"The third time is a charm," if that is the case; then Wolvie's third appearance and cameo could well be worthy of review. One of our readers definitely thought so and decided to request it in writing in our comments section available to everyone. Apparently, having purchased Incredible Hulk #180 and Incredible Hulk #182, he was naturally curious about the second cameo. This is probably one of the biggest keys of the Bronze Age. It matters if that profit has increased the value of the second cameo. Even though it is just a bit part at the end of Incredible Hulk #182. Is Incredible Hulk #182 worthy of investment, many seem to think so? What do the numbers and trend returns tell us?
Our reader Mr. Larsen asked: "Nice article, what does your finding of #182 (is it) keeping pace? I was extremely lucky to buy high end 180/182 AND an ASM 129(punisher) at a con 12yrs ago for $500cdn!"
Incredible Hulk #182
The Hulk is one of those creatures that Marvel could not survive without, seriously. He is the bogey man, the heavy, the helpless beast, or simply the mad scientist turned into a monster. He is Marvel's version of a modern Frankenstein beyond a doubt. This role is important and it has Hulk facing each and every superhero and supervillain on Earth at one time or another. I can't think of one comic book fan I have talked to who doesn't like the Hulk, his fandom is ubiquitous.
The Incredible Hulk #182 was created in the winter of 1974 by Len Wein's script and Herb Trimpe's pencils. It is the first appearance of three cutout villains basically unknowns: Crackajack Jackson, Hammer, and Anvil. But wait there is more! Wolverine is in a cameo on the last page, the most popular anti-hero of all time: Wolverine. This cameo is the only reason this book is on anyone's radar and now let's review the trend returns and potential future value of this interesting cameo.
YTD...
| Title | Grade | Last Sale | CGC Census | Return Current |
| Incredible Hulk #182 | 9.6 | $650 | 121 | -14.4% |
| 9.2 | $415 | 240 | +26.8% | |
| 8.5 | $319 | 307 | +27.9% | |
| 6.5 | $179 | 173 | +47.1% | |
| 4.5 | $100 | 85 | +25% | |
| 3.5 | $110 | 32 | -11.8% |
Long-Term
| Title | Grade | Last Sale | CGC Census | Return Current |
| Incredible Hulk #182 | 9.6 | $650 | 121 | +48% |
| 9.2 | $415 | 240 | +43.7% | |
| 8.5 | $319 | 307 | +78.2% | |
| 6.5 | $179 | 173 | +105% | |
| 4.5 | $100 | 85 | +33.6% | |
| 3.5 | $110 | 32 | +55.8% |
Conclusion:
Incredible Hulk #182 has a resiliency similar to its brethren #180 and #181. The long-term returns are to be expected, but the short-term returns are in some ways simply more reassuring. The best thing about these is they follow a similar pattern to other big keys. Namely that mid-grade 6.5 shows the greatest percentage increase return at +47%!!! That is in the last six months. Not bad for this third appearance and early cameo during a pandemic.
The CGC Census also confirms there is still plenty of room to run with this book. After all, with only 32 in logged by CGC for grade 3.5, we could definitely see a price increase and another 200 plus books in that grade alone. The price could go much higher and probably will as more jump onboard the cameo train. This is a solid key, does not risk anything as it is merely the cheaper of the two cameos and long-term as an investment has a solid return. I guess, "the third time really is indeed a charm!"
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