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Posted in: Comics, Recent Updates | Tagged: Comics, entertainment, Herb Trimpe, hulk, len wein, marvel, original art, wolverine
First App. Wolverine Original Art By Herb Trimpe Sells For $657,250
The Incredible Hulk #180 Final Page 32: The First-Ever Appearance of Wolverine with art by Herb Trimpe and Jack Abel has just sold for a record $657,250.
Article Summary
- Herb Trimpe's original art for Wolverine's first appearance in Incredible Hulk #180 sold for $657,250.
- The historic 1974 page is tied for the highest price ever paid for American comic book original art.
- Wolverine’s debut, based on John Romita’s design, marks a pivotal moment in Marvel Comics history.
- A portion of proceeds from the sale will benefit the Hero Initiative, reflecting Trimpe’s generosity.
The original art for the final page of Incredible Hulk #180, which features the first published appearance of Wolverine, has just sold at Heritage Auctions for $657,250.
This 1974 Marvel comics page was drawn by Herb Trimpe, inked by Jack Abel, and scripted by Len Wein. Of historical interest, Wolverine's pose in that final introductory panel is based closely on John Romita's original design sketch for the character.
Today's result ties the highest price ever publicly paid for a piece of original art from an American comic book, matching the hammer price of the 2012 sale of the cover of Amazing Spider-Man #328 by Todd McFarlane.
The page is considered one of the most important pieces of Bronze Age (the period that runs from around 1970 to the mid-1980s) American comic book art to surface publicly. By way of general comparison, Bleeding Cool told you about the sale of the 1973 cover of Amazing Spider-Man #121 ("The Night Gwen Stacy Died") in February 2013 for $286,800.
As Heritage notes, a large portion of the proceeds of this sale are being donated by the consignor to the Hero Initiative:
In 1983, as a teenager, our consignor was given this artwork by Herb Trimpe — and it has remained in his possession ever since. Since he has not been an active collector, it was never known with certainty if this page even existed — until now.
Inspired by Trimpe's generosity over thirty years ago, we're very pleased to note that the majority of the after-tax proceeds from the sale of the artwork is being donated by our anonymous consignor — including a large portion to the Hero Initiative.
Herb Trimpe and Jack Abel The Incredible Hulk #180 Final Page 32: The First-Ever Appearance of Wolverine Original Art (Marvel, 1974). Offered here is one of the most significant pieces of original comic art to ever appear on the market — the final page from The Incredible Hulk #180 by Herb Trimpe, spotlighting the first-ever appearance of Wolverine, indisputably one of Marvel's most popular and enduring characters, who has gone on to star in countless comic books and graphic novels, not to mention movies, video games, and cartoons. 2014 marks the 40th anniversary of the character's first appearance in the landmark story, "And the Wind Howls Wendigo," scripted by Len Wein. In this issue, the Green-skinned Goliath headed to Canada, looking for some peace and quiet, when he was mysteriously drawn to a cave inhabited by the sister of the man who became the Wendigo. At the very close of the thriller, the Canadian government sends in its own special agent to take care of a Hulk sighting — a ferocious mutant known as Wolverine. Not only does this Marvel milestone feature Wolverine's historic first appearance, but the debut image is incredible — a large and dramatic full-figure view of Logan, in costume. Comic art lots just don't come any more exciting than this one — for here is the original artwork for one of the most important first appearances of a major character ever to come to market, offered at No Reserve. We anticipate a tidal-wave sized surge of interest — from not only all of the top comic art collectors — but scores of other bidders swept away by this piece's unparalleled importance to both Marvel Comics and Pop Culture history. Iconic is a serious understatement!
In 1983, as a teenager, our consignor was given this artwork by Herb Trimpe — and it has remained in his possession ever since. Since he has not been an active collector, it was never known with certainty if this page even existed — until now.
The ink, graphite, and blue pencil on Bristol board image area of this mind-boggling Pop Culture Marvel masterwork is 10" x 15", and aside from some light overall paper aging, it's in Excellent condition. Inscribed and signed by Herb Trimpe at the lower left.
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