By Matt Tuck
With mainstream audiences getting less excited about Marvel’s newest offerings, it’s time to look beyond the silver screen to the world of video games, specifically the next blockbuster franchise, Marvel’s Wolverine.
Maybe games don’t have the same market impact as, say, a major MCU release, but highly anticipated titles definitely cause ripples in the collecting circles. Love or hate Phases Four and Five, the MCU has definitely lost its box office momentum post Avengers: Endgame. Back when Marvel Studios couldn’t miss, prices were soaring, but things have come back to reality.
While the MCU is leaving both comic and mainstreams fans equally disappointed, Sony’s Marvel-themed games are picking up the slack. As Spider-Man 2 breaks PlayStation sales records, Insomniac Games turns its attention towards Wolverine, a title that is bound to slash the secondary market. After the overwhelming success of the Spider-Man games, Insomniac’s Marvel titles inherently come with massive hype, especially in the wake of the leaked gameplay footage.
The closer we get to a full Wolverine trailer, the more attention it should bring to your Logan keys. With his early appearances out of reach for many collectors, the next best thing are Wolverine’s solo issues.
![](https://comicbooknews.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Wolverine-1-1982.jpg)
WOLVERINE LIMITED SERIES #1
Of all Logan’s keys, this has been the hottest of them all. In recent weeks, it’s taken the best-selling comic on eBay at different times, which is a testament to Wolverine #1’s popularity considering the competition. There’s so much to love here. Whether it’s Frank Miller and Joe Rubenstein’s incredible artwork or Chris Claremont’s dive into Logan’s humanity, this is the quintessential Wolverine series. Factor in the Deadpool 3 excitement along with the upcoming game, and it makes sense why this issue has been on the rise.If you have your eyes on a graded 9.8, it’s pulling in just shy of $650 for the past month. Keep in mind that last year’s FMV was $797, so it’s taken quite the dip in value. The closer we get to Deadpool 3’s theatrical premiere, the more popular this issue will get, so now is a good time to strike. For those looking to save money, consider the 9.6, which generally sells for under $300.
![](https://comicbooknews.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Wolverine-1-1988-673x1024.jpg)
WOLVERINE ONGOING SERIES #1
There’s no recreating the magic of the 1982 limited series, but the 1988 ongoing title makes a good case for itself. This time, Claremont was paired with another legendary artist, John Buscema. The two put together some amazing work that further developed the Logan character with some iconic covers to boot, most notably Wolverine #8. Still, it’s that first issue that’s the one to own.It’s another must-have for the Wolverine collectors. Since it’s not the character’s first solo title, the prices are a bit more budget friendly than the ‘82 edition. In fact, the 1988 Wolverine #1 at a graded 9.8 has been staying below the $400 mark this year.
X-MEN #133
![](https://comicbooknews.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/X-Men-133.jpeg)
For years, UXM #133 was an overlooked key. The significance here is that it marked Wolverine’s first cover by his lonesome as drawn by the amazing John Byrne. He’d been featured on plenty of covers prior, but he was one of a number of characters. Here, he gets the spotlight all to himself, which makes it a great addition to your Wolverine collections. That hasn’t escaped other Logan fans, and the issue has been gaining popularity. At the moment, a graded 9.8 sells for close to $1,000 while a 9.6 hangs around the $300 range.
ALL WOLVERINE, ALL THE TIME
Wolverine fans, you’ll be getting your fill of those claws and mutton chops in the coming years. We’ve got Hugh Jackman returning as Wolverine in Deadpool 3, the animated series, X-Men ‘97, and then there’s Wolverine on PS5. Between movies, cartoons, and games, it’s the perfect recipe for a booming Wolverine market.