Silver Age
Avengers #66
This book features the first appearance and origin of Adamantium, the fictional metal that coats Wolverine's bones. This book sort of slides in here by default, as Wolverine was not created until the bronze age. Even so, this is a significant artifact in his and Marvel Comics' history.
Graded Analysis: This book has a very inconsistent sales history, so potential investors will have to be patient. In nearly every grade, there are several examples of the book selling for both below and above-average prices. On the one hand, this means there is significantly more risk involved with this book than perhaps with others. On the other hand, however, the cyclic nature increases the likelihood that those who manage to buy low at the right time will have an opportunity to sell for a significant premium.
Fun Fact: Though Wolverine is the most famous character associated with adamantium, he was not the first depicted user. That was actually Ultron!
Bronze Age
Wolverine Limited Series #1
This book is absolutely loaded with reasons to pick it up. First of all, it is the very first time Wolverine headlined his own series, setting the stage for him to become Marvel's most published character. Second, this series radically expanded Wolverine's character and the scope of what his stories could be. This is best exemplified by the story's deep dive into Logan's time in Japan. This period in Wolverine's history has only grown in significance and served as the basis for dozens of additional stories. Third, the cover is iconic and one of Marvel's most frequently homaged covers.
Finally, Chris Claremont and Frank Miller are two of the biggest titans in the history of American comic books. Both have devoted followings of fans willing to spend big money to collect all of their works. So for a book like Wolverine #1, that had both men on the creative team, the demand is enormous and well ahead of available supply.
Graded Analysis: Despite having an incredibly high census population, this book has been a consistently strong performer in damn near every grade. Even better, it has weathered the effects of inflation incredibly well. And even in grades that are down all time, there have been several spikes in value that gave investors an opportunity to mitigate their losses. Double-check the price, but buy with confidence.
Fun Fact: Chris Claremont initially did not like Wolverine at all. The only reason he originally remained on the team was because John Byrne really wanted there to be a Canadian on the team!
Copper Age
Wolverine #8
The big draw of Wolverine #8 is the cover art. This iconic work by John Buscema features Patch and Joe Fixit, two incredibly popular alter egos/incarnations of Wolverine and the Hulk, respectively.
Graded Analysis: In the majority of grades, including the 81% of the population graded at 9.2 or higher, this book is up all time. In many cases, those gains have been not only consistent but remarkably resilient to outside economic forces as well. It is worth noting, however, that the gains are substantially smaller for grades below 9.2.
Fun Fact: This book also features some of the first mainstream published art from Rob Liefeld
