Wolverine Origins #10 (2007) marks the first full appearance of Daken, Wolverine's son. In CGC 9.8, this number is trading between $250 and $400 in 2025: a still accessible key that could soar with an MCU adaptation.
Daken Akihiro, biological son of Wolverine and Itsu, is one of the most complex characters in the Logan family. Half hero, half villain, he embodies a dark and manipulative version of the Wolverine legacy. His first appearance in Wolverine Origins #10 (March 2007), written by Daniel Way and drawn by Steve Dillon, remains a key from the modern era with strong growth potential.
Unlike NYX #3 (X-23) which has already experienced its speculative explosion, Wolverine Origins #10 remains within an accessible price range for most collectors. This positioning makes it an ideal candidate for those looking for a key issue Wolverine family with a potential of multiplication by 5 or 10 in the event of a cinematographic adaptation.
Wolverine Origins #10: The Birth of Daken
The Wolverine Origins series (2006-2010) explored Logan's past after the restoration of his memories in House of M. Issue 10 reveals the existence of a son that Logan was unaware of: Daken, raised to hate his father by Romulus, a manipulative shadow figure.
Distinction between partial and complete first appearance
A point of debate exists among collectors:
- Wolverine Origins #5 (2006): first partial appearance: Daken appears in silhouette in the final pages, without being named. CGC 9.8: $80-120.
- Wolverine Origins #10 (2007): first full appearance: Daken is revealed, named, and plays an active role in the story. This is the number recognized by CGC with the label "1st full appearance of Daken".
- Wolverine Origins #11 (2007): Daken's first cover. Natural complement to #10.
Edition and availability
Wolverine Origins was a mid-tier series in 2007, with estimated print runs of 55,000-70,000 copies for issues 5-15. The CGC census for #10 lists around 2,800 graded copies, including 1,100 in 9.8. This relative availability explains prices that are still moderate compared to key issues with a smaller circulation.
Wolverine Origins #10 Price History
The evolution of the price in CGC 9.8 shows an interesting path:
- 2007-2010: $30-60. The character is new and has yet to prove longevity.
- 2010-2012: $60-100. Daken gets his own series (Daken: Dark Wolverine, 2010-2012) and gains visibility.
- 2013-2016: $80-150. Period of relative stability after the end of the solo series.
- 2017-2019: $120-200. The success of Logan reignites interest in all the characters in the Wolverine family.
- 2020-2022: $200-350. COVID speculation affects all modern issues.
- 2023-2025: $250-400. Stabilization at a high level. MCU rumors are keeping the interest alive.
Values by grade in 2025
- CGC 9.8: $250-$400
- GCC 9.6: $120-$180
- GCC 9.4: $70-$100
- GCC 9.2: $45-$70
- Raw (estimated VF/NM): $40-$80
Variations of number 10
Wolverine Origins #10 exists in several versions which influence the value:
- Regular cover (Joe Quesada): standard coverage, the most common. This is the reference version for the prices quoted.
- Variant cover (Texeira): ratio 1:25, much rarer. CGC 9.8: $500-800. Highly sought after by variant collectors.
- 2nd Print: exists but with a minimal circulation. Little sought after compared to the first impression.
- Newsstand edition: rare for this period (2007 marks the gradual end of the newsstand format). Premium of 30-50% on direct editions at the same grade.
Daken: editorial career and potential
Daken's career in comics directly influences the demand for his first appearance:
- Wolverine Origins (2006-2010): recurring antagonist, father-son confrontation central to the series.
- Dark Avengers / Dark Reign (2009-2010): Daken joins Norman Osborn's Dark Avengers as "Wolverine". Maximum visibility.
- Daken: Dark Wolverine (2010-2012): 23-issue solo series. Explores his complex psychology and bisexuality: an aspect that resonates with modern audiences.
- Death and resurrection: killed in Uncanny Avengers (2013), resurrected in Return of Wolverine (2018).
- Marauders / X-Men (2019-present): regular presence in the Krakoa era, with a more nuanced development.
MCU potential
Daken is a logical candidate for the MCU. The father-son dynamic with Wolverine offers considerable dramatic potential. If a popular actor is cast in the role, Wolverine Origins #10 could realistically reach $1,000-1,500 in 9.8, following the pattern seen with other pre-MCU debuts. The risk/reward ratio is favorable at these price levels.
Collecting Strategy: Daken and the Wolverine Family
To maximize character exposure, consider a Daken "full set":
- Wolverine Origins #5: first appearance in silhouette: $80-120 in 9.8. Inexpensive defensive buy.
- Wolverine Origins #10: first full appearance: the centerpiece.
- Wolverine Origins #11: first cover: $40-60 in 9.8. Logical complement.
- Dark Wolverine #75: first issue under the title Dark Wolverine: $30-50 in 9.8.
- Daken: Dark Wolverine #1 (2010): first issue of the solo series: $25-40 in 9.8.
The complete set (5 issues in 9.8) costs around $500-750, representing a diversified exposure to the character for a controlled budget. If the MCU uses Daken, each of these numbers will benefit from the halo effect.
Buying Tips for Wolverine Origins #10
This number is sufficiently accessible for several strategies to be relevant:
- Tight budget ($50-80): aim for a raw copy in VF+ or NM-. At this price, you have an authentic key issue with valuation potential.
- Average budget ($150-250): a CGC 9.6 offers the best value for money. Almost indistinguishable from a 9.8 visually.
- Comfort budget ($300-400): CGC 9.8 guarantees maximum liquidity and optimal upside potential.
- Speculative ($500-800): the Texeira variant in 9.8 is the premium choice for demanding collectors.
The balance of risk and potential makes Wolverine Origins #10 one of the best bets on the market today for collectors who believe in integrating the X-Men into the MCU. At $300 in 9.8, the downside is limited but the upside can be spectacular.
Do you own Wolverine comics? Estimate the value of your collection for free to know their current rating.
Frequently asked questions
Wolverine Origins #10 (March 2007), written by Daniel Way and drawn by Steve Dillon. Daken is revealed, named and plays an active role. It is the issue recognized by CGC as the first full appearance.
Yes: Wolverine Origins #5 (2006) shows Daken in silhouette on the last pages, without naming him. It is a defensive purchase for anyone who wants to cover the debate between partial and full appearance.
Daken Akihiro is the biological son of Wolverine and Itsu, raised to hate his father by the manipulative Romulus. Half hero, half villain, he embodies a dark version of the Wolverine legacy.
An antagonist in Wolverine Origins, he joins the Dark Avengers in 2009-2010, then gets his own series Daken: Dark Wolverine (2010-2012, 23 issues). He dies in Uncanny Avengers in 2013 and returns in Return of Wolverine in 2018.
Yes: the standard Joe Quesada cover is the most common, a Texeira variant is much rarer, a second printing exists in small quantity and a newsstand edition is rare for this period. Issue #11 features Daken's first cover.