🗡️ Wolverine: The Adamantium Collection — One of the Most Epic Hardcovers Ever Released

Today’s feature is a true monster of a book — Wolverine: The Adamantium Collection, a massive, beautifully produced hardcover anthology that every Wolverine fan dreams of owning.

This isn’t just a graphic novel.
It’s a weapon-grade collectible.

📸 My copy:

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📘 What Is the Adamantium Collection?

Released by Marvel as a premium oversized hardcover, Wolverine: The Adamantium Collection gathers many of Wolverine’s most iconic stories across his entire publication history. It’s built for die-hard Logan fans — the kind who want both story and display presence.

This huge, slipcased edition includes fan-favorite arcs from some of the greatest creators to ever shape the character.

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🔥 Key Storylines Included

The collection varies slightly depending on printing, but generally features classics such as:

• Wolverine (1982) #1–4 — The Claremont/Miller mini-series

• Wolverine: Weapon X (Barry Windsor-Smith)

• Wolverine (2003) #20–25 — Mark Millar & John Romita Jr.’s “Enemy of the State”

• Old Man Logan (Millar & McNiven)

• Wolverine (1988) #1 and key issues

• Additional landmark issues showcasing Logan’s evolution

These aren’t just good stories — they’re definitive Wolverine canon.

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📚 Physical Format

This edition is beloved because of its sheer quality:

• Oversized “coffee table” dimensions

• Slipcase housing with dramatic Wolverine art

• Thick, premium paper stock

• Massive page count (nearly 800 pages depending on version)

• Art reproduction that looks incredible at large scale

This thing feels as indestructible as the metal it’s named after.

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🧡 Why It Belongs in a Wolverine Collection

The Adamantium Collection has become a grail-level hardcover for Logan fans due to:

• Its premium construction

• Its iconic story selection

• Its impressive display presence

• Limited availability (out of print, rising secondary market prices)

• Stunning cover and slipcase artwork

It’s a centerpiece — the kind of book you don’t hide in a shelf; you display it like a trophy.

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📌 Collector Notes

• Out of print and increasingly harder to find sealed

• Market prices vary significantly depending on condition and completeness

• Highly sought after by Wolverine, X-Men, and omnibus collectors

• A must-own if you’re building a premium Wolverine shelf or art display

🦇 Batman: Gotham Knights #43 — A Direct Homage to Detective Comics #359

 Today’s spotlight is a beautiful and energetic homage to one of the most important issues in Bat-family history: Detective Comics #359, the legendary first appearance of Barbara Gordon as Batgirl.

This modern reinterpretation appears on Batman: Gotham Knights #43 (2003) — and it absolutely nails the spirit, energy, and composition of the original Silver Age classic.

📸 My copy:

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📘 Issue Details

• Title: Batman: Gotham Knights #43

• Publisher: DC Comics

• Release Year: 2003

• Creators:

  • Writer: Scott Beatty

  • Artists: Roger Robinson & John Floyd

• Cover Artist: Brian Bolland (renowned for his iconic Bat-family and Killing Joke work)

• Edition: Direct Sales Edition

• Key Status: Not a key issue

• Collector Category: Direct homage variant

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🔥 Why This Cover Stands Out

This issue pays tribute to one of the most beloved Batman covers ever — the 1967 debut of Batgirl. Gotham Knights #43 recreates the classic:

• Batgirl running forward with confidence

• Batman and Robin racing behind her

• The iconic pink/purple color palette

• Classic Batgirl suit elements (boots, gloves, cape flare, hair pop)

• The upbeat Silver Age heroic energy

Brian Bolland takes the original composition and updates it with crisp modern linework and richer colors, while staying faithful to the spirit of the Bronze/Silver Age era.

This is how an homage should be done.

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🦇 Inside the Book

The interior includes a Batman: Black & White backup story, written by John Ostrander with art by Philip Bond, giving this issue added collector interest for fans of the anthology series.

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📌 Collector Notes

• Not a key issue

• But extremely popular among Batgirl collectors because of the direct homage

• Brian Bolland covers always maintain long-term demand

• A great affordable alternative to the original Detective Comics #359, which has become increasingly expensive in higher grades

• Looks incredible in a display alongside other homage covers or a Batgirl-focused collection

🔥 Mail Call From CBCS!

