Stars Wars #1 with/Shot of Mea Culpa
Several months ago shortly after the last Star Wars movie Rise of Skywalker exploded onto the big screens, I experienced a huge letdown. Yep, this Rise of Skywalker... provided the "coup de grace" to my childhood space saga Star Wars. Not wanting to see what was going to happen next, I immediately purged much of my Star Wars comic book inventory, which may or may not have included Star Wars #1.
"Mea Culpa"
Fast forward 6 months and this is where the "mea culpa "comes into play; I am discussing the Star Wars comic book decline with a reader. The reader in question sold a ton of Star Wars comics recently during the pandemic. He insisted the books are hotter than ever and constantly being sold. I was doubtful. But I checked his store online and he had huge inventory, he also shared some of the more popular titles he has sold. This reader argued fervently that I was dead wrong in discounting further growth in Star Wars titles, and that my critique was too nuanced.
When readers take time to contact me, in a polite way and disagree. I take it seriously, I get paid no extra moolah to review your messages. However, I take a certain amount of pride in listening to the readers. Well, this is the "mea culpa." I was dead wrong, and Star Wars comics are alive and well. Probably more to do with The Mandalorian TV Series than anything else. That and the more recent books seem very popular in the last year or so. Thank you to that reader for sharing your insight and disagreeing without being disagreeable; "May the Force be with you."
Wolverine #1
The first solo comic book series for Wolverine was published in 1982. It was drawn by Frank Miller with the script by Chris Claremont. Wolverine #1 is Wolverine's first solo adventure. It takes place in Japan and gives Wolverine a very samurai-like spin. It is a fun ride and also has the first appearance of Yukio and Shingen Harada.
Wolvie News
The latest news hype/rumor is a longshot but may have led to the uptick in this book. Apparently, there is a rumor of Wolverine appearing in the next Spider-Man #3. This along with Hugh Jackman's departure from the franchise gives a speculation double whammy of the potential upcoming movie and potential new actor designated. If they go the Robert Pattinson route; then sell all your Wolverine comics!
Marvel Super-Heroes Secret Wars #8
This (Copper Age) comic, Secret Wars #8, refuses to die; it is a key origin story and popular despite being one of a slew of Venom keys. In fact, without going down the rabbit hole of Venom keys the only safe pick seems to be ASM #300. But then I am pretty much a newbie to the Venom fan club so forgive my ignorance. This book was created by Jim Shooter with Michael Zeck's art bringing the story to life. Perhaps because there is another Venom movie due out at some point, it has become more popular; in addition, Covid-19 has driven many Copper and Modern Age books up in price. Perhaps this outside stimulus is at work with Secret Wars #8.
| Title | Grade | Last Sale | Return |
| Marvel Super-Heroes Secret Wars #8 | 9.8 | $390 | +50% |
| Wolverine #1 | 9.4 | $150 | +37% |
| Stars Wars #1 | 9.8 | $1920 | +87% |
Conclusion
The Bronze and Copper Age is simply on fire. These returns are outsized over the short term. Secret Wars #8 is the top dog this week, and with these numbers, it is not hard to see why. The entire sector probably requires additional review, because we might be in the golden years of the Copper Age. Turtles have returned, political turmoil is spiking in the U.S.A. and camping is the new thing, yep the 80s and late 70s have returned with a vengeance. Be sure to own some Copper and Bronze in this unusually odd and norm busting time period.
- Note: Though we are including the Copper Age with the Bronze Age in this piece, we acknowledge they are different categories.
