Big shoutout to ComicBookInvest.com for their voluminous research on this topic.
Star Wars Tales #23
This book features two of the biggest characters from the Old Republic era of Legacy Star Wars: Darths Malak and Revan. Thousands of years before the events of Phantom Menace, the people of Mandalore waged war on the Galactic Republic. The Jedi did not want to get involved, but two rogue members of their ranks insisted on leading an army to fight the Mandalorians. Those two Jedi were Malak and Revan.
Following the conclusion of the Mandalorian Wars, Malak and Revan disappeared into the unknown regions of space. A year later, they returned with a Sith armada to attack the Republic. These two characters played central roles in the Knights of the Old Republic video game, one of the most popular Star Wars video games ever created.
The tremendous story, combined with fan adoration and phenomenal character design, positions both of these characters really well to make the same jump from legends to canon that others have.
Graded Analysis: 54.6% of the CGC Universal census for this book is 9.8, so that's really the only grade to target as an investor. Prices are down for this book, likely due to economic concerns and Disney's almost complete abandonment of the Legacy universe. To me, however, that just means now is a great time to buy.
Star Wars: Jedi vs Sith #1
One of the most intriguing ideas that the prequels formally introduced to Star Wars was the Sith Rule of Two. A little more than a thousand years before the events of Episode IV, the Sith were a massive empire engaged in a fierce war with the Jedi. This conflict, known as the Jedi-Sith War, ended with a decisive victory for the Jedi and the deaths of all Sith save for one: Darth Bane.
In order to get revenge on the Jedi, Bane established the rule of two so the Sith could plot their vengeance in secret. With Bane already established in canon and the natural appeal of a massive lightsaber war between Jedi and Sith, there is every reason to believe this book could get some live action heat.
Graded Analysis: This book reached absolutely ludicrous, completely unsustainable heights during covid and has absolutely cratered in value since. That may sound like a reason to steer clear of the book, but from my perspective, it means prices have not been this low in years. As with almost any modern book, 9.8s and 9.6s are really the only way to go from an investment standpoint.
Star Wars Tales #24
Much like the first game, Knights of the Old Republic II is beloved by Star Wars fans. Part of that love comes from the phenomenally interesting villains at its center known as the Sith Triumvirate. Two of the Triumvirate's members, Darths Nihilus and Traya, make their first appearances in this comic.
Traya's significance is hard to explain without completely spoiling the plot of KOTOR II, so I will simply say she is incredibly powerful and contains multitudes. Nihilus, meanwhile, is akin to a dark force parasite that feeds on the life energy of others. His power is so great that he is able to wipe out planets single-handedly. His design and story have made him a fan favorite for decades.
Graded Analysis: This book has settled into prices below where it was prior to the pandemic. Now is a great time to buy.
