Hulk #180 vs. #181: Wolverine’s First Appearance Deep Dive

Few comic debates are as iconic—or as valuable—as the discussion over The Incredible Hulk #180 and Hulk #181. Both issues mark the debut of Wolverine, but their impact and value in the collector’s market are very different. This article explores the history, significance, and market forces that separate these two Bronze Age Marvel keys.

1. Appearance Breakdown: Cameo vs. Full Debut

In Hulk #180 (Oct. 1974), Wolverine makes a one-panel cameo on the final page, introducing him to readers for the first time. This technically marks his first appearance in Marvel Comics history. Co-creator Roy Thomas has confirmed this interpretation, though he also advises fans to collect both issues.

Just one month later in Hulk #181 (Nov. 1974), Wolverine is featured throughout the issue. He has dialogue, participates in the story, and engages in a full-blown battle with the Hulk and Wendigo. This issue is widely accepted as Wolverine’s first full appearance — and is the most sought-after by collectors.

2. Collector Sentiment & Community Views

Collectors on forums like CGC and Reddit tend to agree that while #180 is technically the first appearance, #181 is the one that truly launched the character in the eyes of readers and collectors. It’s the issue that delivers the experience people associate with Wolverine’s debut.

As one collector put it: “180 is like the trailer, but 181 is the movie.” The market has long supported this sentiment, giving Hulk #181 triple the value of Hulk #180 in most conditions.

3. Market Performance: Which Issue Is More Valuable?

According to price tracking tools like GoCollect and recent eBay sales, here’s how the two books stack up in CGC 9.8:

• Hulk #180 (CGC 9.8): ~$14,250
• Hulk #181 (CGC 9.8): ~$47,500+

The gap has widened further after record-breaking sales and new Wolverine-related MCU rumors. Despite the price difference, some investors believe #180 has more growth potential due to its lower price floor.

4. Historical Context & Creator Insights

Wolverine was created by Roy Thomas, Len Wein, and John Romita Sr. as a Canadian government agent designed to be fierce, mysterious, and anti-establishment. He wasn’t originally intended to be a long-term character, but fan reaction was overwhelming.

Herb Trimpe penciled Wolverine's first appearances, and his design — including the iconic claws — evolved rapidly into what fans now recognize as classic Wolverine. According to Roy Thomas, Wolverine’s last-page cameo in Hulk #180 mirrors early concept sketches drawn by Romita, confirming its canonical significance.

5. Investment Potential & Market Trends

While Hulk #181 dominates the headlines, Hulk #180 has been seeing a steady increase in value. From 2020 to 2024, prices for high-grade #180 copies rose nearly 40%. Lower-grade copies are being scooped up by budget-conscious collectors who still want a piece of Wolverine’s origin.

Graded copies of #181 have set record prices, including a $138,000 sale for a 9.9 copy. Even raw mid-grade issues sell for thousands. With Marvel Studios planning Wolverine’s MCU debut, expect interest to rise further.

6. Reader Perspectives: Voices from the Community

“If you’re a completist, you need both. But if you want the issue that changed comics forever, it’s 181.” — CGC Board Member

“The debate will never end, but that’s what makes collecting fun. It’s history in your hands.” — Reddit user @bronzeagebrawler

The community remains passionate about the distinction between first cameo and first full appearance. Some collectors only recognize full appearances as valid, while others insist on honoring first-in-print priority.

7. Which One Should You Own?

Issue	Significance	Current Value (9.8 CGC)	Investment Outlook
Hulk #180	First cameo appearance of Wolverine	$14,000–$15,000	Moderate cost, strong growth potential
Hulk #181	First full appearance of Wolverine	$47,000–$140,000	Blue-chip Bronze Age key, stable growth

Ideally, serious collectors and investors will want to own both issues. If budget is a concern, Hulk #180 offers a more accessible entry point into Wolverine’s history, with upside. But if you want the crown jewel — the one that headlines auctions — Hulk #181 is it.

8. Final Thoughts: Why the Debate Matters

Ultimately, the Hulk #180 vs #181 debate reflects something deeper about comic book collecting — it’s not just about rarity or grades. It’s about moments, impact, and how characters transform pop culture. Wolverine’s evolution from a one-panel tease to Marvel icon mirrors how collectors evolve, too — from casual readers to curators of cultural legacy.

So which one’s the real deal? The cameo or the full debut? The answer is... both.

Buy them, hold them, and enjoy the story — because that’s what comics are all about.