Some covers capture characters. Others capture imagination.
This X-23 #1 original sketch variant by Kyle Willis does both — blending two worlds of pop culture into one unforgettable fusion: Wolverine and X-23 reimagined as Jōnin-style warriors from the Naruto universe.
🖋️ About the Artist
Kyle Willis is a versatile modern artist known for blending painterly realism with bold pop-culture mashups. His covers and commissions often carry a distinctive tone — grounded in emotion yet alive with stylized energy. From sketch covers to full painted pieces, his work always turns heads at conventions and on collector walls alike.
Kyle’s eye for tone and texture shines here — the muted palette, sharp posture, and restrained use of color transform the classic Wolverine/X-23 dynamic into something equal parts reverent and fresh.
Explore more of his work and follow his creative journey here:
👉 Art of Kyle Willis on Facebook
⚔️ The Piece
This X-23 #1 Variant Edition features:
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Hand-drawn art by Kyle Willis, signed and verified under CGC Signature Series.
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Grade: 9.8 (W) — Signature Series (CGC Certification #3616102001).
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Concept: User-commissioned Wolverine & X-23 as Jōnin mash-up, merging the stoicism of Marvel’s Weapon X legacy with the disciplined mystique of the Hidden Leaf shinobi.
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Medium: Marker and ink on blank sketch cover.
It’s a rare mix of two fandoms, captured with raw attitude and crisp design — a reminder that great art isn’t just drawn, it’s imagined differently.
🧾 Collector’s Index
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | X-23 #1 (Jōnin Variant Commission) |
| Publisher | Marvel Comics |
| Year of Release | 2018 |
| Cover Artist | Kyle Willis |
| Concept Origin | Randell Cinnamon (original idea / mash-up concept) |
| Grade | CGC Signature Series 9.8 (White Pages) |
| Key Classification | Artist Commission / Crossover Concept |
| Rarity Tier | 🔴 One-of-a-Kind Original Sketch |
| Market Range (CBCS equivalent) | ~$250–$400 depending on artist demand and event sales |
| Collector Appeal | Unique fusion of Marvel and anime themes by one of the most distinctive modern sketch artists on the circuit |
💬 Why Kyle Willis Stands Out
Kyle’s ability to balance stylized composition with fan-driven storytelling has earned him a loyal following. His covers evoke the energy of live motion — characters seem caught mid-breath, as if the next page might explode from the frame.
This X-23 #1 Jōnin variant is a perfect example: sharp, deliberate, and full of quiet ferocity.
💥 Legacy
Art like this blurs the line between collection and collaboration.
For me, this piece represents what Randell’s Nerdy Things is all about — celebrating creativity, fandom, and the artists who give our favorite heroes new life.
Stay nerdy,
Randell
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