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.
📰 Publication Details
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Title: The Immortal Hulk #33
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Publisher: Marvel Comics
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Release Year: 2020
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Variant Type: Hulk #181 Virgin Sketch Cover Homage
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Cover Artists: Joe Bennett (pencils) & Ruy José (inks)
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Style: Black-and-White / Virgin Variant (no logos except header box)
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Cover Price: $5.99
🔑 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.
🗂️ 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 |
💬 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
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