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Nightcrawler
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Creation & Design

Nightcrawler was created by writer Len Wein and artist Dave Cockrum, debuting in the 1975 Giant-Size X-Men #1. His design was influenced by a mix of fantasy and horror elements, reflecting his unique appearance and abilities.

Early Years

Initially introduced as a member of the new X-Men team, Nightcrawler quickly became a fan favorite due to his charm, wit, and complex background as a mutant struggling with his appearance and acceptance.

Character Development

Over the years, Nightcrawler has evolved from a swashbuckling hero to a deeply philosophical character, grappling with themes of faith, identity, and acceptance. His relationships with other characters, particularly with Wolverine and Kitty Pryde, have added depth to his character.

Cultural Reception

Nightcrawler has been well-received by fans and critics alike, often praised for his unique abilities and charismatic personality. He has become a symbol of acceptance and diversity within the mutant community.

Character Details

Real Name:
Kurt Wagner
First Appearance:
Giant-Size X-Men #1
Aliases:
The Amazing Nightcrawler, Bamf
Species:
Mutant
Gender:
Male
Affiliations:
X-Men, Excalibur, Marauders
Abilities:
Teleportation, Superhuman agility, Wall-crawling
Weight:
150lbs
Height:
0' 5"
Eye Color:
yellow
Hair Color:
blue

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Giant-Size X-Men #1
Marvel ⋅ 1975
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Giant-Size X-Men #1
 
Low
$700
Mid
$2.2k
High
$7k

Key Facts

1st appearance of the new X-Men: Storm (1st), Nightcrawler (1st), Colossus (1st), Thunderbird (1st), Wolverine (3rd)

Many resources label this the 2nd full appearance of Wolverine and The Incredible Hulk #182 a second cameo

1st appearance of Illyana Rasputin as a child, later becomes Magik

Introduction of Krakoa, the Living Island

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First use of the sound effect 'snikt' associated with Wolverine's claws

Uncanny X-Men #94
Marvel ⋅ 1975
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Uncanny X-Men #94
 
Low
$315
Mid
$960
High
$3.3k

Key Facts

2nd team appearance of the X-Men that debuted in Giant-Size X-Men #1

2nd appearance of Storm, Nightcrawler, Colossus and Thunderbird

4th appearance of Wolverine

1st appearance of Dragonfly

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Some resources refer to this as the 2nd full appearance of Wolverine and Hulk #182 a 2nd cameo appearance

Beginning of Chris Claremont's 16-year consecutive run on the title, ending with Uncanny X-Men #279

First new X-Men story following five years of reprints

Uncanny X-Men #95
Marvel ⋅ 1975
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Uncanny X-Men #95
 
Low
$30
Mid
$90
High
$315

Key Facts

Death of Thunderbird, John Proudstar, killed in a plane crash

3rd appearance of Nightcrawler

Earliest use of the word 'Bamf' to describe the sound of Nightcrawler teleporting via an alternate dimension

Amazing Spider-Man #161
Marvel ⋅ 1976
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Amazing Spider-Man #161
 
Low
$2
Mid
$8
High
$25

Key Facts

1st cameo appearance of Jigsaw, unseen sniper

First meeting of Spider-Man and Nightcrawler

Uncanny X-Men #101
Marvel ⋅ 1976
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Uncanny X-Men #101
 
Low
$80
Mid
$200
High
$800

Key Facts

Debut of new powers, Jean Grey is reborn as the Phoenix

Ten years later this moment would be further developed where the Phoenix is an actual cosmic entity of vast power that copied Grey’s physical form while placing her body in a cocoon to heal from her injuries

1st full appearance of Black Tom Cassidy

X-Men Annual #4
Marvel ⋅ 1980
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X-Men Annual #4
 
Low
$4
Mid
$12
High
$40

Key Facts

Origin of Nightcrawler

First meeting of the new X-Men and Dr. Strange

1st appearance of Margali Szardos, the adoptive mother of Nightcrawler

1st appearance of Stefan Szardos, the adoptive brother of Nightcrawler

Nightcrawler #1
Marvel ⋅ 1985
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Nightcrawler #1
 
Low
$1
Mid
$2
High
$6

Key Facts

First solo-titled series featuring Nightcrawler

Excalibur Special Edition #1
Marvel ⋅ 1988
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Excalibur Special Edition #1
 
Low
$1
Mid
$2
High
$8

Key Facts

1st team appearance of Excalibur: Captain Britain, Meggan, Rachel Summers as Phoenix, Kitty Pryde, Lockheed, Nightcrawler

Back cover appearance of Widget who is later introduced in Excalibur #1 Note: there are two first print versions: the version pictured here is more scarce and doesn't display a price on the cover. The other shows a price of $3.25

Everything $3.50 and above are later printings

Exiles #1
Marvel ⋅ 2001
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Exiles #1
 
Low
$1
Mid
$2
High
$4

Key Facts

1st team appearance of the Exiles, an often alternating roster of out-of-place heroes from different dimensions

1st appearance of Morph, a character who transforms into other characters for comedic effect

1st full appearance of Nocturne, the daughter of Nightcrawler from an alternate reality

1st appearance of the Timebroker, the entity who gathered the Exiles together

Uncanny X-Men #428
Marvel ⋅ 2003
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Uncanny X-Men #428
 
Low
$1
Mid
$2
High
$3

Key Facts

1st appearance of Azazel, a mutant with demonic features

Origin of Nightcrawler

Amazing X-Men #1
1:50 ⋅ Marvel ⋅ 2014
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Amazing X-Men #1
 
Low
$2
Mid
$8
High
$25

Key Facts

Variant cover art by Milo Manara

X-Men: Red #1
Marvel ⋅ 2018
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X-Men: Red #1
 
Low
$1
Mid
$2
High
$5

Key Facts

1st cameo appearance of Trinary

1st appearance of a new X-Men Team led by Jean Grey: Laura Kinney, Nightcrawler, Gentle, Trinary, Honey Badger and Namor

Age of X-Man: The Amazing Nightcrawler #1
1:50 ⋅ Marvel ⋅ 2019
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Age of X-Man: The Amazing Nightcrawler #1
 
Low
$2
Mid
$8
High
$25

Key Facts

Variant cover art by Koi Pham

Marvel Zombies: Resurrection #2
Non-Key
1:100 ⋅ Marvel ⋅ 2020
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Marvel Zombies: Resurrection #2
 
Low
$5
Mid
$15
High
$55

Key Facts

Variant cover art by InHyuk Lee

Excalibur #13
Non-Key
1:100 ⋅ Marvel ⋅ 2020
View Details
Excalibur #13
 
Low
$4
Mid
$12
High
$40

Key Facts

Variant cover art by Alex Ross

Uncanny Spider-Man #1
Marvel ⋅ 2023
View Details  ⋅  View Variants (5)
Uncanny Spider-Man #1
 
Low
$1
Mid
$2
High
$5

Key Facts

Five-issue limited series with Nightcrawler as the Spider-Man of New York City

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