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As most who read this know, I recently picked up comic book collecting once more this past year. When I became aware of Joshua Middleton's Batgirl variants, I fell in love with hobby once again. I have managed to add a few more Middleton covers as the year has progressed, but still am (hoping) waiting to snag issue 23 at some point in time. Will it happen? Probably not, unless my Litecoins decide to do something. Yes, sadly, as I still own a few Litecoins.

In this article I would like to share with you all my favorite covers for 2018. I've kept the population size to store covers a and b, avoided incentives and store unique variants, and avoided the 1:10 to 1:500s. Most aren't worth much on the secondary market, but I do enjoy good art. With that said, here are my top 11 covers for 2018.

Number 11 Batgirl 27 Middleton Variant

This one seems to be overlooked by most, but I love the a) Barbara Gordon's figure, b) the back light of the Moon, and c) the wonderful colors and new Batgirl suit. I know it's not as in demand as other Middletons, but this was the first one I was able to buy at my LCS, so perhaps it's a sentimental thing for me.

Number 10 Red Hood 29 Putri Variant

I love the colors on this cover, and Putri's style never ceases to amaze. Add a wonderful profile of Batwoman and Jason Todd, and I'm hooked. Putri did a lot of great Red Hood covers this past year, but this one is my favorite.

Number 9 Daredevil 612 Hotz Variant

I love the white background, and the corpse of Matt Murdock in the foreground, carrying the tools of justice forever. It's a good read too, albeit a bit confusing. I'm still not 100% on what the Disneycorp plan is for Daredevil, but we'll find out soon.

Number 8 Venom Annual Sienkiewicz Variant

A bit of abstract/expressionistic art featuring an insane image of Venom? I loved this cover when I saw it at my LCS and snagged two copies. Another one that hasn't done much on Ebay, but I love the colors and image.

Number 7 The Flash 58 Kerschl Variant

I love this cover. My one and half year old daughter loves this cover. I'm not sure why it didn't take off, but there is something very vibrant and fundamental to the character of the Flash embedded in this piece. I might very well get this one slabbed, to be honest with you.

Number 6 Birds of Prey 20 Hughes Variant

Another one that adore and I am considering getting slabbed. You can still get these cheap, and given Adam Hughes, the Birds of Prey (and it's upcoming movie), and Batgirl, this one should in theory be a collector's item in the long term. If not, I still love this piece. I love that Batgirl look (now I have to buy all of the Hughes' Batgirls...)

Number 5 Action Comics 1004 Foil

I don't know what it is about this cover that makes me enjoy it so much. Is it the idea of a Super Man / Super God hovering above creation, and enjoying life? Or is it something about the character who is simply enjoying life, nature, and the Earth? I'm not sure, but I could go into some occult thing or that regarding it, but I won't. I'm just going to enjoy this one long term.

Number 4 Batman 61 Mattina

I know there is some controversy regarding Mr. Mattina, but this Batman image is beautiful. The red and the black, the Bat and the blood red night sky...it's easily my favorite Batman cover this past year. I have no idea what will become of Mattina's stuff given the claims of late, but this one is an easy keeper for me.

Number 3 Catwoman 5 Artgerm Variant

This one isn't as popular as many other Artgerms, and it doesn't really look like an Artgerm, but I thinks it amazing. The soft colors, the slightly expressionist/dreamy quality to the Batman wound around Selina, and the dreamer eyes in Catwoman make this one a winner for me. Another one I am strongly considering getting slabbed at some point: maybe all the Catwoman Artgerms too!

Number 2 Wonder Woman and Justice League Dark Federici Variant

Wow this image is striking. I managed to miss it when it was released, but was able to pick it up on Ebay for around $10USD all in. Another image that is both slightly frightening and very intense, this isn't your parent's version of Wonder Woman. The Hecate story was good, but the cover art was even better by both Federici and Frison on that run.

Honorable Mention : Frison Wonder Woman

Another artist I've learned to appreciate is Jenny Frison. Her run on Wonder Woman may be done, but the back issues are still out there and fantastic. Another one featuring a very dark Diana Prince. It was a rough year for WW, but she made it through.

Number One Batgirl 24 Middleton Variant

And again with Batgirl; I know # 23 gets all the money, but I think this piece is absolutely stunning. The attention given to the coin in the background, along with the look in Babs' eye; this one was perfect for the Two-Face storyline. These are the type of comic books I can't wait to be able to pass along to my daughter when she's older. Whether they will be worth anything is up for debate, but like a good Max Ernst or even a Johnny Friedlander I've picked up over the years, this work of art will be there for her to keep, hang up, and possibly cherish (and of course remember her dear old dad!)

Let me know what you think of the list. And even better, what your top covers were for the year 2018. As always, thanks so much for reading!