Sometimes, a comic book becomes more than paper and ink — it becomes a moment in time. That’s exactly what happened in 2019, when Devil’s Due Comics released Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and the Freshman Force #1, a satirical one-shot celebrating America’s newest political firebrand.
But one cover rose above the noise — the Wonder Woman Homage Variant, painted by Carla Cohen.
📰 Publication Details
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Title: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and the Freshman Force #1 — Wonder Woman Homage Variant
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Publisher: Devil’s Due Comics
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Release Year: 2019
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Cover Artist: Carla Cohen
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Writer: Josh Blaylock
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Format: Standard U.S. comic, full color
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Edition Type: Retail / Store Exclusive Variant
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Genre: Political satire & pop culture homage
🔑 Collector Specifics
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Key Type: Modern Cultural Variant
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Significance:
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Satirical one-shot featuring AOC and her “Freshman Force” taking on the Washington establishment.
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The Carla Cohen Wonder Woman Variant pays tribute to Wonder Woman #1 (1942), reimagining Ocasio-Cortez as a symbol of empowerment and strength.
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DC Comics issued an official Cease and Desist letter to Devil’s Due over the use of Wonder Woman’s likeness — resulting in the variant’s immediate withdrawal from circulation and a massive surge in secondary market value.
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This legal controversy cemented its status as one of the most notorious indie releases of the decade.
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Edition Size: Estimated under 2,500 copies (many pulled or destroyed post–C&D).
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Rarity Tier: 🔴 Controversial / Legally Restricted Variant
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Market Value (CGC 9.8): Jumped from ~$60 on release to $175–$250 after the C&D notice — roughly a threefold increase in value.
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Notable Traits:
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Painted realism by Carla Cohen, mirroring classic Wonder Woman iconography.
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Now effectively banned from reprint, increasing its scarcity and cultural value.
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📜 Lore & Inspiration
This comic blends politics, art, and mythology — an audacious fusion that turned heads across the collector community. The Wonder Woman Homage Variant transforms AOC into a modern-day Diana Prince: championing truth, strength, and defiance in a world of power struggles.
Cohen’s painterly realism elevates the satire into something mythic. What began as parody became pop-art legend — especially once DC Comics’ legal team intervened, forcing Devil’s Due to halt further distribution. The unintended result? The controversy made the issue instantly collectible, much like Obama’s Amazing Spider-Man #583 or Savage Dragon #137.
💬 Why I Want It
This book isn’t just rare — it’s defiant. It’s a story about creativity pushing the limits of ownership, parody, and iconography. And because AOC is an inspiration to a lot of people.
Carla Cohen’s stunning cover and the ensuing DC backlash make it a piece of modern comic lore — part social commentary, part collector legend. It’s not just about political resonance; it’s about how one indie comic took on the biggest name in the industry and made history doing it.
It’s that perfect blend of art, controversy, and cultural reflection — everything I love about collecting.
🗂️ Collector’s Index
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and the Freshman Force #1 — Wonder Woman Homage Variant |
| Publisher | Devil’s Due Comics |
| Year of Release | 2019 |
| Cover Artist | Carla Cohen |
| Edition Type | Wonder Woman Homage Variant |
| Print Run | Estimated under 2,500 copies |
| Key Classification | Modern Cultural Variant / Legal Controversy Issue |
| Rarity Tier | 🔴 Legally Restricted / C&D Variant |
| Market Range (CGC 9.8) | $175–$250 (post–Cease and Desist) |
| Collector Appeal | Politically charged variant withdrawn after DC’s C&D letter; now a modern cult collectible |
🦸♀️ Legacy
The AOC Wonder Woman variant stands as a modern reminder that comics remain a medium of rebellion — where art and ideas still collide in spectacular ways.
Carla Cohen’s painting turned a politician into a pop icon, while DC’s legal strike turned a parody into a legend.
Few books encapsulate the modern collector’s scene so perfectly — controversial, limited, and unforgettable.
Stay nerdy,
Randell
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