Rebelscum.com: Star Wars Comics

While variations happen with any comic, there are several variations in the Marvel Comics Star Wars series that are worth noting. The first and most infamous took place on the very first issue. At a time when Marvel was changing their cover prices from 30¢ to 35¢, they produced versions with both prices on their cover (and in newsstand and direct market versions) for the first 4 issues. While the 30¢ cover version is quite valuable, the rarer 35¢ version is worth over ten times the amount in most price guides.

To make it even more confusing, issue #1 was reprinted in both newsstand and direct market version with both the 30¢ and 35¢ prices. The reprints are denoted with the word 'Reprint' next to the Luke Skywalker image in the upper left or it is indicated on the indicia inside. There also happens to be a direct market 35¢ reprint that even has a UPC code.

Speaking of the UPC code, astute observers will notice that some issues in the gallery do not have them, but instead have an image of Spider-Man. This simply means the issue was purchased in a comic book specialty store, rather than a newsstand. The number box is also different on each version. However, there is no difference in the value between the two.

The Marvel Treasury Editions also were reprinted by Whitman. These are easy to spot with their giant 'W' on the covers.

There were even four issues (#2-5) of the comics printed in the UK for 12p a piece.