronica as Baroness on the cover of Betty and Veronica #1 (7/22/2020)

G.I.Joe Betty as Scarlett on the cover of Archie Halloween Spectacular #1 (10/14/2020)

G.I.Joe Sabrina as Lady Jaye on the cover of Sabrina: Something Wicked #5 (11/30/2020)

Space Glider on the cover of Micronauts #3 (6/29/2015)

Orbital Defender on the cover of Micronauts #4 (7/27/2015)

  

Shazraella on the cover of Micronauts #7 (11/16/2016)

Lynn Minmei on the cover of Robotech #2 (8/30/2017)

Lisa Hayes on the cover of Robotech #5 (12/13/2017)

 Claudia Grant on the cover of Robotech #6 (1/17/2018)

Miriya on the cover of Robotech #13 (10/10/2018)

Azonia on the cover of Robotech #14 (11/14/2018)

Vanessa Lee on the cover of Robotech #18 (3/6/2019)

Sammie Porter on the cover of Robotech #19 (4/30/2019)

Kim Young on the cover of Robotech #20 (5/8/2019)

Dana Sterling on the cover of Robotech Remix #1 (10/9/2019)

Miriya (Battle Armor) on the cover of Robotech #23 (8/14/2019)

Thirteenth Doctor on the cover of Doctor Who:13th Doctor Holiday Special #1 (11/13/2019)

Thirteenth Doctor on the cover of Doctor Who:13th Doctor Holiday Special #1A (11/13/2019)

Sarah Jane Smith on the cover of Doctor Who: 4th Doctor #3 (6/1/2016) 

Leela on the cover of Doctor Who: 4th Doctor #4 (7/13/2016) 

Starbuck on the cover of BSG vs BSG #5 (5/16/2018) 

Boomer on the cover of BSG vs BSG #4 (4/18/2018) 

Tank Girl on the cover of Tank Girl: Action Alley #1 (12/19/2018)

Sub Girl on the cover of Tank Girl: Action Alley #4 (3/20/2019)

Barney on the cover of Tank Girl: Action Alley #3 (2/19/2019)

Jet Girl on the cover of Tank Girl: Action Alley #4 (3/20/2019)

Angela on the cover of Gargoyles #2 (1/25/2023)

Demona on the cover of Gargoyles #6 (5/31/2023)

Dominique Destine on the cover of Gargoyles #7 (7/3/2023)

Desdemona on the cover of Gargoyles: Dark Ages #2 (8/2/2023)

Angel on the cover of Gargoyles: Dark Ages #1 (7/12/2023)

Hippolyta on the cover of Gargoyles: Dark Ages #4 (10/4/2023)

Coldfire on the cover of Gargoyles #9 (8/30/2023)

Maleficent on the cover of Disney Villains: Maleficent #1 (5/3/2023)

Medusa on the cover of Disney Villains: Hades #2 (10/18/2023)

Arachne on the cover of Disney Villains: Hades #5 (12/27/2023)

Cruella De Vil on the cover of Disney Villains: Cruella De Vil #1 (12/27/2023)

Morgana Macawber on the cover of Darkwing Duck #3 (3/8/2023)

Neptunia on the cover of Darkwing Duck #8 (8/23/2023)

Ingenue on the cover of Actionverse: Stray #3 (11/8/2017)

The Fictional Woman on the cover of Department of Truth #13 (9/29/2021)

Athena Voltaire on the cover of Athena Voltaire #1 (2/14/2018)

Molly on the cover of Spread #12 (1/13/2016)

Xena on the cover of Army of Darkness Xena: Forever and a Day #1 (10/5/2016)

Wonder Woman and Bionic Woman on the cover of Wonder Woman Bionic Woman #1 (12/7/2016)

Dana Scully on the cover of X-Files: Season 11 #1 (8/12/2015)

Red Sonja on the cover of Red Sonja #1 (7/19/2023)

Lyra on the cover of Eternal Descent #3 (1/18/2023)

Stone Angel on the cover of Evanescence: Echoes from the Void #3 (11/2/2022)

Witch on the cover of Helloween: Seekers of the Seven Keys #2 (11/30/2022)

Succubus on the cover of Cradle of Filth #3 (9/21/2022)

Sea Witch on the cover of Frank Frazetta's Death Dealer #5 (9/14/2022)

Lady Death Classic on the cover of Lady Death Devotions #1 (8/1/2018)

Lady Death Classic (Miscard) on the cover of Lady Death Devotions #1 (8/1/2018

Lady Slave on the cover of Lady Death Apocalyptic Abyss #1 (2/6/2019)

Lady Slave (Error) on the cover of Lady Death Apocalyptic Abyss #1 (2/6/2019)

Death Widow Emerald on the cover of Lady Death Revelations #1 (1/18/2017)

Lady Death Odyssey on the cover of Lady Death Devotions #1 (8/1/2018)

Lady Death Odyssey (Error) on the cover of Lady Death Devotions #1 (8/1/2018)

Rook (Mysterious Warrior) on the cover of Realm #1 (10/12/2018)

Irina on the cover of Morning Glories #27 (5/29/2013)

Joyce on the cover of Roomies #2 (12/1/2001)

Lillian on the cover of White Ash #1 (12/1/2022)

Minxx on the cover of Minxx: Cyberpunk, Season 2 #1 (8/1/2021)

Battle Fairy (w/ Wings) on the cover of Battle Fairy and Yeti #1 (1/1/2018)

Battle Fairy (Funko Homage) on the cover of Battle Fairy and Yeti #1 (1/1/2018)

Sonya Devereaux on the cover of Renegade Road Rider #3 (9/1/2023)

Saltoona Brown on the cover of Travelers Guide to Flogoria #5 (12/6/2023)

PH34R on the cover of W0RLDtr33 #3 (6/28/2023)

Molly Sims on the cover of Star Bastard #2 (4/24/2019)

Val Jacobs on the cover of Hate Punch 2 #1 (8/1/2021)

Asuka on the cover of WWE #5 (5/31/2017)

Naomi on the cover of WWE #11 (11/22/2017)

Mickie James on the cover of WWE #16 (4/18/2018)

Carmella on the cover of WWE #19 (7/18/2018)

The remaining covers on this post are from Action Lab Comics and other indie publishers. Most of these variants have additional risque variants. Honestly, just imagine their tops photoshopped out. It takes all kinds. These are not the type of comics that impress me, but I'm including them for the sake of completion.

Janey Belle on the cover of Zombie Tramp #21 (3/30/2016)

Xula on the cover of Zombie Tramp #22 (4/20/2016)

Eve on the cover of Zombie Tramp #23 (5/25/2016)

Vampblade on the cover of Vampblade #4 (4/13/2016)

Klustur Fukur on the cover of Danger Doll Squad: Galactic Gladiators #1 (4/4/2018)

Zombie Tramp on the cover of Danger Doll Squad: Galactic Gladiators #2 (5/30/2018)

Vampblade on the cover of Danger Doll Squad: Galactic Gladiators #3 (6/28/2018)

Dollface on the cover of Danger Doll Squad: Galactic Gladiators #4 (7/25/2018)

Amalgama on the cover of Amalgama Lives #3 (4/24/2019)

Qanya on the cover of Cocktales #1 (1/1/2024)

Hardlee Thinn on the cover of Hardlee Thinn #1 (2/1/2021)

Hardlee Thinn on the cover of Hardlee Thinn #1 ACE ComicCon (7/1/2021)

That all I could come up with for now. If you know of any others that I missed, let me know below.  I'll be keeping my eyes peeled for future Marvel ones at the very least. Thanks!

Cheers!