Lady Death III: The Odyssey #1 (Gold Foil) & Lady Death IV: The Crucible #1 (Silver Foil)**

Two absolutely stunning foil-embossed Lady Death editions just returned from CBCS — and they look incredible slabbed. These Chaos! Comics foil variants are some of the most eye-catching and collectible editions in the entire Lady Death run, combining embossed artwork with reflective foil finishes that pop under any light.

📸 My copies: 

Gold Foil – Lady Death III: The Odyssey #1 (CBCS 9.8)

Silver Foil – Lady Death IV: The Crucible #1 (CBCS 9.4)

⚔️ Book Details

Lady Death III: The Odyssey #1 — Gold Foil Embossed Edition

CBCS Grade: 9.8 (White Pages)

Publisher: Chaos! Comics

Cover Artist: Steven Hughes

Edition Type: Gold foil + embossed cover

Notes: High-grade embossed foils are extremely hard to find due to scuffing and surface sensitivity.

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Lady Death IV: The Crucible #1 — Silver Foil Embossed Edition

CBCS Grade: 9.4 (White Pages)

Publisher: Chaos! Comics

Cover Artist: Steven Hughes

Edition Type: Silver foil + embossed cover

Notes: Another gorgeous Hughes piece, with deep embossing and high reflectivity.

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🔥 Why These Editions Matter

While not metal, these Chaos! Comics foil-embossed variants are still premium collector items.

Their appeal comes from:

Heavy embossing

Reflective gold and silver foil finishes

Classic 1990s Chaos! Comics production style

Stunning Steven Hughes artwork

Scarcity in high grade due to surface scratching and foil imperfections

The 9.8 Gold Foil Odyssey is especially impressive — foil books are notorious for manufacturing defects, fingerprints, and micro-scratches that tank grades.

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🎨 Steven Hughes: The Iconic Lady Death Artist

Both covers come from Steven Hughes, the defining artist of the early Lady Death era. His embossed foil covers are some of the most recognizable and beloved Chaos! Comics collectibles.

These two slabs are gorgeous representations of that era — bold, reflective, and full of attitude.

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📌 Collector Notes

Both books are highly collectible 1990s foil editions

Embossed foils are extremely condition-sensitive

CBCS slabs greatly help protect the foil surfaces

Ideal for Lady Death collectors, Chaos! fans, and 90s foil variant enthusiasts

A matched pair (gold + silver) makes a beautiful display set.

Stay nerdy,

Randell

🌎 Hulk 181 Cover Set — The Incredible Hulk (Vol. 1)

Kaare Andrews 2023 Facsimile Exclusive Virgin Variant (Minor Key — Reprint of Wolverine’s 1st Appearance)**

Tonight’s addition to the Hulk 181 Cover Set is the Kaare Andrews 2023 Virgin Variant for the official Marvel Incredible Hulk #181 Facsimile Edition.

This book is classified as a Minor Key for a very specific reason:
👉 It is a reprint variant of Wolverine’s first appearance.

Any officially licensed Marvel facsimile of Hulk #181 earns Minor Key status automatically — and exclusive variant covers like this one only strengthen its collector appeal.

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📘 Issue Details

Title: The Incredible Hulk (Vol. 1) — 2023 Hulk #181 Facsimile Edition
Variant: Kaare Andrews Exclusive Virgin Variant
Format: Virgin Variant Cover
Release Year: 2023
Cover Artist: Kaare Andrews
Key Status: Minor Key
Reason: Reprint variant of Wolverine’s 1st appearance (Hulk #181, 1974)
Homage to: Original Incredible Hulk #181

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🔥 Why It’s a Minor Key

This variant is a Minor Key because it directly reprints the first full appearance of Wolverine, which automatically gives it historical and collector relevance.

The Kaare Andrews exclusive cover is simply the enhancement — the key status comes from:

• Its role as a facsimile of Wolverine’s debut issue

• Its place within Marvel’s official reprint lineage

• Its value as a modern homage tied directly to an iconic Bronze Age moment

All official Hulk #181 facsimile variants hold persistent demand for these reasons.

