Marvel Age Annual # 4 page 1 art by John Buscema & Klaus Janson (1988) - Title Page / 1st new suit / Wolverine / Madripoor
Artists: John Buscema (Penciller) , Klaus Janson (Inker)
28 Comments - 821 Views - 32 Likes
Additional Images:
Published page (June 21, 1988)
Wolverine (vol 2) # 1 cover (July 12, 1988)
Artwork Details
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DescriptionMarvel Age Annual # 4 page 1 title pageArt by John Buscema & Klaus Janson Written by Chris Claremont Marvel Comics - June 21, 1988 This is a big one for me and I'll start by saying thank you to James S and Fisch Benz for making this one happen for me. The Buscema/Claremont run on Wolverine holds a lot of nostalgia and I'm elated to be able to own this page from the 5 page story that was done to tease and promote the Wolverine (Vol 2) issue 1 that came out just a few weeks after. I consider this one a GRAIL piece as it's a piece of Wolverine history where we see Wolverine in his new black costume for the first time. At this point the world thought the X-men were dead and Logan was incognito in a new place called Madripoor. During the day he was going by the name Patch and when the time called he was rocking this all black suit with the red belt and face paint. It was the first time he had completely broken away from the X-men looks (we did get the fang costume for a couple issues), which would lead to an extended look at Wolverine as a standalone character and a whole new world of story and characters. For me this suit represents Wolverine stepping out as a standalone character without the X-men. The Buscema/Claremont run (along with Jim Lee's X-men) was my introduction to Wolverine. The black costume was famously shown on the Wolverine (vol 2) #1 cover/posters/etc, and popped up in "Save the Tyger" story in Marvel Comics Presents issue 8 a few weeks after. I'm transported back when I look at this one. Buscema was coming off of the Fantastic Four books and was a given the new Wolverine book, which was a character he new little about. It's funny to read that he was hesitant to take the gig since Buscema said, "I didn't really know what kind of character it was." Luckily he liked the plots from Claremont and it was an opportunity to create in a new locale (Madripoor) with "slam bang" adventure that made it an interesting gig. It was something new for Buscema and I think that worked well because this was something new for Wolverine. Claremont described this new era in the character's story, with Wolverine in Madripoor, as "Wolverine unleashed" without the X-men. "We have a different costume, a black suit, and he doesn't have a hood but he paints his faice in sort of a mask. Basically he's all in black so he sort of gets lost in the shadows." - Buscema, Comics Interview issue #62 It was also really exciting to see the Wolverine (vol 2) #1 cover (Sep 2024) and #1 splash page (Apr 2024) sell at HA.com with this suit. I feel lucky to be able to add this Marvel Age Annual page to my Wolverine collection. Update June 22, 2025: Chris Claremont signed the page at Heroes Con in Charlotte, NC! Social/Sharing |
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Comments on this Artwork
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Steve Day Vich 
Member Since 2007
1 - Posted on 4/23/2025
This page is part of a story but stands well all on its own. I love when that happens.
JN 80
Member Since 2016
1 - Posted on 4/23/2025
Between you and Carl this week...making some awesome, nostalgic acquisitions.
Fantastic piece George
Chuck Arnold
Member Since 2014
2 - Posted on 4/23/2025
Amazing and unforgettable page, George! I still remember my reaction when this first dropped, I was like wtf? It felt like a whole new direction. The combination of Buscema’s powerful storytelling with inks from legends like Janson, Williamson, and Sienkiewicz gave these pages such a distinct identity, more Conan than traditional superhero fare. It brought a rugged, timeless energy to the X-Men universe that felt both classic and radically ahead of its time. Just a killer piece. Thanks for sharing this gem!
Dave W
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 4/23/2025
This is truly a grail-worthy piece of comic art history. Great opening page, and that middle page is PURE Wolverine at his best, drawn by an all-time Marvel master artist. Major congrats on adding this masterpiece to your already impressive gallery George!
Kavi H
Member Since 2018
1 - Posted on 4/23/2025
not only is the imagery great (Madripoor exterior shots in panel 1, Wolvie with new costume in panel 2, movement on the rooftops from perspective of villagers in panel 3) but the Claremont written narration dialogue on this page is timeless and badass. Just cross him and find out! Huge congrats on this historic and impressive Title Page, George!
Marcus Wai
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 4/23/2025
This gave us as taste of the solo Wolverine tale a month before the series' debut. It was a big deal with the huge fan demand for his solo adventures ever since the first Miller mini series.
Ruben DaCollector
Member Since 2008
1 - Posted on 4/23/2025
Congrats on getting a piece that seems to mean so much to you!
Anthony T
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 4/23/2025
Big congrats on picking up your grail piece. Amazing page!
E DLS
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 4/24/2025
With Buscema only doing breakdowns, Janson really put his stamp all over this. Just incredibly gorgeous. Congrats!
Carl Choi
Member Since 2018
1 - Posted on 4/24/2025
Amazing and Memorable Moment in Wolverine History. Congrats My Friend!!!! 🎶🎼🎵
Brian Lake
Member Since 2015
1 - Posted on 4/24/2025
Iconic and fantastic page - buscema and Janson what a combo
Mark V
Member Since 2021
1 - Posted on 4/25/2025
Great art synergy from Buscema and Janson. Congrats, George!
Tyler T
Member Since 2020
1 - Posted on 4/28/2025
Epic acquisition right down to the meaning of the black suit. Then you factor in that it's a Madripoor title page from Janson and Buscema and this one is all claws! Huge congrats on a stunner!
K Gearon
Member Since 2011
1 - Posted on 7/6/2025
YES! Was stoked to see this in person at Heroes. Top to bottom perfect page and intro to Logan's new status quo. Definitely in the right collection. HUGE congrats, again, my friend!
Joe Murray
Member Since 2006
Posted on 8/11/2025
Wow, absolutely love this Big John Wolverine preview opener, whatta great new direction at the time, big congrats!
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