The Incredible Hulk ##181
Marvel Comics • The Incredible Hulk Vol. 1
Writer
Len Wein
Interior Artist
Herb Trimpe
Cover Artist
Herb Trimpe
Publication Date
November 1974
Cover Variant
Regular (Direct Edition)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
The first full appearance of Wolverine (James 'Logan' Howlett). After a brief cameo in Hulk #180, Wolverine engages in his first full-scale battle against the Hulk and the Wendigo in the Canadian wilderness.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good/Fine (CGC 5.0)
Condition Details
Visible spine stress across the length, minor color-breaking creases, corner blunting on the bottom right, and potential slight tanning along the edges. The cover shows some general wear and light soiling. Note: Presence of the value stamp on interior page 10 is crucial for this grade.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $3,500 - $4,500; Graded (CGC 5.0): $4,800 - $5,500
Recent Sales
Comparable sales for CGC 5.0 consistently range between $4,500 and $5,600 depending on eye appeal; raw copies with interior stamps often sell at a 20-30% discount to slabbed copies.
Grading Recommendation
Highly recommended for grading. A CGC slab provides authenticity and protects the value of this major bronze age key. A professional clean and press could potentially bump the grade to a 5.5 or 6.0.
Notable Features
First full appearance of Wolverine; appearance of the Wendigo; iconic Herb Trimpe cover; Marvel Value Stamp Series A #10 (Hulk) must be present for a 'Blue Label' higher grade.
Authentication Notes
Authentic 1974 print. Features the 25-cent price point and 'Nov 181 CC' box. Paper stock shows correct age-appropriate oxidation and print saturation for a mid-70s Marvel book.