Fighting Stars: Celebrities in the Art of Self-Defense #October 1973 (Vol. 1, No. 1)
Rainbow Publications (Black Belt Magazine) • Fighting Stars
Writer
Various (M. Uyehara, Executive Editor)
Interior Artist
N/A (Magazines contains photography and editorial layout)
Cover Artist
Photo Cover
Publication Date
October 1973
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
First issue of the magazine focused on celebrities in martial arts. This issue features a behind-the-scenes exclusive on the Warner Bros. film 'Enter the Dragon'. Includes coverage of Bruce Lee, John Saxon, and Jim Kelly. Also features Mike Connors (Mannix), Dick Martin (Laugh-In), and Master Po (Keye Luke) from the TV show 'Kung-Fu'.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Good/Very Good (CGC 3.0)
Condition Details
Heavy spine stress with color-breaking ticks throughout the left edge. Significant corner blunting and minor fraying at the top left. Visible paper loss/scuffing along the spine. Surface wear and possible light staining on the right edge. Visible creasing near the bottom right and top right corners.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $30.00 - $60.00; Graded (if 3.0): $100.00 - $150.00 (Market value for Bruce Lee collectibles remains high even in lower grades).
Recent Sales
High-grade copies (NM 9.4+) have sold for over $400. Lower-grade raw copies frequently sell in the $40-$70 range depending on the severity of spine wear.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading in this condition unless for personal preservation. The costs of grading would likely exceed the immediate resale value of a 3.0 grade. Professional pressing might improve flat creases but will not fix the color-breaking spine stress.
Notable Features
Premiere issue; iconic Bruce Lee cover; 'Enter the Dragon' release promotional content; early cross-over of martial arts culture and Hollywood celebrity.
Authentication Notes
Authentic 1970s magazine stock. The paper quality shows natural age-toning and the layout matches the original 1973 Rainbow Publications printing. Staple placement appears consistent with standard 1970s saddle-stitch binding for magazine-sized publications.