DC Comics sure loves its monthly variant themes. From steam punk to movie posters to “Hey, let’s just let Darwyn Cooke do a bunch”, their variant cover themes have been a generally fun promotion. There are some stinkers in the mix, sure, but a lot of them have been quite nice, especially on Wonder Woman comics. Frankly, given the rough patch Wonder Woman’s been in as of late, there have been a lot of months where I’ve enjoyed the variant cover more than the actual book.
DC’s newest variant line, set for June, is based on the Joker. The Clown Prince of Crime will appear alongside many of DC’s heroes, including Wonder Woman. Let’s take a look, starting with Wonder Woman #41 by Brian Bolland:
The use of black is kind of clever here. I like that. It doesn’t do much for me, generally, though. I’d much rather see the inevitable end of this scene, where Wonder Woman punches out the Joker. Also, her hair is super flat. Did she just come in from a rain storm or something?
Next up is Superman/Wonder Woman #18 by Cliff Chiang:
I’m always a sucker for a Cliff Chiang Wonder Woman, but this is just fantastic all around. The children’s book vibe is clever, and the art captures everyone perfectly. Plus of course the Joker would love Wonder Woman! Who wouldn’t. This is super cute and fun, and I look forward to picking it up.
Wonder Woman is also on the cover for Justice League #41 by David Finch, Jonathan Glapion, and Brad Anderson. Oh great, more David Finch. Just what Wonder Woman needs:
It’s the Justice League with Joker smiles. A little obvious. I mean, compared to what Bolland and Chiang came up with, this is pretty unimaginative.
Finally, Wonder Woman’s on the cover for Justice League of America #1 by Howard Porter and Hi-Fi:
Again, a little unimaginative with the giant Joker and such. You’ve got to think outside of the box a bit, gang. Do something fun with it.
All of these covers will be available in June, but maybe make sure you to talk to your retailer before they come out so that they can set aside a copy for you if there’s any you really like. Variants can go quickly. You don’t want the joke to be on you!
TIM HANLEY 
I think you meant the CLOWN Prince of Crime.
Good catch, thanks! Now fixed.
Finch’s is not just unimaginative, it’s also pretty faking ugly. Chiang on the other hand can do no wrong.
I don’t know what Chiang’s intentions were, but it looks to me that the cut out shape and water colour pic is done in the style of the old Playboy cartoon gags. Also the fact that it is not funny seems to reference the Playboy cartoons which in my opinion are nice art, but not funny at all.
http://s1181.photobucket.com/user/pbautographcollector/media/AlStine.jpg.html
not bad, go on