Modern Wolverine Variants: Alternative Covers to Collect

The market for Wolverine variant covers has exploded since 2018, driven by the return of the character after his “death” in 2014 and the growing demand for exclusive and virgin covers. For modern collectors, variants represent a dynamic segment where good acquisitions can quickly appreciate in value, but where pitfalls are also numerous. Knowing how to distinguish variants with high potential from those that will fall quickly is essential.

This guide identifies the most collected and highly valued modern Wolverine variants, analyzing the factors that influence their value: mintage, artist, exclusivity, and market demand. From 1:100 ratio editions to store exclusive variants, here are the covers that really matter to your collection.

Return of Wolverine #1 (2018) — The Great Return

After four years of “death” (Death of Wolverine, 2014), the return of Logan in 2018 was a major editorial event accompanied by a record number of variants. THEReturn of Wolverine #1comes in over 50 different covers, but some clearly stand out for their value.

Todd McFarlane variation:The tribute cover drawn by McFarlane (reminiscent of his work on Spider-Man) is the most sought after. In ratio 1:1000, the print run is extremely limited. A CGC 9.8 copy sells for between $600 and $900. It's the centerpiece of any modern Wolverine variant collection.

Remastered 1:500 variant:This ultra-limited edition reaches $400-600 in CGC 9.8. Steve McNiven's revamped cover shows Wolverine with his new heated claws.

Variant J. Scott Campbell virgin 1:200:Campbell's blankets are consistently among the most highly rated on the modern market. This version without logo (virgin) is worth $300-450 in 9.8.

The 1:50 and 1:100 variants accessible

For collectors on a more moderate budget, the 1:50 ratio variants of the Return of Wolverine offer excellent value for money. Covers of Leinil Francis Yu (1:50) and Steve McNiven (1:100) trade between $80 and $200 in CGC 9.8, with good upside potential in the medium term.

X Lives of Wolverine / X Deaths of Wolverine (2022)

The double seriesX Lives of WolverineetX Deaths of Wolverine(2022) explored Logan's past and future against the backdrop of the Krakoa era. Benjamin Percy on the screenplay with drawings by Joshua Cassara and Federico Vicentini delivered an ambitious story which generated highly sought-after variations.

X Lives of Wolverine #1 virgin Adam Kubert variant:$200 to $400 in CGC 9.8. Kubert's return to Wolverine creates strong nostalgic demand.

X Deaths of Wolverine #1 Artgerm 1:100 variant:$150-250 in 9.8. Artgerm's (Stanley Lau) distinctive style applied to Wolverine produces a unique and highly collectible cover.

X Lives #5 Peach Momoko variant:Peach Momoko's covers, with their Japanese watercolor style, are some of the most sought-after on the market today. This variant reaches $100-180 in 9.8.

Marvel Comics Presents #1 (2019) — Weapon X Revisited

The relaunch ofMarvel Comics Presentsin 2019 with a new Wolverine story generated major interest, thanks in part to its exceptional variants.

J. Scott Campbell virgin variant:$150-250 in CGC 9.8. Campbell captures a classic yellow/blue costumed Wolverine that long-time fans like.

Variant Bill Sienkiewicz 1:50:$100-150 in 9.8. Sienkiewicz, whose work on #10 of the ongoing series is legendary, delivers an abstract and powerful interpretation.

Hidden Gem variant (John Buscema art):$80-120 in 9.8. These reissues of classic covers on modern paper are popular with nostalgic collectors.

Wolverine vol. 7 (2020-2024) — The Percy era and its variants

Benjamin Percy's ongoing series produced some of the most spectacular variations of the decade:

Wolverine #1 (2020) Alex Ross variant:$200-300 in CGC 9.8. Ross's photorealism applied to Wolverine creates an instantly iconic image.

Wolverine #1 variant Gabriele Dell'Otto virgin:$150-250 in 9.8. Dell'Otto is one of the most in-demand variant artists out there, and his Wolverine is particularly impressive.

Wolverine #13 Leinil Francis Yu AAPI Heritage variant:This blanket celebrating Asian heritage became a sleeper hit, going from $30 to $120 in just a few months thanks to its relative rarity and unique aesthetic.

Exclusive stores to watch out for

The exclusive covers of certain comic shops (Tyler Kirkham, Greg Horn, InHyuk Lee) are often only printed in 1,500-3,000 copies. Among the most highly rated: Wolverine #1 (2020) Tyler Kirkham Frankies Comics Exclusive variant ($100-150 in 9.8) and the InHyuk Lee Unknown Comics variant ($80-130).

How to identify variants with potential

Not all variant covers increase in value. Here are the criteria that distinguish good acquisitions from pitfalls:real draw(a 1:100 ratio on a title with a basic circulation of 50,000 copies means only 500 copies, a 1:25 ratio on the same title produces 2,000), thereputation of the artist(McFarlane, Campbell, Ross, Artgerm, Dell'Otto, Peach Momoko are the safe bets), and theorganic demand(variants that sell above cover price on release day have confirmed potential).

Be wary of foil, chrome or special cover variants which are often produced in large quantities despite their premium appearance. The actual print run is the determining factor, not the appearance of the cover. A blank 1:200 ratio variant will almost always have more value in the long term than a 1:25 ratio foil.