Ultimate Wolverine #1 (2025) — Chrissie Zullo Virgin, Afshari Comics Exclusive — CGC 9.6

CGC-graded 9.6 (Near Mint+) — slabbed as a Universal (blue) label and identified on the label as the “Afshari Comics ‘Virgin’ Edition.” CGC hologram and barcode are present; grade, label art and the “Virgin” designation are clearly visible in the photos. Slab is intact with no visible cracks or separations.

Cover & condition details: Exclusive Chrissie Zullo virgin cover (no publisher logos or front text) with Zullo’s distinctive stylized character work. Front art shows vibrant inks and clean linework with no visible surface wear, creases, spine ticks, or discoloration. Photographs show clean white borders and solid centering consistent with a 9.6 grade.

Issue & creators: First issue of the new Ultimate Wolverine series (issue #1, Jan 15, 2025) from Marvel — story by Chris Condon with interior art by Alessandro Cappuccio and the exclusive Afshari Comics cover by Chrissie Zullo. This is the Afshari Comics Exclusive Virgin variant, a marquee artist-driven cover sought after by modern-variant collectors.

Collectible value: As a first issue with a high-profile artist virgin cover plus an exclusivity designation, this copy appeals to both modern-key collectors and fans of Chrissie Zullo’s work. The Afshari Comics Exclusive designation typically indicates a smaller print run than standard editions, increasing scarcity for the variant. Slabbed at CGC 9.6, this book is display-ready and carries strong resale/collector interest for modern first-issue variants.

Additional notes: No foil or special printing defects on this virgin cover; the slab photos confirm clean presentation and accurate labeling. Graded as a universal blue label (not signed or color-specific), making this a straightforward high-grade collectible copy of a contemporary first issue with a sought-after artist cover.