Lone Wolf and Cub first appeared in Lone Wolf and Cub #1, published by Independent in 1987. That places it in the Copper Age.
Why this issue matters
Koike and Kojima's wandering samurai assassin and his infant son, given their first US edition by First Comics. Frank Miller drew the covers for roughly the first dozen issues, which is the main reason this one trades graded in the West. The first US appearance of Ogami Itto and Daigoro.
Key facts
Lone Wolf and Cub #1
- Character: Lone Wolf and Cub
- Publisher: Independent
- Cover year: 1987
- Era: Copper Age
Before you buy or sell one
- Check it is a first print, not a facsimile or reprint. Newsstand and direct editions are priced differently too.
- Condition decides most of the value. Whether grading is worth it depends on the copy.
Other first appearances from 1987
- Mister Sinister Uncanny X-Men #221, 1987
More Independent firsts from the Copper Age
- Usagi Yojimbo Albedo Anthropomorphics #2, 1984
- The Crow Caliber Presents #1, 1989
- Tank Girl Deadline #1, 1988
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles TMNT #1, 1984
- Bone Bone #1, 1991
- Sandman (Gaiman) Sandman #1, 1989
- Akira Akira #1, 1988
Got a copy?
I buy key issues and whole collections across the UK, and I will tell you honestly whether what you have is the real first or a later printing. Send me photos of the cover and the indicia and I will come back with a straight answer, and a proper valuation if you want one.