Fighting Stars #Issue #1
Rainbow Publications / Black Belt Inc. • Fighting Stars: Celebrities in the Art of Self-Defense
Writer
Multiple (Magazine Format)
Interior Artist
N/A (Photographic Content)
Cover Artist
Photo of Bruce Lee
Publication Date
October 1973
Cover Variant
Regular/Magazine
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Premier issue of the magazine-style comic focusing on martial arts in pop culture. This issue features a major 'Behind the Scenes' look at Bruce Lee's 'Enter the Dragon'. Includes features on John Saxon, Jim Kelly, and Keye Luke (Master Po from the 'Kung Fu' TV series).
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Good / Very Good (CGC 3.0 - 4.0)
Condition Details
Heavy surface wear and scuffing throughout the cover. Visible corner blunting and rounding at all four corners. Spine stress lines and color breaking. Noticeable creasing along the right edge and bottom right corner. Edge wear/fraying along the top margin. General fading/soiling typical of untreated newsstand paper.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $30 - $60; Graded (4.0): $80 - $120
Recent Sales
Copies in mid-grade (VG/FN) typically auction between $40 and $75. High-grade (NM) copies are rare and can exceed $250 due to the Bruce Lee crossover appeal.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for grading. The visible surface wear, heavy creasing, and corner damage will likely result in a grade below 5.0. The cost of professional grading would exceed the immediate value increase for this specific copy.
Notable Features
First issue of the series. Published shortly after Bruce Lee's death, making it a highly sought-after collectible for martial arts historians and Bruce Lee fans. Features iconic 'Enter the Dragon' production stills.
Authentication Notes
Authentic 1970s magazine-style publication. No signs of modern reproduction. Paper stock shows correct aging/tanning for a 50-year-old newsstand magazine.