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🎨 Cover Art Notes (Kaare Andrews)

This piece is pure visual power:

• Hulk smashing downward from a glowing full moon

• Wolverine charging low and fast across the forest floor

• Stylized motion, exaggerated anatomy, raw kinetic energy

• Andrews’ signature blend of heavy inks and atmospheric lighting

• Full-art virgin format for maximum impact

It feels like a supernatural reenactment of the 1974 battle — primal, loud, and beautifully chaotic.

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📌 Collector Notes

This Andrews variant now stands proudly with the rest of my Hulk 181 Edition & Homage Collection, including:

• La Masa #4 — Spain

• Biblioteca Marvel Digest — Spain

• Super Eroi Classic #232 — Italy

• Yeşil Dev Hulk — Yildiray Çınar Turkish 7-Book Set

• Official Hulk 181 Car Insert Edition

• Wizard Ace Edition — Hulk 181

• Immortal Hulk #33 Homage

• Hulk #6N — Houston Virgin Variant

• Russian Commie I Faut Edition

This Kaare Andrews facsimile variant is one of the strongest modern reprint keys tied to Wolverine’s legendary debut.

🧟‍♂️ Marvel Zombies: Black, White & Blood #1

 Gabriele Dell’Otto Wolverine Variant (2023)**

Today’s spotlight is a true horror-show masterpiece — Marvel Zombies: Black, White & Blood #1, featuring an absolutely feral Gabriele Dell’Otto Wolverine variant from 2023.

Dell’Otto’s art is unmistakable: dramatic, violent, painterly, and dripping with atmosphere. This cover takes Wolverine and plunges him headfirst into full undead savagery — exactly what a Marvel Zombies revival demands.

📸 My copy:

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📘 Issue Details

• Title: Marvel Zombies: Black, White & Blood #1

• Publisher: Marvel Comics

• Release Year: 2023

• Variant: Gabriele Dell’Otto Wolverine Variant

• Format: Black, White & Blood Anthology

• Rating: Parental Advisory – Not for Kids

• Market Category: Non-Key (but highly sought after due to the artist)

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🔥 Why This Variant Matters

Gabriele Dell’Otto is one of modern comic art’s giants — and this piece showcases why.

This Wolverine is:

• Rotting

• Snarling

• Ferocious

• Blood-splattered

• Rendered with Dell’Otto’s trademark hyper-real shadows and violent lighting

The controlled grayscale palette with splashes of red makes his design even more monstrous and memorable.

Even without key status, demand stays strong because:

• Wolverine variants always move

• Dell’Otto commands a loyal collector base

• Marvel Zombies has cult-level popularity

It’s the perfect storm for a standout modern variant.

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📌 Inside the Issue

The anthology includes brand-new horror stories by:

• Garth Ennis

• Rachael Stott

• Alex Segura

• Javi Fernández

• Ashley Allen

• Justin Mason

It’s a stacked lineup for anyone who loves the darker side of Marvel.

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🩸 Collector Notes

• Release Year: 2023

• Not a key issue

• But a premium variant due to Dell’Otto’s name and Wolverine’s popularity

• A must-have for:

  • Wolverine collectors

  • Dell’Otto fans

  • Marvel Zombies completionists

  • Black, White & Blood variant hunters

Big Life Update: I’m Moving Back to Norway

 I wanted to take a moment to share something important with all of you who follow my collecting journey, my writing, and my nerdy adventures.

I’m officially moving back to Norway.
It’s a big step — one I’ve been planning quietly for a while — and it means that I won’t be stateside for quite some time.

This isn’t a goodbye, just the start of a new chapter.

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What This Means for My U.S. Comic Collecting

Being overseas means I won’t have the same access to local shops, conventions, signatures, or U.S. variant drops for a while. I’ll still be collecting, still posting, and still sharing the hobby I love — but the pace and focus may shift a bit as I settle back into life in Norway.

I’ll still keep up with:

• My Hulk 181 Cover Set series

• Lady Death, X-Men, and indie variant spotlights

• International comic editions (which I’ll probably see a lot more of in Europe!)

• My book projects and writing updates

So the posts will continue — just from a different continent.

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🧳 Helping a Friend Liquidate His Collection

After I arrive in Norway, I’ll also be helping a close friend of mine liquidate the majority of his collection.

He’s sitting on a ton of great material — keys, variants, exclusives, runs, and some rare pieces — and he asked me to help him find good homes for everything.

