There’s no sure things on the comic market, but Wolverine’s first appearance is about as close to it as you’ll find. While The Incredible Hulk #180 may still be the cheaper of his debuts, it’s getting more expensive by the month.

Movie rumors come and go like clockwork, and it’s speculation fuel for Wolverine keys. Although we’re not seeing any unusual jumps for The Incredible Hulk #181, it’s Wolvie’s first cameo that is on the move. 

While it’s still the cheaper alternative to Hulk #181, Hulk #180 is nonetheless climbing. Since 2017, most grades have doubled in value. The 5.0 has done particularly well. Two years ago, it sold four times and averaged $182. Last year, the sales volume blossomed to 16, and it sported a fair market value of $283. So far, 2019 is proving to be Hulk #180’s year. The same 5.0 which once brought less than $200 is ascending closer to $500 territory; since September 11, all three sales have been between $450-$460. 

The lower grades are faring equally as well. Since August 30, the 3.5 grade has sold four times for no less than $270, and it brought an eye-catching $350 on September 4. An incomplete 0.5 has an FMV over $100, which is the real indication of how hot this comic has become. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The rumors of Wolverine’s introduction to the MCU have spread far and wide. Everyone from Jason Momoa and Zack Efron to Keanu Reeves has been tossed around in fan theories, and Taron Egerton seems to be the most plausible at this point. There’s even been tales of Hugh Jackman taking up the role one more time for an Avengers crossover. Of course, none of these have been substantiated. As a longtime X-Men fan, I’m ready to see what Marvel Studios can deliver, but Kevin Feige and company aren’t in any hurry. 

Feige has said the project is on a five-year plan, so we won’t see any mutants before Phase Five at the earliest, not that it will slow down the rumor mill. In fact, the X-Men keep popping up in the news. The latest comes from a deleted scene from 2010’s Iron Man, which kicked off Marvel’s shared universe, featured Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick Fury alluding to both the X-Men and Spider-Man. 

Another theory is that Marvel is putting together a Hulk Versus Wolverine movie that would introduce the MCU to Logan. Personally, I don’t picture this happening, and I see it as nothing more than fan fiction considering the source is Wegotthiscovered.com, and that site is known for churning out fake rumors. Although it would sell plenty of movie tickets, this won’t be the way Marvel brings Wolverine into the cinematic universe. However, I do hope to see the two square off on the big screen, and I’m sure that will eventually happen.

As prices for Hulk #181 continue to get further out of reach, more collectors will keep opting for Hulk #180 for Wolverine’s debut, and it will keep driving prices higher. While that’s bad news for buyers, the good part is that whatever you invest now won’t be in danger of losing value over the long haul.

GoCollect is the #1 comic book price guide for tracking sales data of all graded comic books in real-time. Fair market values are now at your fingertips. Check out all the features at www.gocollect.com