Star Wars comics are hotter than ever. Practically every issue gets more expensive by the day, but how long can it last?

THOSE STAR WARS KEYS

For over a year now, The Mandalorian has had the Midas touch when it comes to Star Wars comics. The series has been so hot from the first episode that any issue connected to The Mandalorian - or could eventually be tied to the series - has skyrocketed in value. 

First appearances from the likes of Ahsoka, Boba Fett, and Thrawn have boomed, and even keys for characters not in the show are feeling the effect, like the first appearances of Cad Bane and Asajj Ventress. 

With several new SW projects on the horizon, it will only inflate the comic values even more. At this rate, the average buyer won’t be able to afford any of the high-graded SW keys, major or minor. Eventually, the inflation has to stop. After all, collectors only have so much money they are willing to invest in overpriced Star Wars comics.

THE MARVEL VOID

Up until this point, the MCU has ruled the world of comic collecting. Anytime new characters are rumored for live-action, their keys’ fair market values explode. 

With a lack of MCU movies and series, Star Wars has stepped into that role, and those key issues have felt the same MCU-level inflation.

The Verge published an interesting article explaining how MCU’s notable absence this year created a pop culture void. Once Marvel Studios and the MCU - not to mention the DCEU - are back to churning out series and box office blockbusters, will those SW keys be dethroned by the returning kings of comics?

INVESTORS DAY

At the time of this writing, Disney had recently announced plans for a combined 20 new Star Wars and Marvel projects both live-action and animated. That means that Disney+ will be filled with as much SW content as you can handle. 

Going all-in on SW makes financial sense for Disney. Considering the overwhelming success of The Mandalorian, fans are demanding. With these upcoming series, Disney is delivering in a bold way. 

But that raises a question: when does it become too much?

MAYBE GEORGE HAD THE RIGHT IDEA

For better or worse, George Lucas tightly held the SW reins. From the original trilogy until the prequels’ end, the films were always three years apart. Aside from a cartoon here and there (and an Ewoks movie that we shall not speak of), the 16 years between Return of the Jedi and Phantom Menace had no spinoff projects despite fan outcry. Even during the prequels, all Lucas approved were the five-minute Clone Wars shorts before the full Clone Wars animated series. 

As soon as Disney took control of the franchise, they promised fans more Star Wars movies and plenty of spinoffs. We have had five Star Wars movies since 2015 and two Disney-run cartoon series, so Disney has delivered on that promise. 

Why didn’t George Lucas authorize more SW content in those years? He may have been holding back to keep fans wanting more rather than giving them so much that they lose interest. With so many Star Wars products on the way, there is a real possibility that we will see a degree of Star Wars fatigue. When that happens, it will impact comic values.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Don’t misunderstand me. Star Wars helped build my childhood, and I am very much a fan to this day. When it comes to the current Star Wars boom, it can’t last forever.

I am not saying the FMVs will necessarily plummet, but these ridiculous prices for basically every SW cannot be sustained indefinitely. Whether it is from Marvel and DC getting their cinematic universes back on track or simply from fans getting bored with SW, the inflation will eventually have to stop. That being said, I would think twice before spending $1k or more for a Star Wars key at this point.