I’ll be:

• Sorting

• Cataloging

• Pricing fairly

• And making sure serious collectors get first pick

If you're looking for specific books, runs, or grails, keep an eye on my page — I’ll post updates as we go through everything.

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🌍 A New Chapter, But Not the End

This move is huge for me personally, and I’m excited to share the next part of my journey — both in life and in collecting — with all of you.

Thank you for sticking with me, supporting my blog, following the comic posts, reading my book updates, and being part of my little corner of fandom.

More posts are coming.
More comics are coming.
More stories are coming.

Just from a much colder place. 🇳🇴❄️

🌎 Hulk 181 Cover Set — Hulk (Vol. 4) #6N

 Houston Virgin Variant — Arsenal Comics & Cape & Cowl Exclusive**

The next entry in my ongoing Hulk 181 Cover Set brings in a modern powerhouse: Hulk (Vol. 4) #6N, presented here in the Houston Virgin Variant, exclusive to Arsenal Comics and Cape & Cowl Comics.

This variant takes the iconic 1974 Incredible Hulk #181 cover and reimagines it with bold, modern energy — all while tying into a major moment in Hulk’s current mythology.

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📘 Issue Details

Title: Hulk (Vol. 4) #6N
Variant: Houston Virgin Variant
Exclusives: Arsenal Comics / Cape & Cowl Comics
Edition Type: Modern Virgin Variant
Homage to: The Incredible Hulk #181 (1974)

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🔥 Key Issue Significance

📌 1st Full Appearance of the Titan Hulk Persona

This issue marks the definitive, fully realized emergence of Titan Hulk, one of Bruce Banner’s most dangerous and monstrous identities. Titan Hulk plays a major role in modern Hulk continuity, making Hulk #6N one of the standout keys of the current era.

That combination — a key modern issue paired with a full-art homage — puts this variant firmly on the radar for collectors.

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🎨 Variant Cover Notes

This Houston-exclusive Virgin Variant delivers a perfect modern echo of the classic 181 cover:

• Wolverine in classic yellow-and-blue, diving straight into the fight

• Hulk braced and ready, massive presence front and center

• Wendigo charging below, completing the iconic trio

• No trade dress → pure artwork

• Clean lines, saturated colors, and a dynamic composition

It’s easily one of the strongest modern 181-themed variants.

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📌 Collector Notes

A prime addition to my growing Hulk 181 Edition & Homage Collection, pairing perfectly with:

• La Masa #4 (Spain)

• Biblioteca Marvel Digest (Spain)

• Super Eroi Classic #232 (Italy)

• Yeşil Dev Hulk 7-Book Turkish Edition Set

• Wizard Ace Edition

• Immortal Hulk #33 (B&W homage)

• Russian Edition (Commie I Faut Ltd.)

• Official Hulk 181 Car Insert Edition

This one hits all the marks: modern key + exclusive variant + faithful homage.

Stay nerdy,
Randell

🔥 New Arrival: Lady Death – Dragon Wars #1 Temptress Edition (69/100) 🔥

 Wednesday's mail day brought in an absolute stunner — and one of the most elegant Lady Death variants in my entire collection.

📘 Title: Lady Death: Dragon Wars #1
💎 Edition: Temptress Edition
🧾 Print Run: Limited to only 100 copies
📌 My Copy: #69/100
🎨 Cover Artist: (Temptress Edition Artist – commonly attributed to Mike DeBalfo / various Coffin artists depending on the run. If you’d like, I can confirm the exact creator.)

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🔥 Why This Variant Stands Out

This Temptress Edition captures Lady Death in a hauntingly serene gothic setting — moonlit trees, shadowed wings, and that iconic temptation motif symbolized by the crimson apple. It's the perfect fusion of dark fantasy and sensual mystique that defines Coffin Comics’ strongest visual storytelling.

The grayscale palette with deep violet accents highlights the seduction-and-danger aesthetic of Lady Death’s world, while the wings and setting tie back beautifully to the supernatural tone of Dragon Wars.

This is exactly the kind of cover that reminds me why Lady Death variants have such a devoted collector base — they’re not just comic books; they’re art pieces.

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🩶 Collector’s Notes

• Extremely low print run (100 copies) makes this one a true display piece.

