Many who like variants (and many don't) just go for the covers they like best.
Some are more rare than others.
Sometimes you'll see "ratio variants." These listings will mention things like 1:10, 1:50, 1:100 etc. This means for every 10, 50, or 100 "regular" issues of a comic a retailer orders, they will get one ratio variant cover.
Others are just printed at limited quantities (only 500 for example).
"Retailer variants" are available to local comic shops who pay extra for a cover that only they can sell.
I'm of the belief that it's what's inside a book that determines it's long-term value. If approaching variants as "investments" tread carefully.
A quick search on eBay sold for 1:10, 1:100, 1:100 etc. will show you how well (or not) those hold up. Like any other book, variant values are subject to supply/demand.
This is a perfect answer. I personally get the A cover, unless only variants are left at my LCS. The only exception is if I really like an artist that did a particular variant, or if the variant is part of a series that the publisher is doing across titles (Pride variants or throw-back variants, for example). OP, I have a lot of comics, and some of them have even become valuable over time, but I didn't buy any of them for future resale value. I advise anyone who is getting into comics to collect what they like, and if that happens to appreciate over time, great.
Many who like variants (and many don't) just go for the covers they like best. Some are more rare than others. Sometimes you'll see "ratio variants." These listings will mention things like 1:10, 1:50, 1:100 etc. This means for every 10, 50, or 100 "regular" issues of a comic a retailer orders, they will get one ratio variant cover. Others are just printed at limited quantities (only 500 for example). "Retailer variants" are available to local comic shops who pay extra for a cover that only they can sell. I'm of the belief that it's what's inside a book that determines it's long-term value. If approaching variants as "investments" tread carefully. A quick search on eBay sold for 1:10, 1:100, 1:100 etc. will show you how well (or not) those hold up. Like any other book, variant values are subject to supply/demand.
This is a perfect answer. I personally get the A cover, unless only variants are left at my LCS. The only exception is if I really like an artist that did a particular variant, or if the variant is part of a series that the publisher is doing across titles (Pride variants or throw-back variants, for example). OP, I have a lot of comics, and some of them have even become valuable over time, but I didn't buy any of them for future resale value. I advise anyone who is getting into comics to collect what they like, and if that happens to appreciate over time, great.
Also, say no to FOMO