First appearances are some of the most desirable books to comic book collectors, investors, and speculators.  Many of these books go for top dollar.  Here are two books you may want to look into before others find them.

"A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...."

Star Wars is iconic.  Right now fans are watching the Mandalorian and loving the character of Grogu.  I am a fan of the show as well so it made me think about the first appearance of Yoda in comic books.  That book must be benefiting from the show.  Imagine my surprise when I looked up the first appearance of Yoda on GoCollect.

The first appearance of Yoda in comic books is Star Wars #41.  It is not a full appearance but it still qualifies as a first appearance.  What shocks me is the FMV for a 9.8 is only $160 with less than 300 copies in the census.  Take that into consideration when you review the next two books in the series.  Star Wars #42 has the first full appearance of Yoda AND Boba Fett.  The FMV for a 9.8 copy is $1,350 with a total census of roughly 2,500 in existence.  Issue #43 has the first appearance of Lando Calrissian.  A 9.8 copy has an FMV of $240 with roughly 350 in the census.  I know this is a brief appearance but to weigh the importance of Lando and Yoda to the Star Wars universe tells me that this book should be worth more. Remember how Hulk #180 has appreciated in value when the full appearance became too pricey?

Jack Kirby and DC Comics

Undervalued comic books and Jack Kirby are rarely mentioned in the same sentence.  His Marvel comics are prized by collectors and investors.  One area that speculators have gravitated toward is his DC Comic works to find value. The book that even I have sadly ignored that speculators seem to like is Kamandi, The Last Boy on Earth #1.  I have seen many newer collectors start to collect the mainstream Kirby books but this title never gets its due.  Books such as New Gods #1, Mister Miracle #1, and Forever People #1 were also once ignored but not anymore.

When I reviewed the GoCollect data I see that a 9.8 copy of this book has only a fair market value of around $500.  A Kirby drawn first issue with a first appearance at that price is a value. This book is desirable even if no movie is made.  There are less than 1,000 copies in the census.  Find it raw and you may score a great deal for a truly undervalued and underappreciated Kirby creation.

Full Disclosure

The comic book marketplace does not appreciate these books. Mention the name of Yoda and you will find it difficult to locate a person that does not know that name.  He is part of a multi-media empire.  Jack Kirby also has that name recognition by comic book fans.  Many artists burst on the scene and are hot and then just as quickly they are forgotten. Not so with Kirby.  His influence rivals that of Stan Lee.  The first appearances of Kamandi and Yoda should be on your radar.

I should point out that I am looking to add these books to my portfolio because I believe in them.  I am not looking to sell these books.  They are too important to languish at the prices they currently sell for right now.