• Numbered on the cover, adding authenticity and scarcity.

• Part of the Dragon Wars storyline, a fan-favorite arc that blends mythic conflict with Lady Death’s ever-evolving lore.

• High-end Lady Death variants like this tend to retain value due to both scarcity and the dedicated collector market.

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📸 Photo of My Copy

Stay nerdy,
Randell

⚔️🌑 R.A. Salvatore’s Homeland #1 — The First Appearance of Drizzt Do’Urden

 The Birth of the Most Famous Dark Elf in Fantasy Literature

Some characters don’t just join a universe — they change it.
Drizzt Do’Urden is one of the most enduring icons in fantasy, right beside Aragorn, Geralt, and Elric.
And it all begins here, in Homeland #1, the comic adaptation of R.A. Salvatore’s legendary novel and the first comic book appearance of Drizzt.

This issue, published by Devil’s Due Publishing, is now a must-own cornerstone for Forgotten Realms, Dungeons & Dragons, and fantasy collectors.

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📰 Publication Details

• Title: R.A. Salvatore’s Homeland #1

• Publisher: Devil’s Due Publishing (DDP)

• Release Year: 2005

• Adapted From: The Dark Elf Trilogy: Homeland (1988 novel)

• Writer: Andrew Dabb

• Artist: Tim Seeley

• Cover Artist: Tyler Walpole (painted variant pictured)

• Key Issue: First appearance of Drizzt Do’Urden in comics

• Format: Part 1 of the official comic adaptation of the Dark Elf Trilogy

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🔑 Key Significance

This issue is a major modern fantasy key, valued not just for its rarity — but for its cultural importance:

✔ 1. First Comic Appearance of Drizzt Do’Urden

Drizzt has appeared in:

• over 30+ novels,

• multiple D&D rulebooks,

• video games,

• miniatures,

• and even the Baldur’s Gate series.

But this is where his comic book career begins.

✔ 2. Adaptation of One of the Most Important Forgotten Realms Novels

Homeland is the origin of:

• House Do’Urden

• Menzoberranzan

• Zaknafein

• Matron Malice

• Drow political treachery

• Drizzt’s exile and path to becoming the ranger we know

This single issue is the spark that ignited a publishing legacy.

✔ 3. Collector Demand Has Steadily Increased

As D&D surges in popularity — and with Drizzt always rumored for live-action adaptation — early Drizzt appearances are becoming increasingly sought after.

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🎨 Cover & Art

Your copy features the Tyler Walpole painted cover, widely regarded as the most striking version:

• Drizzt’s lavender eyes glow with intensity

• His dual scimitars (Icingdeath & Twinkle) crossed in front

• His hood shadowed in runic detail

• Moody, atmospheric colors true to the Underdark

It’s an iconic rendering of the drow ranger — equal parts fierce and tragic.

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🗂️ Collector’s Index

Category	Details
Title	Homeland #1
Publisher	Devil’s Due Publishing
Year	2005
Key Status	Major Key
Key Significance	First comic appearance of Drizzt Do’Urden
Cover Artist	Tyler Walpole
Rarity Tier	🟠 Moderate (DDP print runs were relatively small)
Market Range (Raw/NM)	~$20–$40
High Grade/Slabbed	~$90–$150 in 9.6–9.8
Collector Appeal	Essential for Drizzt, Forgotten Realms, D&D, and fantasy collections

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💬 Final Thoughts

Drizzt Do’Urden changed the landscape of fantasy storytelling — a heroic drow who defied the darkness of his birthright and became a legend.

This issue captures the beginning of that journey.
It is not just a collectible — it’s a piece of Forgotten Realms history.

A must-have for any fan of:

• Dungeons & Dragons

• The Forgotten Realms

• R.A. Salvatore

• Drow culture and lore

• Or heroic fantasy in general

Stay nerdy,
Randell

💥🐺 The Immortal Hulk #33 — Joe Bennett & Ruy José Hulk #181 Virgin Sketch Variant

 A Modern Black-and-White Tribute to Wolverine’s Legendary First Appearance

Few covers in comic history are as instantly recognizable as The Incredible Hulk #181.
From the layout to the poses to the triple-threat brawl with Wendigo, it’s the Bronze Age blueprint for Wolverine’s explosive debut.

