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| Browse the other Vampirella comics sections by clicking on the appropriate heading to the right |
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Browse the main groups of alternate covers for comics by clicking on the appropriate heading to the right |
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Over the years Vampirella comics have contained more alternate covers than any others I can think of. On this page and the others it links to I have listed all the ones I know of. Collecting alternate covers is either something you are hooked into, or a total waste of money. After all, the inside of the comic is the same - so why collect several different versions of the same comic? There are a number of answers. Perhaps the most important is that most comic collectors are just that - collectors. And collectors love to collect things, whether they are stamps, butterflies or match box covers. Why should anyone collect a bunch of stamps? Why collect coins, or dolls, or coke bottles? Why indeed? People just do - for the joy in finding that missing item that makes the collection complete. |
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Some people get very 'worked up' about alternate covers, claiming that comic publishers are increasing their profits by publishing alternate covers - as if it was some kind of scam. The problem with this view is that it ignores the fact that the publishers never claim anything but the truth. The covers are alternatives, and everyone knows this. You don't need to collect them to follow the stories in the comics. Harris has been promoting alternate covers for Vampirella comics since 1994 with Vengeance of Vampirella #1, and the number of different covers per issue just seems to keep on growing, a veritable bonanza for the collector and of little consequence for those who just want the comic to read, as the regular issues are always very affordable. |
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Sometimes the alternate covers are limited in number, sometimes a fashionable artist is used. Whatever, the cover is desirable, not least because we know some alternate issues will increase in value, thus making the purchase an investment. Is it a mug's game? Not if you enjoy collecting and owning that item, as any other collector will tell you. No-one makes you buy the limited edition, and the fact they are obviously successful suggests the publishers have identified a market rather than created one. So my advice to collectors everywhere is - enjoy it. |
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I have not put all the Vampirella covers on my site because they are well 'covered' on other sites (especially Scott Stockwell's). What I have done is identify those issues that have alternative covers, and placed the regular, alternative and limited covers alongside each other so you can look to see if your collection needs some other covers to make it complete. I've been fairly fussy as well, including chrome and holochrome versions of some comics. The holochrome (sometimes called holofoil or holoplaid) comic uses a more expensive refractive chromium material, and if you hold one of them alongside a normal chromium cover then the difference is quite obvious. You can see this in some of my scans, especially Vampirella Monthly #12 (Vampirella vs Mistress Nyx). |
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Obviously new comics are being added all the time, and I shall be including them as we go along. The various pages for this section of the site are explained below. You can also access the different pages using the links at the top of each page. |
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| Covers from the original Color series in 1992 - 94, mainly featuring Vampirella Zero. | |
| The occasional limited editions in this series, including the hard-to-get Buzz covers for the Mystery Walk. | |
| This series introduced the Vampirella model covers, with four alternate covers for the first issue. | |
| Harris is very good at reprinting the original Warren series for those who were too young to collect them. | |
| In her time, Vampirella has had a number of one-shots, and some have contained great alternative covers. | |
| Over the years Vampirella has met a number of characters from the world of comics. | |
| This series must hold the record for alternative covers, so I have had to divide the whole series even further. | |
| Vampirella Miniseries | Between Vengeance and Vampirella Monthly there were a number of miniseries with alternate covers. |
| International Vampirella | Vampirella has appeared in a large number of international publications, and this section features non-English ones. |
| Vampirella Series (2001) | The ultimate Vampirella? I think so. A fabulous return after 12 month's absence. |
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All images on this site are copyright © 2002, Harris Publications, Inc. VAMPIRELLA ® and other characters are trademarks of Harris Publications, Inc. Text and concepts © 2002 Mike Grace. All rights reserved. |