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Collection of Five CGC Graded Marvel Star Wars Comic Books (1977-1983)
Original Presentation Script

A long time ago, in a galaxy not so far away—1977, to be exact—Marvel Comics launched a series that would become legendary. We have here an absolutely stunning collection of five CGC-graded Marvel Star Wars comics, spanning from 1977 to 1983. What makes this grouping truly exceptional is the presence of issues number one through four. Now, you might think, 'Sure, early Star Wars comics are great,' but look closely at the price boxes. These aren't the standard 30-cent issues; these are the incredibly rare 35-cent price variants. Marvel test-marketed these higher-priced copies in very limited geographic areas, making them the holy grail for Star Wars comic collectors today. Finding just one is a feat; finding the first four, all in high CGC grades ranging from 9.0 to 9.4, is extraordinary. The collection is rounded out by a pristine CGC 9.8 copy of issue number 68 from 1983, featuring a classic Boba Fett cover by Gene Day. Because these have been professionally authenticated and encapsulated by CGC, there is no question regarding their authenticity or condition. The 35-cent variant of issue number one in a 9.4 grade is a major key issue that drives significant value. Given the extreme rarity of these variants in such high grades, a conservative auction estimate for this entire lot would be between $45,000 and $65,000. The Force is certainly strong with this collection!

Used for this report's TTS and avatar presentation.

Item Report

Collection of Five CGC Graded Marvel Star Wars Comic Books (1977-1983)

Merge Reports: Yes (reconciled). Approval remains manual.

By: Marvel Comics Group (Writers: Roy Thomas, David Michelinie; Artists: Howard Chaykin, Steve Leialoha, Gene Day, Tom Palmer, Rick Hoberg, Frank Giacoia)

Style: Comic Books

Origin: United States

Materials: Paper, Ink, Plastic (CGC Slabs)

Age: 1977-1983

Condition: Near Mint to Near Mint/Mint (Professionally graded by CGC: #1 is 9.4, #2 is 9.0, #3 is 9.2, #4 is 9.4, #68 is 9.8)

Value: Authentic: $45,000 - $65,000 (The 35-cent variants of issues 1-4 are exceptionally rare test-market editions. A CGC 9.4 copy of the #1 35-cent variant alone realized over $40,000 at auction in 2024. The inclusion of high-grade copies of #2, #3, and #4, plus #68 in 9.8, significantly elevates the total lot value.) | Reproduction: N/A (These are CGC graded and authenticated.)

Peer-Reviewed Market Values

Dating Range
Pending structured dating
Auction Liquidation
Pending structured market values
Fair Market Value
Pending structured market values
Replacement Value
Pending structured market values
Comparables Used
No saved comparables yet
Research Confidence
Insufficient Data

Peer review completed, but this run did not return structured market value ranges.

Maker's Marks / Writing: Marvel Comics Group logo, CGC Universal Grade labels with specific issue details, grades, and barcodes.

Date: 2026-08-27 22:21:03.886401

Description:

A collection of five CGC graded Marvel Star Wars comic books. The collection includes Star Wars #1 (July 1977, 35 Cent Price Variant, CGC 9.4), Star Wars #2 (August 1977, 35 Cent Price Variant, CGC 9.0), Star Wars #3 (September 1977, 35 Cent Price Variant, CGC 9.2), Star Wars #4 (October 1977, 35 Cent Price Variant, CGC 9.4), and Star Wars #68 (February 1983, CGC 9.8). The first four issues are part of the official movie adaptation of 'A New Hope'. Issue #68 features the beginning of 'The Search for Han Solo' storyline and a notable Boba Fett cover.

Assessment:

This is an extraordinary collection of early Marvel Star Wars comics. The presence of the incredibly rare 35-cent price variants for issues #1 through #4, all in high CGC grades (9.0 to 9.4), makes this a museum-quality grouping for comic collectors. The 35-cent variants were test-marketed in very limited areas and are notoriously difficult to find, let alone in near-mint condition. The addition of issue #68 in a near-perfect 9.8 grade further enhances the lot's desirability.

Individual Images:

  • group shot of five graded comics
  • front cover Star Wars #3 CGC 9.2
  • front cover Star Wars #68 CGC 9.8
  • back cover Star Wars #2 CGC 9.0
  • front cover Star Wars #4 CGC 9.4
  • back cover Star Wars #68 CGC 9.8
  • front cover Star Wars #2 CGC 9.0
  • back cover Star Wars #4 CGC 9.4
  • front cover Star Wars #1 CGC 9.4

Provenance:

None provided.

Condition:

Near Mint to Near Mint/Mint (Professionally graded by CGC: #1 is 9.4, #2 is 9.0, #3 is 9.2, #4 is 9.4, #68 is 9.8)

Identification Score: 100%

The items are clearly identified by their covers, titles, issue numbers, and the professional CGC grading labels which provide all necessary publication details.

Authenticity Score: 100%

The comic books have been professionally authenticated, graded, and encapsulated by the Certified Guaranty Company (CGC), the industry standard for comic book grading.

Image Memory Note

None     None

Keywords

Marvel Comics, Star Wars, Comic Book, CGC Graded, 35 Cent Variant, Price Variant, Roy Thomas, Howard Chaykin, Boba Fett, Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, First Issue, Key Issue, United States

The report was edited after initial Artmink draft. Original AI draft preserved in Artmink audit history.

Peer Review Summary

Dating Range 1977-1983
Auction Liquidation Pending structured market values
Fair Market Value Pending structured market values
Replacement Value Pending structured market values
Archived Matches No archive matches yet
Research Confidence Insufficient Data

Peer Review

Key Visible Evidence

The provided images display five Marvel Star Wars comic books encapsulated in CGC holders. The CGC Universal Grade labels explicitly confirm the grades (ranging from 9.0 to 9.8) and identify issues #1 through #4 as the '35 Cent Price Variant.' The visible cover details, including the square 35-cent price boxes and barcodes, are consistent with these rare first-printing test market editions.

Market and Source Support

Reference and auction sources confirm that Marvel released a limited number of 35-cent variants for early Star Wars issues in select test markets, making them highly sought after. A Heritage Auctions sale in August 2024 recorded a CGC 9.4 copy of the #1 35-cent variant selling for $40,800, corroborating the report's assertions regarding the extreme rarity of these specific variants, though suggesting the draft's value estimate was too conservative.

Needs Verification

- No material limitations found; the professional CGC encapsulation and detailed labels provide robust independent verification of the items' authenticity, variant type, and condition.

Audit Conclusion

The report is supported by the visible CGC labels and grounded market history. The identification of the rare 35-cent variants and their high grades is confirmed by the professional encapsulation, warranting an upward correction to the draft's value framing.

Report ID:  : aeteed

Comparables (Similar Items)

No archived comparables matched this report yet.