Star Wars ##42
Marvel Comics • Star Wars Vol. 1
Writer
Archie Goodwin
Interior Artist
Al Williamson & Carlos Garzon
Cover Artist
Al Williamson
Publication Date
December 1980
Cover Variant
Newsstand Edition
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Part 4 of The Empire Strikes Back movie adaptation. This issue features the first comic book appearance of the iconic bounty hunter Boba Fett, along with Bossk, Dengar, IG-88, 4-LOM, and Zuckuss. Key plot points include the bounty hunters meeting Darth Vader on the Executor.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Fine/Very Fine (CGC 7.0)
Condition Details
Moderate spine stress with color-breaking ticks; corner blunting on the bottom left; light surface wear and minor creasing along the top edge; minor yellowing of the cover consistent with age; possible light thumbing on the right edge.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $100 - $140; Graded (CGC 7.0): $180 - $220. High-grade (9.8) copies can exceed $1,500.
Recent Sales
Recent sales for mid-grade raw copies range from $90 to $150. Newsstand editions typically carry a 10-20% premium over Direct editions in the current market.
Grading Recommendation
Potential candidate for grading if a professional press/clean is performed. A press might elevate this to a 7.5 or 8.0. Given this is the first appearance of Boba Fett in comics, it is a blue-chip key issue worth protecting.
Notable Features
First appearance of Boba Fett in a standard comic book (predated by the Treasury Edition and UK appearances). First appearances of the other bounty hunters (Bossk, Dengar, etc.). Iconic cover by Al Williamson. Includes barcode (Newsstand edition).
Authentication Notes
Authentic 1980 50-cent price variant. Correct paper stock age and ink registration are visible. No signs of reproduction or counterfeiting.