Set Description:
For years I neglected the heck out of this set despite the fact that it’s Wolverine in his first solo series, which ultimately led to the ultra-successful launch of his 1988 solo series. But it was that 1988 series, followed by its 2003 relaunch, that captured the vast majority of my attention (and comic budget) for nearly 14 years since the beginning of my CGC collection.
But what’s funny is the first CGC book I ever bought was…a Modern 9.8 copy of Wolverine Limited Series #3. I purchased that book way back in 2001, when the modern labels were still red and I was still paying most sellers with money orders. And as you’ll see I still own it.
In the following years I owned a multitude of sub-9.8 copies of issues 1, 2, and 4, but those were ultimately sold off as I realized I should aim higher. Of course my aim always seemed to stray from “Let’s find a 9.8 copy of LS 4” to “Hey look, a 145 Nabisco! Sweet!” Ah, the life of a collector.
But finally our story reaches 2015, and I finally told myself that it was time to stop screwing around and put together an SS 9.8 set I could be proud of. Naturally that initially proved to be an unyielding pain in the ass as I had a brutal time finding Signature Series copies that I actually wanted to buy. Why is that? Because Incredible Hulk 181 was released in 1974, yet almost every seller out there seems to think I want Trimpe, Wein, and/or Romita Sr.’s signature on these books. It was rather annoying.
As the year wound on I finally did land a copy of issue 1 that met my criteria, but was still having trouble tracking down 2 and 4. However, I was suddenly presented with a few opportunities to partake in private signings with a certain Mr. Miller, leading me to buy the best Universal 9.8 copies I could get my hands on.
Off the whole set went, and back they came in their sparkling SS 9.8 glory. Except the TPB unfortunately, but it left a 9.6 and returned a 9.6, so I can't complain.
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| Slot: |
Wolverine Limited Series 1 |
| Item: |
Wolverine Limited Series 1 Signature |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
1325947001
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Owner Comments
As Wolverine metes out a little justice in the Canadian courts then hops a plane to Japan to see what Mariko's deal is, the test drive for Wolverine in his own monthly series begins! I'd say it wound up working out pretty well for Marvel. Overall, I'd also say they utilized the Limited Series as the basis for "The Wolverine" script very well, aside from my two big hang-ups which I'll discuss later on.
Anyway, once I finally decided to kick off my journey to complete an SS 9.8 set of the limited series, I plucked this book off of eBay in the summer of 2015. It took me a while to find a copy I actually wanted to buy considering just about every one that I saw for sale was signed by some combo of Stan, Len Wein, Herb Trimpe, and/or John Romita. Yes I know who they are. And no, I don't want their signatures on this book.
But finally, I found one signed ONLY by artist Joe Rubinstein in gold ink, so I snatched it up. As for the details, it was signed on 7/6/2014 (I'm guessing at the Florida Super Con). From there, seizing upon opportunity, I moved ahead and added the signatures of artist Frank Miller on 2/24/2016 and writer Chris Claremont on 3/20/2016 (C2E2).
Big thanks go out to eBay seller fadag187 for this book.
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| Slot: |
Wolverine Limited Series 2 |
| Item: |
Wolverine Limited Series 2 Signature |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
1272719003
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Owner Comments
As Yukio makes her first full appearance, we arrive at "The Wolverine" hang up #1 -- the very bad ass, complex comic Yukio becomes the very 12 year old, easily replaceable movie Yukio. So you can drive a car and be Shingen's messenger? Bra-vo. But I guess on the bright side, they didn't make Yukio "Weapon 11". So there's that.
Rant aside, this was the first of my "investments" of which I can proudly proclaim -- signed by Frank bleepin' Miller (on 12/19/2015).
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| Slot: |
Wolverine Limited Series 3 |
| Item: |
Wolverine Limited Series 3 Signature |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
1325947002
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Owner Comments
Yukio and our hero raise some hell and party like its 1993, despite it only being 1982 at the time.
This book was originally a red label Modern 9.8, and I believe I have owned it since late 2000. But more importantly, it is also the first CGC 9.8 book I ever purchased. The jet black cover immediately made me think that this book would be a tough 9.8 to come by.
Then, as time passed and the Signature Series came around, I finally took the leap and sent it off to be signed. Artist Joe Rubinstein was the first, adding a signature to a lost in thought Logan's leg on 4/19/2014 at Awesome Con. When 2016 rolled around, it brought with it a Frank Miller signing I couldn't pass up (2/24/2016), and that rolled right into C2E2 where a certain Mr. Claremont was holding court for three days (3/20/2016). I guess my only beef is that Rubinstein didn't sign in gold ink as well.
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| Slot: |
Wolverine Limited Series 4 |
| Item: |
Wolverine Limited Series 4 Signature |
| Grade: |
CGC |
| Cert #: |
1325947003
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Owner Comments
Our hero does what any man would do to prove his mettle to the woman he wants to marry - kill her crazed crime boss of a father. Honestly, who among us hasn't that happened to?
And we also reach point of displeasure #2 with "The Wolverine" -- this issue spent several pages on Wolverine arming up, then planning and implementing his very stealthy entry strategy into Yashida corporate HQ. The flunkies get taken down with little resistance, and then he gives Shingen a piece of his mind.
Compare that with the movie -- "Hmmm...they told me where Mariko is, and there's probably a trap set. Nuts to that, I'ma ride my bike right in the front door! That'll show 'em!" Yeah, how well did that work out?
The great thing about the comics is that even though Wolverine could lose his shit on a regular basis, he frequently demonstrated a keen, calculating mind when the goings got tough. The movies seemed to stray from that as they progressed past X-Men 2, emphasizing action over brains. But it obviously equaled money in the bank, so mission accomplished by Hollyweird standards.
Continuing the trend -- signed by artist Frank Miller on 2/24/2016 and writer Chris Claremont on 3/20/2016 (C2E2).
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