Marvel UK’s Mighty World of Marvel No. 198, strangely titled Marvel Hulk (cover dated 14th July 1976), features Wolverine’s debut in a British comic, and a copy is one of some 250 auction listings of vintage comics, annuals and related items in the latest auction from Phil-Comics.
Over on Twitter, one Marvel fan who has a copy of #198 notes the usual Mighty World of Marvel logo is present, but near invisible due to a design error. “They used black lettering on a black background. It’s just about visible on my copy.”
This issue is also notable as it has the original face as drawn by Herb Trimpe, which was altered for publication on The Incredible Hulk #181, presumably inked by John Severin.
As you can imagine, it’s already attracting fierce bidding, as are copies of the following issues – No. 197 to No. 199. They contain the British reprints of the complete first appearances of Wolverine, published less than two years after the originals in Marvel Comics The Incredible Hulk #180 – 182.
“These have risen in popularity in recent years and are key, sought-after issues,” notes seller Phil Shrimpton. “#197 represented Wolverine’s first cameo appearance from Hulk #180, whilst the first ‘Full Wolvy’ (from Hulk #181) was divided over MWOM #198 and 199.”
Most items n the auction, which includes several first issues, and more, start at 99p with no reserve and they’re always happy to combine postage. A small selection of items on offer features below…
• Head to www.ebay.co.uk/str/philcomics for the full catalogue
Run by Phil Shrimpton, Phil-Comics specialises in vintage comics and related items such as annuals, holiday specials, free gifts and original artwork.
Holding monthly eBay auctions, often with a huge number of listings, they aim to bring a diverse array of items – and are always on the lookout for vintage comic collections, either to buy or auction on commission.
• Head to www.ebay.co.uk/str/philcomics for the full catalogue
- About the Author
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The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.
Categories: Auctions, British Comics, Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Events
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