This Immortal Hulk #33 Sketch Variant pays direct homage to that iconic moment — but with the raw, brutal intensity of the Immortal Hulk era.

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📰 Publication Details

• Title: The Immortal Hulk #33

• Publisher: Marvel Comics

• Release Year: 2020

• Variant Type: Hulk #181 Virgin Sketch Cover Homage

• Cover Artists: Joe Bennett (pencils) & Ruy José (inks)

• Style: Black-and-White / Virgin Variant (no logos except header box)

• Cover Price: $5.99

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🔑 Why This Variant Is Special

✔ A Brutal, Hyper-Detailed Modern Homage

Joe Bennett’s linework — combined with Ruy José’s sharp inks — gives this piece a gritty, sinewy, almost horror-infused power.
It echoes Trimpe’s 1974 original, but pushes the anatomy, motion, and texture into modern hyper-detail.

✔ Black-and-White Format = Pure Art

Without color, every stroke stands out:
muscle tension, snow texture, chaotic movement, and the ferocity of all three characters locked in combat.

It’s not just a cover — it’s artwork worthy of framing.

✔ Perfect Fit for Immortal Hulk’s Tone

Immortal Hulk is known for body-horror visuals, existential terror, and savage combat.
This homage fits seamlessly into that era: raw, violent, and unfiltered.

✔ Stunning Display Piece for Hulk 181 Collectors

Among modern Hulk 181 homages, this black-and-white edition is one of the cleanest, sharpest, and most respectful reinterpretations of the original Herb Trimpe cover.

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🗂️ Collector’s Index

Category	Details
Title	Immortal Hulk #33
Variant	Virgin Sketch Homage
Homage To	The Incredible Hulk #181
Penciller	Joe Bennett
Inker	Ruy José
Publisher	Marvel Comics
Year	2020
Key Status	Modern Homage Variant
Rarity Tier	🟠 Moderate — harder to find in high-grade due to black & white surfaces
Market Range	~$15–$35 depending on condition

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💬 Final Thoughts

This variant is a perfect fusion of eras:
the celebration of Wolverine’s historic first appearance combined with the dark, visceral energy of Immortal Hulk.

It’s a must-have for any Hulk 181 completionist, homage collector, or fan of Joe Bennett’s brutally detailed art.

Stay nerdy,
Randell

💋🦇 Birds of Prey #1 — The Syndicate Exclusive (Sun Khamunaki Variant)

 Limited to 1,500 Copies — Harley Quinn Steals the Spotlight

Every so often, a variant cover comes along that doesn’t just stand out — it commands attention.
This Syndicate Comics Exclusive for Birds of Prey #1 features an absolutely stunning depiction of Harley Quinn by the incredible Sun Khamunaki, one of the most sought-after modern pin-up and variant cover artists in the industry.

With a print run of just 1,500 copies, this issue quickly became a favorite among Harley collectors and variant hunters alike.

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📰 Publication Details

• Title: Birds of Prey #1

• Publisher: DC Comics

• Release Year: 2023

• Writer: Kelly Thompson

• Artist: Leonardo Romero

• Colorist: Jordie Bellaire

• Variant: The Syndicate Exclusive — Sun Khamunaki Variant

• Print Run: Limited to 1,500

• Condition: Your copy appears NM/NM+

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🔑 Why This Variant Is Special

✔ Sun Khamunaki’s Signature Style

Khamunaki is known for her soft-rendered realism, striking character presence, and clean, luminous color work.
This Harley is:

• confident

• playful

• stylish

• and absolutely eye-catching

The dynamic pose, the subtle lighting, and the Gotham skyline behind her make this one of the most refined modern Harley covers.

✔ A Harley Variant on a Birds of Prey Title

Even though the series isn’t Harley-focused, she remains one of DC’s biggest fan favorites — and exclusive stores knew collectors would flock to a premium, limited Harley cover.

✔ Low Print Run — Only 1,500

In today’s market, exclusives under 2,000 copies are considered premium-level scarcity.
Finding these in high grade becomes harder with each passing year.

✔ The Early “Golden Era” of Syndicate Exclusives

Syndicate Comics has built a reputation for top-tier exclusives, and this Harley piece is one of their most memorable early releases.

