Step into the darker side of Wolverine’s world with Wolverine: Under the Boardwalk, a gripping Marvel Comics one-shot published in 2009. Written by Stuart Moore and illustrated and inked by Tomm Coker, this standalone issue takes Wolverine away from the traditional superhero battlefield and drops him into the gritty underbelly of Atlantic City, where secrets, love, and revenge intertwine beneath the faded glow of the boardwalk lights.
This single-issue story is a noir-inspired mystery that digs into Logan’s past, mixing classic hard-boiled crime elements with the trademark intensity that defines Wolverine. The cover art by Tomm Coker captures the tone perfectly, a moody playing-card motif that hints at the gamble Wolverine takes when confronting ghosts of his past. It’s an issue that stands apart from standard continuity, offering fans a complete and self-contained story in one strikingly illustrated comic.
Key Details:
Title: Wolverine: Under the Boardwalk Character: Wolverine (Logan) Superhero Team: X-Men (associated) Story Title: Under the Boardwalk Issue Number: One-Shot Writer: Stuart Moore Artist / Inker / Cover Artist: Tomm Coker Publisher: Marvel Comics Publication Year: 2009 Universe: Marvel Universe Era: Modern Age Parental Advisory: Yes
This comic showcases Wolverine not only as the fierce fighter known for his claws and regenerative healing but also as a complex character haunted by memory, loss, and love. In this story, Logan revisits a long-forgotten chapter of his life, piecing together a decades-old mystery that involves gangsters, betrayal, and a woman whose past refuses to stay buried. The narrative’s slow burn and mature tone make it perfect for fans who appreciate Wolverine’s emotional depth and Marvel’s experiments with crime-driven storytelling.
Condition & Grading (Collector’s Assessment)
This copy is in Very Fine / Near Mint (approx. 9.2) condition. The cover remains glossy and clean with vivid, unfaded colour and crisp edges. The spine is tight with no visible breaks, and the interior pages are white and well-bound, showing minimal signs of handling. Corners remain sharp, and the comic lies flat in its protective bag and board.
Please note that this grade reflects my personal opinion as a collector and reseller, it is not a professional third-party grading such as CGC or CBCS. Buyers are encouraged to review all photos closely and decide based on their own assessment.
Collector Notes & Overview
Wolverine: Under the Boardwalk reflects Marvel’s late-2000s trend of producing high-quality one-shots that explored iconic characters through unique artistic and thematic lenses. Rather than a typical superhero brawl, this comic functions like a pulp detective story with a mutant twist. Tomm Coker’s heavy shadows and grounded realism perfectly complement Moore’s moody script.
Fans of Wolverine: Origins, Weapon X, or Marvel Noir titles will appreciate the introspective and cinematic tone. The one-shot format ensures this issue is complete in itself, ideal for readers looking to experience a single, powerful Wolverine story without needing prior context.
The cover design deserves particular attention, framed like a playing card with an Ace of Spades motif, it symbolises fate, risk, and mortality, themes central to Wolverine’s life. It’s both striking and meaningful, making this comic visually compelling even for display purposes.
Why Add It to Your Collection
• Standalone Wolverine story that doesn’t require other issues.
• Strong creative team (Moore & Coker) delivering a mature noir tone.
• Visually distinctive cover with collector appeal.
• Increasingly uncommon in near-mint condition in UK circulation.
• Affordable entry point for both seasoned Marvel fans and new collectors.
Summary
Wolverine: Under the Boardwalk #1 (2009) offers everything fans could want from a self-contained Marvel story, drama, mystery, and raw emotion. Whether you’re drawn by the gritty artwork, the intimate storytelling, or the sheer power of Wolverine’s character, this one-shot delivers a rewarding read that holds its own among the best standalone Marvel tales.
Add it to your collection today and bring home a Modern-Age Wolverine story that proves even the toughest heroes have secrets buried deep beneath the surface.