This May, Archie Comics is going to step up their approach to variant covers with its "Archie Action Line" (i.e., SONIC THE HEDGEHOG, SONIC UNIVERSE, and MEGA MAN). It's introducing a new concept called "After the Credits," which appears to be an attempt at variant endings in its books!:
From Archie Executive Director of Editorial Paul Kaminski:Both versions of each comic book -- both the regular issues as well as their variant copies (complete with both variant covers and variant endings!!) -- will be available at comic book shops and digitally.“It’s become a staple for superhero films over the last decade – waiting until the credits finish rolling for that one, last awesome easter egg that can change your entire perception of the story – or tease what’s next. Archie’s ‘After the Credits Month’ takes what you love about those movies and brings them back to comics. The initiative spans the entire Archie Action Line in May, including SONIC THE HEDGEHOG, SONIC UNIVERSE and MEGA MAN, with fans getting scenes at the very end of each issue – after the credits, natch – that tease all of the spoilerific details of what’s coming up. The best part? Both the regular and variant editions of each comic will feature DIFFERENT ‘After the Credits’ scenes! So bust out the popcorn, visit your local comic shop and prepare for your jaws to drop!”The specific issues getting the “after the credits” treatment include Sonic Universe #62, Sonic The Hedgehog #259 and Mega Man #36. All three issues are written by Ian Flynn, with Sonic Universe featuring the art of Tracey Yardley, Rafa Knight, Jamal Peppers and Jim Amash. Sonic #259 includes art by Yardley, Knight and Evan Stanley. Mega Man will have art by POWREE, Gary Martin, John Workman and Matt.
It's an interesting concept. I'm curious how well it will work out. If it goes well, I wouldn't be surprised if other Archie Comics titles also get the "After the Credits" treatment!