I believe everyone needs to include some Star Wars keys in their PC for the upside potential that is their long-term.  In this blog, I want to compare two Star Wars books: The 2015 key issue of Darth Vader #3 which introduced the breakout character of Doctor Aphra to the Star Wars Universe, to a more recent publication--High Republic #1.  Let's explore the similarities and differences between the two issues so we can decide about High Republic #1 as a long-term upside spec possibility.

Darth Vader #3 (2015)

Doctor Aphra's debut was in this issue.  At the time the book was released, the hype was: "The most sought-after book on the planet," which was touted on several comic books' sites.  There was a definite buzz around this book and character.  There were an estimated 85,000 copies printed, which put this issue as #8 in sales for March 2015.

When the issue came out, I went to a comic book shop and found seven copies there.  I promptly bought all seven, got them graded (they were all 9.8's), and then happily sold them later for around $75 apiece.  (I know, I know...)

Currently, the FMV on GoCollect for a graded 9.8 is $475.  The variant, third and fourth printing of this issue are north of the $475 price tag for a 9.8.   

Interestingly, from 2015 to 2019, Darth Vader #3 and Doctor Aphra stayed around the same value--about $75 for a 9.8.  But in 2020 everything changed and Darth Vader #3 jumped up in value to current levels.  Why?

There are several possible reasons: (1) "The Star Wars effect"--it is real and it has a big impact on values.  (2) The publication of her own titled run in 2016 and 2020.  The first series went a healthy 40 issues and the current Doctor Aphra series is ongoing.  (3) New canon material in the Star Wars Universe around this character.  (4) A strong female character that was described as an "Indiana Jones-type".  

Star Wars: High Republic #1

High Republic #1 introduced us to the first comic appearance of Padawan Keeve Trennis and a whole new unexplored Star Wars timeline.  This book was touted as "the future of Star Wars".  There were an estimated 100,000+ copies printed, which put this issue as #2 in sales in January 2021.

At the time of this writing, the FMV for a 9.8 High Republic #1 on GoCollect is $110, though on the Sale History Analyzer we see a -22.1% trend.  There are currently six variants that are north of the $110 price tag for a 9.8.  

So, will this issue be a great buy and hold?  

The Bottom Line

  • High Republic #1 is definitely not a buy and flip.  Values are trending down and will probably settle below $100 for a 9.8 for a period of time.
  • I believe High Republic #1 definitely is a buy-and-hold.  The similarities between Darth Vader #3 and High Republic #1 seem to be clearly present.  There are great strong female characters and unexplored storylines to be developed.  Especially with High Republic.  
  • A key question is: What is the investor's tolerance for how long it is worth holding this issue?  Darth Vader #3 took over 4 years to jump up in value to present levels.  I would estimate the same time frame would be true for High Republic #1.  Obviously, a television show or film could change all that.  
  • Conclusion: Star Wars: High Republic #1 is a great possibility to grab now and hold for returns in the future.  

Are you ready to take the guesswork out of buying and selling comics? Upgrade to Premium and never guess again.