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🗂️ Collector’s Index

Category	Details
Title	Birds of Prey #1
Variant	Syndicate Exclusive
Cover Artist	Sun Khamunaki
Print Run	1,500
Publisher	DC Comics
Year	2023
Key Status	Modern Limited Variant / Harley Quinn Exclusive
Rarity Tier	🟠 Moderately Rare
Market Range	~$25–$45 in NM/NM+
Collector Appeal	Strong Harley Quinn market; Khamunaki variants continue to rise

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💬 Final Thoughts

This cover is everything great about modern variant collecting:
beautiful artwork, a beloved character, a low print run, and a premium finish.

Harley Quinn fans, Sun Khamunaki collectors, and variant hunters would all agree —
this Syndicate Exclusive is one of the standout Harley pieces of 2023.

Stay nerdy,
Randell

🇷🇺💥 Hulk #181 — The Russian Edition (Comics I Faut Ltd., 2020)

 One of the Most Debated Modern International Hulk 181 Editions

International editions of Hulk #181 are a passion of mine — but few stir as much discussion (and outright debate) as the Russian Edition published by Comics I Faut Ltd. in 2020.

This book is officially licensed, printed, and distributed in Russia, but collectors worldwide remain split on it.
Some embrace it as a rare and fascinating foreign edition…
Others label it controversial due to its unusual licensing path and the timing of its release.

What can’t be debated is this:
It is one of the boldest and most visually striking Hulk 181 international editions ever printed.

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📰 Publication Details

• Title: НеВероятный Халк #181 (The Incredible Hulk #181)

• Publisher: Comics I Faut Ltd.

• Country: Russia

• Release Year: 2020

• Edition Type: Russian National Edition

• Format: Full-size comic, modern paper

• CGC Grade: 9.0 (White Pages)

• Label Notes: “Russian Edition. 1st full appearance of Wolverine, Wendigo appearance.”

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🔥 Why This Edition Is Contentious

This Russian Edition caused waves in the collecting community for several reasons:

✔ 1. The Licensing Trail Is Murky

While the book is legally printed in Russia, the licensing documentation wasn’t as publicly disclosed as other international publishers like Panini, Televisa, or Mundi Comics.
This led some collectors to doubt its legitimacy — but CGC recognized it as an official foreign edition, confirming it falls under proper licensing.

✔ 2. Unusual Release Timing

Most foreign editions of Hulk 181 were printed decades ago.
This Russian Edition dropped in 2020, long after Wolverine became a global icon.
Some collectors felt the release was “too modern,” but foreign publishers often reprint older issues when licensing cycles allow.

✔ 3. The Cover Art Is a Unique Redrawn Variant

Instead of using the exact Herb Trimpe artwork, the Russian Edition features a modern reinterpretation of the classic cover.
This makes it distinct, collectible, and instantly recognizable — but also sparks debate among purists.

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🧾 Collector’s Index

Category	Details
Title	Hulk #181 — Russian Edition
Publisher	Comics I Faut Ltd.
Year of Release	2020
Official Status	✔ Russian-licensed Marvel Edition (CGC-recognized)
Cover	Modern reinterpretation of the classic Trimpe cover
Key Classification	International Edition
Rarity Tier	🔴 Rare — Extremely limited outside Russia
Market Range (CBCS/CGC 9.0–9.4)	~$175–$300 depending on demand
Collector Appeal	High for Hulk 181 international set builders; controversial but unique

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💬 Why It Belongs in a Serious Hulk 181 Collection

Regardless of the debate, this edition holds undeniable importance:

• It is officially recognized by major grading companies.

• It is not a counterfeit, bootleg, or fan print.

• It represents Russia’s first true Hulk 181 Edition.

• It features striking redrawn art that sets it apart from every other country’s release.

• It’s incredibly difficult to find outside its home country.

For completionists (like me), it’s a must-have piece — and one of the most visually exciting 181s ever produced.

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🧠 Final Thoughts

The Russian Edition of Hulk 181 isn’t just a comic — it’s a conversation piece.
It raises questions about licensing, global publishing, rarity, and what defines a “true” edition.

But at the end of the day, it stands proudly among international Hulk 181 releases:
bold, rare, and unapologetically unique.

Stay nerdy,
Randell