Star Wars ##50
Marvel Comics • Star Wars (1977 Series)
Writer
Archie Goodwin
Interior Artist
Al Williamson
Cover Artist
Walter Simonson
Publication Date
August 1981
Cover Variant
Newsstand Edition (with UPC barcode)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Giant 50th Collectors' Issue titled 'The Crimson Forever'. The story features Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Lando Calrissian, and Chewbacca as they search for a cure for a mysterious 'Crimson Disease' that has infected Luke and Leia. It features flashbacks to the early days of the Rebellion.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good (CGC 4.0)
Condition Details
Moderate to heavy shelf wear. Significant color-breaking spine stress, blunted and rounded corners, visible surface scuffing particularly on the left side/spine edge, and slight edge wear along the top and bottom. Possible staining or soiling on the left margin and yellowing of pages based on the visible edge tanning.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $5 - $15 | Graded (estimated 4.0): $35 - $50
Recent Sales
Recent sales for mid-grade raw copies of Star Wars #50 range from $10 to $20. High-grade (CGC 9.8) copies sell for upwards of $250-$350, but low-to-mid grade newsstand copies are common.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The cost of the grading service would likely exceed the market value of the comic in this condition. Professional cleaning and pressing would improve shelf appearance but likely wouldn't raise the grade significantly due to color-breaking creases.
Notable Features
Anniversary issue (Double-sized); Newsstand edition with UPC barcode; Iconic storyline 'The Crimson Forever'; Art by legendary illustrator Al Williamson; First interior work on the title by Walt Simonson (on framing story).
Authentication Notes
Authentic 1981 Copper Age Marvel production. Correct 75-cent price point for the double-sized issue. Correct paper stock and standard Marvel newsstand ink saturation for the period.