Description

Star Wars (Marvel, 1977 series) # 41 – First appearance of Yoda (cameo)

Date: November, 1980

Creative Team:  Carlos Garzon (Artist), Al Williamson (Artist), Archie Goodwin (Writer)

Condition Notes: Very Fine

Story Notes: This issue features the 1st comic book appearance of Yoda and is the 3rd part of the Marvel adaptation of Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, which ran in Star Wars # 39-45.

Theses issues saw the first comic book appearances of Boba Fett, Yoda and Lando Calrissian, which would all become staples of Star Wars and the comic series. The comic book adaption differ from the movie with alterations to the dialogue as well as character designs. Here, you will see the original illustrations of Yoda based on the concept artwork and not the Jim Henson puppet from the movie. The artwork for Star Wars # 39-45 are also known for their specific likeness of the actors that played Han Solo, Princess Leia and Luke Skywalker and company which added a realism not seen before in the series.

The original Marvel Star Wars series began in 1977 with a 6 part adaption of the first movie. The series was so successful that it became a regular monthly series that ran to issue #107 in 1986. The series included early concept appearances by Jabba the Hutt, adaptions of both Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. The original Marvel series was also known for filling in adventures between and after the Star Wars movies. These stories include the return of Boba Fett, the origin of Mandalore, and the introduction of Darth Vader’s apprentice, Lumiya. The final issues #100-107 are much rarer due to lower production levels as the series concluded in 1986.