Wolverine Comic Book Prices
Wolverine Comic Book Collection Values
While they might not be in the same league as the early appearances of Superman or Batman, Wolverine comic book prices continue to rise due to the character being one of Marvel’s most popular creations. In fact, Wolverine is so beloved that he’s made appearances in every long-running Marvel title and been a member of teams such as the Avengers, X-Men, X-Factor, and Alpha Flight.
In case you’ve been living under a rock, Wolverine is a Canadian mutant with heightened senses, a massive healing factor, a virtually indestructible skeleton, and retractable claws capable of cutting through almost any surface. He’s got a funky hairstyle, likes to smoke cigars, and uses the catchphrase “I’m the best there is at what I do, but what I do best isn’t very nice.”
If you’re an avid comic book collector, you’re likely to have a number of Wolverine comics boxed up in your closet. But if you’re just getting started, prepare to be dazzled by all the Wolverine one-shots, mini-series, crossovers, and alternate universe appearances. Those setting out to collect every Wolverine title should be prepared to fork over a small fortune.
And if his success in the comics wasn’t enough, Wolverine is also the only member of the X-Men to appear in every multimedia appearance of the team. Whether it’s a video game, animated series, or feature film, expect to get a heavy dose of the pint-sized Canuck.
Wolverine Comic Book Prices
Wolverine Comic Appearances and Prices
There are too many Wolverine comic appearances and prices to cover in one article, so I’ve tried to focus on those that might appeal most to potential collectors. From his first appearance to a seemingly endless stream of team-ups, Wolverine is without a doubt the busiest figure in the Marvel Universe (and something tells me that he wouldn’t have it any other way).
Wolverine’s First Appearance
Wolverine made his first appearance in the last panel of The Incredible Hulk #180 in 1974. His first major appearance in a comic would come the following issue with The Incredible Hulk #181, and he would also turn up briefly in #182. Not much was known about the character at the time other than his status as a Canadian agent, but the groundwork was laid for a number of future confrontations between the two Marvel icons.
Issue #180 lists at $250 in near mint condition. Issue #181, with the first full Wolverine appearance, is valued at $1,800.
Wolverine Joins the X-Men
Wolverine would become a member of the X-Men in 1975, when he was recruited (along with Storm, Nightcrawler, Colossus, Banshee, Thunderbird, and Sunfire) to undertake a mission to rescue the original members from the clutches of a living mutant island. This would lead to a revamped team starting with X-Men #94 (written by Chris Claremont). Dave Cockrum would provide the art initially, but John Byrne would later take over and give Wolverine his distinctive brown-and-tan costume.
X-Men #94 is valued at $1,400 in near mint condition. Other notable X-Men issues starring Wolverine include #95 (the death of Thunderbird), the first appearance of Phoenix (#101), the first time Wolverine is called Logan (#103), first appearance of the Hellfire Club (#122), first appearances of Kitty Pryde and Emma Frost (#129), the death of Dark Phoenix (#137), and the “Days of Future Past” storyline (#141 and #141). These latter two issues, my personal favorites, are valued at $80 each.
Wolverine’s Four-Issue Limited Series
Wolverine’s popularity led to his own four-issue limited series called, appropriately enough, Wolverine. In this series by Chris Claremont and Frank Miller, we learn more about Wolverine’s ties to Japan and his doomed romance with Mariko Yashida. The series was a major success and further solidified Wolverine’s standing in the Marvel Universe.
The first issue lists for $50, while the next three are all worth $30 in near mint condition. Issue #2 features the first appearance of Yukio.
Kitty Pryde and Wolverine
In 1984, two of the most popular X-Men, Kitty Pryde and Wolverine were featured in a six-issue limited series. Written by Chris Claremont and illustrated by Al Milgrom, the series saw Kitty gain a newfound confidence and develop into a woman. Wolverine, meanwhile, established a bond with Kitty that would later play out with other young heroines such as Jubilee and X-23.
Despite the title’s popularity at the time, issues of Kitty Pryde and Wolverine are worth $2 in near mint condition. The only exception is the last issue of the mini-series, which is worth $4.
