Star Wars ##42
Marvel Comics • Star Wars Vol. 1 (1977)
Writer
Archie Goodwin
Interior Artist
Al Williamson and Carlos Garzon
Cover Artist
Al Williamson and Carlos Garzon
Publication Date
December 1980
Cover Variant
Newsstand Edition (with UPC barcode)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Part 4 of 'The Empire Strikes Back' movie adaptation. This issue is highly significant for the first appearance of Boba Fett in a standard comic book, along with the first appearances of other bounty hunters Bossk, Dengar, IG-88, 4-LOM, and Zuckuss.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine (CGC 8.0)
Condition Details
Light spine stress marks, minor corner blunting on the bottom right, slight color rubbing on the dark background areas, and minor edge wear. The cover retains high gloss and white balance appears good beneath the polybag.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $100-$150; Graded (CGC 8.0): $180-$220; Graded (CGC 9.8): $1,500-$2,000
Recent Sales
CGC 8.0 copies have recently sold between $175 and $210. Raw mid-to-high grade copies typically fetch $100-$130 on online auction platforms.
Grading Recommendation
Worth grading if it can achieve an 8.5 or higher after a professional clean and press. As a major key issue (1st Boba Fett in comics), grading provides significant protection and liquidity.
Notable Features
Major Key Issue; First comic book appearance of Boba Fett; First appearances of multiple bounty hunters; Newsstand edition variant; Empire Strikes Back adaptation.
Authentication Notes
Authentic mid-gauge bronze age newsstand copy. Proper 50 cent price strike, correct Marvel Comics Group header, and era-appropriate paper oxidation on page edges.