The proliferation of variant covers will hit a new high in February, as Justice League of America #1 by Geoff Johns and David Finch (see "New 52 Churn Continues as DC Axes 4") is released with 52 covers, one for each state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, according to MTV Geek.  The rationale is ironclad.  DC Co-Publisher Dan DiDio told MTV Geek, "Given the title of the comic and the year in which we’re announcing--an election year--we wanted to celebrate the country, as well as the various states."

Retailer pushback on variant covers has been emerging for months, although the consumer appetite has apparently continued undiminished.  But we’ve been down this road before, and when the collectible side of comics is exploited to the extent that consumer and retailer budgets become exhausted, it collapses, as both pull back.  This smells like it could be that moment.  We hope it’s not.  

DC also announced that it will be launching two new series about Justice League of America members Vibe and Katana to tie into the launch.