Star Wars ##42
Marvel Comics • Star Wars Vol. 1
Writer
Archie Goodwin
Interior Artist
Al Williamson & Carlos Garzon
Cover Artist
Al Williamson
Publication Date
December 1980
Cover Variant
Regular/Direct Edition (Small UPC box with slash/ID)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Part 4 of 'The Empire Strikes Back' movie adaptation. This is a major key issue featuring the first full appearance of Boba Fett in a standard comic book, along with the first cameos/appearances of the other bounty hunters: Bossk, Dengar, IG-88, 4-LOM, and Zuckuss.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Fine/Very Fine (CGC 7.0 - 7.5 Est.)
Condition Details
Moderate spine stress/color-breaking ticks, slight blunting on bottom right corner, minor shelf wear on bottom edge, visible horizontal crease below the title logo affecting Boba Fett's helmet area, and light surface scuffing on the black bottom banner.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $100 - $150; CGC 7.0: $180 - $220; CGC 9.8: $1,500+
Recent Sales
Recent 7.5 CGC copies have sold for roughly $200-$220. Raw copies in mid-to-high grade consistently range between $100 and $180 due to the high demand for Boba Fett keys.
Grading Recommendation
Potentially worth grading if a professional press and clean can remove the non-color breaking surface dimples and improve the spine. However, the existing color-breaking creases may cap it at a grade where ROI is marginal. Recommended for grading only for long-term preservation of this high-demand key.
Notable Features
First full comic appearance of Boba Fett. Iconic cover featuring bounty hunters. Part of the Empire Strikes Back adaptation. This copy is the Direct Edition (indicated by the lack of a UPC barcode and the '12' code in the box).
Authentication Notes
Colors appear vibrant and accurate for era-correct newsprint. Gloss level is consistent with a well-preserved bronze age Marvel book. Staple placement is correct for the 1980 production cycle.