Wolverine Solo Series
In 1988, Wolverine got a full-time solo series initially written by Chris Claremont and drawn by John Buscema. The backstory of Wolverine was fleshed out in greater detail in the pages of this comic, and his adventures would take him all over the globe. The original Wolverine solo series ran for 189 issues and ceased publication in 2003. The next solo series (also titled Wolverine) would pick up in 2003 and run until 2010, with yet another volume of the solo series beginning the same year.
The solo series with Wolverine have drawn a wealth of talent from the world of comics. Names that have been involved as artists or writers include: Mark Millar, Rob Liefeld, Humberto Ramos, Adam Kubert, Marc Silvestri, John Byrne, Peter David, and Erik Larsen.
Wolverine makes his first appearance as Patch in the first issue of the solo series, and that issue is worth $25. Other notable issues include a battle with Sabertooth in issue #10 (worth $24), a hologram edition of issue #100 ($10), and #133A, a recalled issue that featured a racial slur. Issue #145D is a special Nabisco edition worth $220, although one sold for $2,100 in 2006.
A notable issue from the third volume of the series is #20A. This is a 1 in 65 variant gold and brown costume edition, and its current value is listed at $50.
Old Man Logan and Marvel Zombies
In addition to canonical works set in the regular Marvel Universe, Wolverine has starred in a number of adventures that take place in alternate settings. A popular eight-issue run from Wolverine #66 to #72 was known as “Old Man Logan” and was set in a dark alternate future 50 years removed from traditional continuity. Considered by many to be the equivalent of The Dark Knight Returns, the storyline features a pacifist Wolverine living in a world where the supervillains have gained the upper hand.
The first issue in the storyline has seven variant covers. The two most valuable are #66A, a Michael Turner retailer incentive cover, and #66B, a Michael Turner retailer incentive sketch cover. Turner’s death in 2008 no doubt contributed to these price increases.
If you’re looking for other notable Wolverine appearances that take place in alternate worlds, give the Marvel Zombies books a try. There, all the Marvel heroes and villains have been turned into flesh-eating zombies, and they pass the time fighting one another or any hero from a different reality who might happen to drop by.
The first issue of the original Marvel Zombies mini-series is worth $25. To date, there have been a whopping 15 Marvel Zombies one-shots and mini-series.
Wolverine Team-Ups and Crossovers
Over the years, Wolverine has had a team-up or showdown with most of the major heroes and villains in the Marvel Universe. If you’re a collector who’s into such items, be sure to check out the following:
Wolverine/Shi: Dark Knight of Judgment – The regular cover is worth $5, while the five variant covers go as high as $100 (#1E).
Wolverine/Punisher: Revelation – A four-issue mini-series from 1999. Most issues are in the $2 to $4 range, while a Dynamic Forces exclusive cover (#1A) is valued at $8.
The Darkness/Wolverine – A 2006 one-shot that’s valued at $3 in near mint condition.
Electra and Wolverine: The Redeemer – 2001 mini-series with all issues valued at $6 in near mint condition.
Ghost Rider, Wolverine, Punisher: Hearts of Darkness – 1991 one-shot worth $5.
Iron Fist/Wolverine – 2000 mini-series. The most valuable issues are #1A and #3A, both with an Avengers Universe cover and listed at $6.
Spider-Man Versus Wolverine – 1987 one-shot that also depicts the death of the Hobgoblin. Sells for $20 in near mint condition.
Witchblade/Wolverine – 2004 one-shot with a variant cover (#1A) that sells for $25.
This is just a sample of all the Wolverine team-ups and crossovers available. It should get you started, though.
Wolverine: The Origin
From 2001 to 2002, Marvel presented a six-issue series called Wolverine: The Origin that finally took on the task of exposing the mysterious past of Wolverine. We learn that he was born in 19th century Canada as the son of a rich plantation owner. We also learn why he’s so infatuated with Jean Grey and the real reason for his hatred of Sabertooth.
The first issue of the series is listed at $12, while the second is valued at $10. The least valuable, issues 5 and 6, sell for $3.50 each.
While the popularity of some Marvel characters rise and fall like the tide, Wolverine comic book prices are almost guaranteed to keep increasing in value thanks to his iconic status. I’ve owned a bunch of Wolverine titles over the years, and I regret not bagging and boxing each and every one. If I had, I could’ve sold them off over the years for a pretty penny. If you’d like to avoid making the same mistake, start up your own Wolverine comic book collection and carefully select the titles most likely to appreciate with each subsequent movie, cartoon, and video game release.