Wolverine #1

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Marvel (1988)
First Wolverine Comic Book in Ongoing Series

Wolverine #1 (1988) is the start of Volume 2, the first ongoing Wolverine series.  It is one of the cornerstone Copper Age keys. It’s not as rare as the 1982 Volume 1 Mini Series, but it’s historically important and extremely popular with collectors.

 

1. Wolverine’s First Ongoing Series

The 1982 mini-series proved Wolverine could carry a story.
This 1988 launch is Marvel officially going all-in:

This is Wolverine’s first ongoing monthly solo title.

It becomes one of Marvel’s top-selling series of the late ’80s and ’90s and runs an incredible 189 issues before relaunches.  This issue is the beginning of Wolverine as a full-blown franchise, not just an X-Man.

 

2. A Major Milestone in Wolverine’s Popularity

By 1988 Wolverine was:

• Marvel’s #1 most popular character

• The face of the X-Men

• A pop-culture phenomenon

Launching an ongoing title was Marvel’s way of cementing that status.
Collectors see this book as the symbolic moment Wolverine became a true solo icon.

 

3. Iconic John Buscema Art & Story Tone

This series shifted Wolverine toward:

• noir

• crime drama

• dirty, street-level violence

• Japanese underworld themes

• gritty personal narratives

Issue #1 sets the tone by sending Logan to the fictional Madripoor under the disguise “Patch” — a bold creative turn that became one of Wolverine’s trademark identities.

 

4. First Appearance of “Patch” Identity

Wolverine disguises himself using an eyepatch and operates in Madripoor’s criminal underbelly.  This persona is first established here, and it becomes:

• a long-running alternate identity

• a major part of Madripoor lore

• commonly referenced in later comics and games

Collectors absolutely consider this a key element.

 

5. Early Madripoor Setting

Madripoor, introduced just before this issue, becomes one of Wolverine’s signature locations.
Issue #1 solidifies it as his home turf for the next couple of years.

Madripoor later appears in:

• the X-Men comics

• various Marvel crossovers

• the MCU (The Falcon and the Winter Soldier)

Which boosted interest even more.

 

6. Classic Cover

The “Patch” cover — Logan in suit, claws out, eyepatch shadow, neon vibe — is iconic 80s Wolverine style.
It’s been homaged many times and remains instantly recognizable.

 

 

8. It Launched a Long, Influential Continuity

This issue kicks off:

• the Madripoor crime saga

• the Reavers conflict

• Tyger Tiger

• Sapphire Styx

• O’Donnell

• The Bloodsport arc

• The Ongoing Patch era

Huge parts of Wolverine lore originate right here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.6 NM+
Pages: White
CGC 3992130002

Art: Chris Claremont story John Buscema & Al Williamson art John Buscema cover


Key: 1st Wolverine as Patch. Back cover pin-up by John Byrne.