Star Wars #42He is green, has long ears, the bearing of a high priest, the light step of a warrior-athlete and the wisdom of a philosopher. Yep, time to get our collective Yoda on. The most important thing Yoda brought to the Force was an explanation. He seemed to fit right in alongside Obi-Wan (Alec Guinness), Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) and the entire Star Wars crew.

Yoda was the village wise man from Magnificent Seven or Morbius from The Matrix. He was an avatar for the good in each of us representing, reason, enlightenment, our collective Chi, and goodwill rolled into one being. In short (no pun intended) he was the voice of harmony in a "galaxy far, far away..." Yoda was the 20th Century's Confucian but for the entire globe. Yes, sir, Yoda is the man! Now, with the Mandolorian TV series sizzling with popularity and baby Yoda on the rise. Is it a good time to invest in Yoda's first appearance in Star Wars #42?

 

 

 

Star Wars #42Star Wars #42

This comic book is a trifecta of keys as it has three keys in one book. First, it is the Empire Strikes Back (Part 4) movie adaptation. Second, this is the first appearance of Boba Fett in comics. Finally, and most important, yes, it is Yoda's first full appearance in comics. But Yoda died in Return of the Jedi back in 1983, why invest now? People, Yoda has been reborn and the kids like this one even better! If you have caught the Mandalorian on Disney+ you know I don't speak with a forked tongue. Baby Yoda has the most awesome power on the planet, no not the Force; I am talking about stealth marketing. This little Yoda is so popular even the toy distributors were caught flat-footed from the demand for his action figure.

Yep, baby Yoda has blindsided everyone with his popularity. His many devotees are stumbling around like Minocks in an underground cave in their desperation to own his action figure. "Wait, this is no cave!" Even Mando has gone off the reservation to save the little tyke, and we loved him for it. A bounty hunter with a heart. Now everyone is buying this book for the first Boba Fett appearance, but I think a stronger argument can be made for Yoda's first appearance. Star Wars #42 was adapted from Empire Strikes Back (arguably the best movie of the entire saga). It was created by Archie Goodwin and Danny Fingeroth (writers) with Al Williamson, Carlos Garzon and Carmine Infantino (artists) in 1980.

 

"Anger, fear, aggression; the dark side of the Force are they. Easily they flow, quick to join you in a fight. If once you start down the dark (comic book speculator) path, forever will it dominate your destiny, consume you it will." -Yoda

 

Star Wars #42From a speculative standpoint, this book could take off like a rocket after baby Yoda hits the streaming service in season 2. What size returns can you expect from Star Wars #42? Is it a risk, or do the long-term trends support this as an investment?

Short-Term (1-Year)

  • Grade 9.8 $405 last sale 2-23-20 returns positive +10.6%
  • Grade 9.2 $145 last sale 1-27-20 returns positive +26%
  • Grade 8.0 $125 last sale 2-19-20 returns positive +31%

The short-term trends are significant and a very positive sign moving forward. Can we expect the same solid numbers across the board from our little green man? Nope, all you dark-side speculators charge up your light-sabers, as the long-term has even better returns, take a look.

 

Star Wars #42Long-Term

  • Grade 9.8 $405 last sale 2-23-20 returns positive +9.2%
  • Grade 9.2 $145 last sale 1-27-20 returns positive +26.9%
  • Grade 8.5 $115 last sale 1-4-20 returns positive +40%
  • Grade 8.0 $125 last sale 2-19-20 returns positive +26%

 

 

 

Star Wars #42Conclusion:

Again, stellar performance across the board for its long-term return trends. Yoda definitely brings the magic, ahem, the Force. This book has 1,986 CGC Census in inventory this is not the greatest number but considering the Star Wars series helped to save Marvel Comics we have a long way to go for this book I won't be surprised to see this number at 10,000 plus someday soon.

Now, of course, I realize that it is probably a more viable book as the first appearance of Boba Fett, for now. But, I would argue that baby Yoda is this character's rebirth and in the future could drive value. This is an easy-peasy purchase, don't sit on the fence playing with your lightsaber. Remember they ain't making any more of Star Wars #42, don't try to pick up one, in the words of Yoda...

"Do. Or do not. There is no try."

-Yoda

 

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