MARVEL SPECIAL EDITION STAR WARS ##1
Marvel Comics (Whitman Printing) • Marvel Special Edition: Star Wars
Writer
Roy Thomas
Interior Artist
Howard Chaykin
Cover Artist
Howard Chaykin
Publication Date
1977
Cover Variant
Whitman Edition / Treasury Sized
Printing
First Printing (Whitman Variant)
Comic Description
An official adaptation of the 1977 film 'Star Wars: A New Hope'. Key characters include Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Darth Vader. It adapts the first half of the film in a large treasury format.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Good (CGC 2.0)
Condition Details
Extensive heavy spine stress and color-breaking creases along the entire left edge. Heavy color chipping and edge wear along the top and right margins. Multiple creases across the main cover image, specifically near Darth Vader and the X-Wings. Corner blunting and possible moisture/soiling damage visible on the lower right area. Visible price sticker or residue in the upper left corner near the Whitman logo.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $20 - $35; Graded: $40 - $60 (Due to high shipping costs/fees for treasury-sized slabs, low-grade copies often hold less net value when graded).
Recent Sales
Recent sales for low-grade raw copies of this Whitman treasury range from $15 to $40 depending on the severity of the spine damage.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The costs of grading a treasury-sized book (Specialty slab fee + shipping) would likely exceed the final market value of a 2.0 grade copy.
Notable Features
Whitman logo in the box rather than the standard Marvel price box. Treasury format (larger than standard comic size). Features the iconic Howard Chaykin cover art which was also used for the early promotional posters.
Authentication Notes
The Whitman logo and the $1.00 price point are consistent with authentic 1977 distribution. The paper tanning visible at the edges is consistent with 1970s newsprint stock.