For these variants print runs matter because they create the bulk of the demand. For Hulk #181 the demand is over what is on the inside. It's a big difference. When only the cover matters demand hangs by a very thin thread.
By that logic, Hulk #180 would be the more valuable and sought-after book. This is not the case. Collectors prefer #181 because of... the cover. (Just throwing this out there, although I do see the point you're trying to make.)
Also, many of these debates miss the fact that the hobby has grown into collectors purchasing many, many books purely for the cover artwork. It's art; not so different from buying a rare painting at this point. And the better the story behind it, the more it's worth.
Im a cover collector
Same here.
I'm a cover collector too. I also prefer a hulk 181 over 180.
It only makes sense as a lot of card collectors are back in the fold.
That I don't understand, and I collect Detective comics from GA to Modern, Pre Code Horror, and keys/classic covers. The expensive variant business, eh. To each their own, but I cap at like 100.00 on moderns. All my copper and modern keys are sold to buy PCH.