Star Wars ##49
Marvel Comics • Star Wars Vol. 1 (1977)
Writer
Wally Lombego (Mike W. Barr)
Interior Artist
Walt Simonson
Cover Artist
Walt Simonson
Publication Date
July 1981
Cover Variant
Direct Edition
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Title: 'The Last Jedi!' Princess Leia, C-3PO, and R2-D2 travel to the planet Velmetta to find the last known Jedi Knight, Jedidiah, who has lived as an outcast. It is an emotional self-contained story that explores the legacy of the Jedi Order before the prequels were conceived.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Fine (CGC 6.0)
Condition Details
Visible color-breaking spine stress/ticks; corner blunting particularly on the bottom right; edge wear and minor chipping along the top and bottom borders; possible light surface scuffing in the purple background ink; some structural softening of the spine.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $10 - $20; Graded (CGC 6.0): $45 - $60
Recent Sales
Recent raw copies in similar mid-grade condition have sold for $8 to $15 on eBay. Graded 9.8 copies command significantly higher prices (approx. $250+), but mid-grades remain affordable.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading in this condition. The cost of grading (approx. $30-$50) would likely exceed the actual market value of a 6.0 specimen. Only high-grade (9.6+) copies of this specific issue are typically worth the investment.
Notable Features
First appearance of Jedidiah (the 'Last Jedi' of this era). Iconic Walt Simonson cover art. Direct Edition identified by the Spider-Man face in the UPC corner box instead of a barcode.
Authentication Notes
Appears to be an authentic 1981 original. The Spider-Man corner box is standard for direct market Marvel books of this period. Ink saturation and paper aging are consistent with late Bronze Age newsprint stock.