The key Hulk issues of the Bronze Age (1970-1985) culminate with Incredible Hulk #181 (first Wolverine, $120,000+ in CGC 9.8), #180 (Wolverine cameo, $25,000+ in 9.8), #271 (first Rocket Raccoon, $3,000-6,000 in 9.8), and #340 (cover McFarlane Hulk vs. Wolverine, $300-600 in 9.8). This period is full of first appearances and numbers that have become market references.
The Bronze Age (generally defined as 1970 to 1985) is the golden era of the Incredible Hulk in terms of collectability. The series was firmly established, the circulations were high but not yet at the speculative level of the 90s, and several major creators introduced characters who had become icons (Wolverine, Rocket Raccoon). This is also the period when Hulk established himself as one of the pillars of the Marvel universe.
This guide details each key issue from this prolific period, with current market data and valuation factors specific to each.
The Wolverine triptych: #180, #181, #182
Incredible Hulk #180 (October 1974):Cameo from Wolverine on the last page. Screenplay by Len Wein, drawings by Herb Trimpe. This number is often considered the true "first appearance" by purists, but the market has decided: #181 commands the premium. Price: CGC 9.8 between $25,000 and $40,000, CGC 9.4 between $3,000 and $6,000, CGC 8.0 between $1,000 and $2,000. The presence of the MVS (Marvel Value Stamp) page 18 is imperative.
Incredible Hulk #181 (November 1974):First full appearance of Wolverine. THE Bronze Age issue par excellence, all series combined. Price: CGC 9.9 around $264,000 (Heritage record), CGC 9.8 between $120,000 and $150,000, CGC 9.6 between $35,000 and $50,000, CGC 9.4 between $18,000 and $25,000, CGC 8.0 between $8,000 and $12,000, CGC 6.0 between $4,000 and $6,000. Census: more than 9,000 copies registered with CGC.
Incredible Hulk #182 (December 1974):Conclusion of the Hulk/Wolverine/Wendigo fight. Third appearance of Wolverine. CGC 9.8: $2,000-4,000, CGC 9.4: $500-800. Undervalued in relation to its narrative importance and its place in the triptych. Owning #180-181-182 together constitutes a premium set whose combined value exceeds the sum of the parts.
The first major appearances
Incredible Hulk #162 (April 1973):First appearance of the Wendigo. Character directly linked to the introduction of Wolverine (#180-181 takes place in the Hulk vs Wendigo fight). CGC 9.6: around $3,000, CGC 8.0: $200-400, CGC 6.0: $80-150. An issue that is gaining popularity as collectors search for the complete "pre-Wolverine".
Incredible Hulk #250 (August 1980):Hulk vs. Silver Surfer — iconic cover by Al Milgrom. CGC 9.8: $400-800, CGC 9.4: $100-200. Issue sought after mainly for its spectacular cover and the fight between two Marvel powerhouses.
Incredible Hulk #271 (May 1982):First appearance of Rocket Raccoon. Drawn by Sal Buscema. This number exploded in value after Guardians of the Galaxy (2014): from $20 in raw NM before the film to over $3,000 in CGC 9.8 today. CGC 9.6: $1,000-2,000, CGC 9.4: $400-700. Ratings have stabilized but remain high thanks to the character's enduring popularity in the MCU.
Incredible Hulk #314 (December 1985):The revelation of Bruce Banner's paternal abuse by Bill Mantlo. Number that transformed the understanding of the character. CGC 9.8: $100-200, rising. Immense narrative significance, still affordable price.
Todd McFarlane and the transitional era
Incredible Hulk #330 (April 1987):Peter David's first issue on the screenplay. Return of the Gray Hulk. Drawings by Todd McFarlane (his very first on the series). CGC 9.8: $150-300, CGC 9.6: $60-100. Technically at the Bronze/Copper Age hinge, this issue marks the beginning of the definitive era of Hulk.
Incredible Hulk #340 (February 1988):The most famous cover in all of Hulk history. Todd McFarlane draws a Gray Hulk face to face with Wolverine, their reflections reversed in each other's claws and eyes. CGC 9.8: $300-600, CGC 9.6: $120-200, CGC 9.4: $80-130. This issue is an absolute must-have for any Hulk collector — its cover has been reproduced on t-shirts, posters and tributes for 35 years.
Incredible Hulk #331-346 (full McFarlane run):Todd McFarlane drew issues #330-346 before moving on to Amazing Spider-Man. The full run in raw VF-NM trades between $200 and $400. Individual issues (excluding #330 and #340) are worth $5-20 each in raw NM, offering excellent value for having your entire run on the series.
Underrated Bronze Age numbers
Incredible Hulk #200 (June 1976):Anniversary issue, Hulk vs Hulk (Banner fights his own nature). Cover by Gil Kane. CGC 9.8: $200-400. Symbolic number of the series, strangely undervalued in relation to its importance.
Incredible Hulk #234 (April 1979):First appearance of Quasar (under this name). CGC 9.8: $150-300. Untouched MCU potential that could propel this issue.
Incredible Hulk #272 (June 1982):Second appearance of Rocket Raccoon (the number just after #271). CGC 9.8: $150-300, fraction of the price of #271. Viable strategy for collectors who cannot afford #271 in high condition.
Marvel Super-Heroes #18 (January 1969):First appearance of the original Guardians of the Galaxy (with Hulk's participation in the story). CGC 9.4: around $5,000, CGC 7.0: $400-700. Technically not a Hulk title but strongly linked to the mythos and collectability of the character.
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