The Incredible Hulk ##181
Marvel Comics • The Incredible Hulk Vol. 1
Writer
Len Wein
Interior Artist
Herb Trimpe
Cover Artist
Herb Trimpe (pencils) and Jack Abel (inks)
Publication Date
November 1974
Cover Variant
Regular/Direct Edition (35 cent price point variant does not exist for this issue, only 25 cent)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
First full appearance of Wolverine (Logan). Wolverine joins the battle between the Hulk and Wendigo in the Canadian wilderness. Features the conclusion of the Wendigo storyline and the departure of Wolverine as a Canadian government agent.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine/Near Mint (CGC 9.0) - Subject to internal inspection
Condition Details
Generally sharp appearance. Minor spine stress lines/ticks visible along the left edge. Slight corner blunting on bottom right. Colors are vibrant. Requires verification of the Value Stamp on page 10 to confirm completeness.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $3,500 - $5,500; Graded (CGC 9.0): $7,500 - $9,500+
Recent Sales
CGC 9.0 copies have recently sold in the range of $7,800 to $9,200. Lower grades (6.0) sell for approximately $3,000-$4,000.
Grading Recommendation
Highly Recommended. This is a top-tier 'Mega Key' issue. Professional grading is essential to maximize value and ensure the Marvel Value Stamp is present and not cut out, which significantly impacts price.
Notable Features
First full appearance of Wolverine. One of the most significant and valuable comic books of the Bronze Age. Contains the 'Marvel Value Stamp' Series A #10 (The Shanna the She-Devil stamp).
Authentication Notes
A high-quality image of a legendary key. Note: This issue is frequently targeted for restoration or counterfeit. Authenticators would check for the presence of the MVS stamp, paper acidity/smell, and ensure the cover is not a high-quality reprint/facsimile.