After 2019 proved to be a down year for the 1982 Wolverine limited series, prices are on the rebound, and patient collectors are reaping the rewards.

There is never a shortage of Wolverine MCU rumors and theories, and it all adds to the hype of Logan sharing the stage with the Avengers. Despite nothing being confirmed, those rumors and innuendos have given the '82 Wolverine limited series a much-needed B-12 shot.

THE LEGACY

Wolverine never looked as good as he did in the hands of Frank Miller and Joe Rubinstein. It is a big part of why this series remains popular among collectors. Certainly, Chris Claremont's dramatic storytelling and the fact that this is the first Wolverine solo series keeps it near and dear to fans' hearts, but Miller's pencils and Rubinstein's inks captured the essence of the character that has yet to be duplicated.

Just to tell you how much of a Wolverine fan I am, I commissioned Ash Gonzalez to do a recreation of the Wolverine #1 with Jack Nicholson in the costume, since he was the inspiration for the iconic cover. Ash brought the idea to life in impressive fashion, and I thought I would take the opportunity to share his work. Enjoy.

As far as those Wolverines you have in your collection, prices are on the way up, particularly the higher grades. Here are the details.

 

 

WOLVERINE #1

Despite all the movie rumors, the first issue from the 1982 classic series took a hit in value a year ago. By the end of 2019, the 9.8 averaged $276. In recent months, the pace has quickened. Its 90-day averaged stands at $376. So far this month, it has sold for $400 or more eight times. All the way down the line, every grade that has sold in the past three months has increased in FMV. Even the lowest grade that has traded hands, the 6.0, is currently selling for $50.

 

 

 

WOLVERINE #2

A year ago, even at a 9.8, this was a $179 comic. While that is respectable, the past three months have seen its average climb to $221. On June 18, it reached $285, which is the highest so far this year. The past two sales have netted $250 and $267, and that is a testament to this issue's popularity, at least in the high grades.

 

 

 

 

 

WOLVERINE #3

All four of Miller and Rubinstein's Wolverine covers are classics. While none are as famous as that wicked grin on Wolverine #1, this one is equally great. It is the antithesis of Wolverine #1, showcasing a fragile, vulnerable Logan that readers had not seen before. The black negative space encapsulates the loneliness and desperation in a character whom we had seen as invincible. It is perfect.

Like all the other issues in this 1982 series, Wolverine #3 has gotten a boost. After the 9.8 dipped to a $186 average last year, it has jumped to $200 in the past 90 days. On July 16, one sold for an eye-catching $225.

 

WOLVERINE #4

The last issue in the series is getting love from collectors. Since May, the 9.8 has an FMV of $322. A year ago, it faced a slight dip with a $167 average.

Back on April 24, it reached a new record-high $450. In the ensuing months, this issue has consistently sold in the $250-$350 range with some $400 sales thrown into the mix. The most recent copy to trade hands brought $275 on July 20.

 

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