The storm I'm speaking about will hit in two weeks on November 16 when Avenging Spider-Man #1 is released. It'll have no less than 6 variants, and it's been announced that all variants will be distributed in a polybag that contains a code to redeem a free online version of the issue (the issue you are holding in your hand...hmm). Therefore, hardcore completists will likely want two of each variant -- one to open and one to remain in its original sealed state.
UPDATE: Now unless I'm losing my mind, Comiclist.com originally listed Avenging Spider-Man #1 coming out on November 16th, but their newly updated list has it coming out next week. Let the variant onslaught commence.
Another storm will follow in December as this week's freebie comic foretells the release of Avengers X-Sanction #1 which follows the Amazing Spider-Man #666 model of offering retailers a stores-specific variant based on order size. It's a bit too early to know how many retailers will take Marvel up on the offer, but hopefully not the 140 or so that ordered the Spidey book.