Star Wars ##39
Marvel Comics • Star Wars Vol. 1
Writer
Archie Goodwin
Interior Artist
Al Williamson
Cover Artist
Al Williamson
Publication Date
September 1980
Cover Variant
Newsstand Edition
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Part 1 of the official 'The Empire Strikes Back' movie adaptation. The story begins on the ice planet Hoth where Luke Skywalker is captured by a Wampa and Obi-Wan Kenobi's spirit appears to him, instructing him to find Yoda in the Dagobah system.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine- (CGC 7.5)
Condition Details
Minor spine stress/ticks visible against the dark background. Sight blunting on top right and bottom right corners. Light surface scuffing on the black ink sections. Minor edge wear. Gloss remains high but showing some age-related shelf wear through the polybag.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $30 - $50; Graded (CGC 9.0+): $120+
Recent Sales
Raw copies in similar mid-to-high grade condition have recently sold between $35 and $45. High-grade CGC 9.8 copies can fetch $600+, but this specimen shows too much spine wear for that tier.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading unless for personal preservation. The estimated grade of 7.5 to 8.0 would not significantly increase the value beyond the cost of grading fees. A professional press could potentially bump this to an 8.5.
Notable Features
First appearance of the 'The Empire Strikes Back' adaptation in the main Star Wars series. Iconic Darth Vader cover by Al Williamson. This is the Newsstand edition (identified by the barcode in the bottom left). Features the 'This Marvel Comic Could Be Worth $2500' sweepstakes banner.
Authentication Notes
Authentic 1980 bronze age printing. Correct 50 cent price point for the era. Print registration on the red 'Star Wars' logo is consistent with standard high-volume copperplate runs. Barcode format and font match known 1980 newsstand distributions.