This May, DC Comics' cover theme pays homage to 11 first issues that helped kick off the New 52 in 2011. The covers, and their inspirations, can be found below, along with a list of the variants' artists, and the artists of the original #1 covers. These 11 issues, along with "Justice League," are the only ongoing series that are still being published from 2011's initial wave of 52 titles. "Justice League's" absence is most likely due to the fact that it's one issue behind the rest of the series and probably will release issue #51 in May as opposed to #52.
Action Comics #52 variant cover by Ben Oliver, inspired by Rags Morales and Brad Anderson
Aquaman #52 variant cover by Brett Booth and Norm Rapmund, inspired by Ivan Reis, Joe Prado and Rod Reis
Batgirl #52 variant cover by Babs Tarr, inspired by Adam Hughes
Batman #52 variant cover by Rafael Albuquerque, inspired by Greg Capullo and Alex Sinclair
Catwoman #52 variant cover by Inaki Miranda, inspired by Guillem March
Detective Comics #52 variant cover by Francis Manapul, inspired by Tony Daniel and Tomeu Morey
The Flash #52 variant cover by Jesus Merino, inspired by Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato
Green Arrow #52 variant cover by Szymon Kudranski, inspired by Dave Wilkins
Green Lantern #52 variant cover by Billy Tan, inspired by Ivan Reis, Joe Prado and Rod Reis
Superman #52 variant cover by Mikel Janin, inspired by George Perez and Brian Buccellato
Wonder Woman #52 variant cover by David Finch and Matt Banning, inspired by Cliff Chiang
Official Press Release
Celebrating 52 issues of incredible storytelling, DC Entertainment's May 2016 variant cover theme will pay homage to the #1 issues of eleven comics that debuted in 2011 when DC Entertainment rebooted their superhero publishing line and revitalized the comics industry as a whole. It was a momentous occasion then, and is an anniversary to celebrate now!
Inspired by Cliff Chiang's Wonder Woman #1, Rags Morales and Brad Anderson's Action Comics #1, Adam Hughes' Batgirl #1, and more, these brand-new "The New 52" variants will grace the covers of those same landmark titles that are hitting issue #52 in May. Illustrated by an all-star lineup of incredible talent, May's lineup of variant covers are as remarkable as the industry-changing covers they're based on.
Action Comics #52 variant cover by Ben Oliver
Aquaman #52 variant cover by Brett Booth and Norm Rapmund
Batgirl #52 variant cover by Babs Tarr
Batman #52 variant cover by Rafael Albuquerque
Catwoman #52 variant cover by Inaki Miranda
Detective Comics #52 variant cover by Francis Manapul
The Flash #52 variant cover by Jesus Merino
Green Arrow #52 variant cover by Szymon Kudranski
Green Lantern #52 variant cover by Billy Tan
Superman #52 variant cover by Mikel Janin
Wonder Woman #52 variant cover by David Finch and Matt Banning"The New 52" variants are the latest in a variety of monthly themes.