CGC Book of the Day: Starslayer #1 Signature Series 9.0 Signed by Mike Grell

A Pacific Comics launch, a Mike Grell creator-owned milestone, and a sharp Signature Series slab

Today’s CGC Book of the Day spotlights a strong Bronze-to-Copper Age transition piece: Starslayer #1 from Pacific Comics, graded CGC Signature Series 9.0 with Off-White to White pages and signed by Mike Grell on August 7, 2026.

For collectors who enjoy creator-owned comics, early independent publishers, wraparound cover art, and key first appearances, this is a standout slab. Starslayer #1 is not just another early 1980s independent comic. It represents a major moment for Mike Grell outside the Big Two, while also carrying a few collector-friendly details that make this issue worth a closer look.

Why Starslayer #1 Matters

Starslayer #1 was published by Pacific Comics in February 1982, during a period when the direct market was opening the door for more creator-owned and independent comic book projects. Mike Grell, already known to fans for major work in adventure and fantasy comics, delivered the story, cover, and art for this issue.

The CGC label notes this book as the origin and first appearance of Starslayer, which immediately gives it key-issue appeal. First appearances always matter in collecting, but this one has an extra layer because it comes from a respected creator launching his own science-fiction adventure world.

The cover also sells the concept instantly: “A Celtic Barbarian in the Far Flung Future.” That is a perfect early-1980s comics pitch. It blends sword-and-sorcery energy with science-fiction worldbuilding, giving the book a pulpy, adventurous identity right from the front cover.

A Mike Grell Signature Series Collectible

This copy is especially appealing because it is a CGC Signature Series book witnessed and signed by Mike Grell on 8/7/26.

That matters because Grell is not just connected to this issue as a cover artist or interior contributor. He is the central creative force behind it. The label credits him with the story, cover, and art, making this a strong creator-signature match.

For collectors, that kind of signature placement adds real appeal. A creator-owned first issue signed by the creator is always cleaner than a random signature on a book with only a loose connection. Here, the signature fits the book perfectly.

The Grade: CGC 9.0 Off-White to White Pages

This copy received a CGC 9.0, which is a very respectable grade for an early independent comic from 1982.

The page quality is Off-White to White, which keeps the presentation strong. On books from this era, especially independent publisher books that may not have been stored as carefully as mainstream Marvel or DC keys, page quality can matter a lot to collectors.

The grader notes list:

spine stress lines spine
crease left top of back cover
crease top of back cover
crease left bottom of back cover

Those notes explain why the book landed at 9.0 instead of climbing higher. Still, the front cover presents nicely in the slab, and the signature gives it a strong display factor.

The Wraparound Cover Advantage

One of the best features of Starslayer #1 is the wraparound cover, which CGC also notes on the label.

Wraparound covers are always attractive for collectors because they give the artist more space to sell the world of the book. In this case, the front cover presents the heroic sci-fi fantasy setup, while the back cover expands the visual storytelling with the “Saga of the Jolly Roger” concept.

The back cover copy reads like a full adventure pitch: a future universe filled with strange planets, sparkling cities, and civilizations struggling to survive. That adds to the charm of the book and makes the slab more fun to display from either side.

The Rocketeer Connection

Another key detail on the CGC label is the full-page ad for The Rocketeer.

That matters because The Rocketeer has its own dedicated collector base, and early Rocketeer-related material can add extra interest to a book. While Starslayer #2 is better known for its Rocketeer significance, Starslayer #1 still carries a related full-page ad, making it part of that broader Pacific Comics collecting lane.

Collectors who follow Dave Stevens, Pacific Comics, or early independent-era keys may see this as a nice companion piece to the more famous Rocketeer-related issues.

For more on that connection, Comic Book Addicts previously covered Starslayer #2 and the Rocketeer first appearance.

Why Collectors Should Care

Starslayer #1 checks several boxes at once:

It is the origin and first appearance of Starslayer.
It is a Mike Grell story, cover, and art book.
It comes from Pacific Comics, an important early independent publisher.
It features a wraparound cover.
It includes a full-page Rocketeer ad.
This copy is CGC Signature Series signed by Mike Grell.

That combination makes it more interesting than a standard non-key independent issue. It sits at the crossroads of creator-owned comics, early direct-market history, sci-fi fantasy collecting, and signature collecting.

The Key Collector Comics listing for Starslayer #1 also highlights the book’s collector relevance, especially for fans tracking early Pacific Comics keys and Rocketeer-related material.

Final Thoughts

This Starslayer #1 CGC Signature Series 9.0 is a strong collector copy with the right signature, the right creator connection, and enough key details to make it stand out.

The book has appeal as the first appearance and origin of Starslayer, a Mike Grell creator-driven project, and a sharp example of early independent comics from Pacific Comics. Add in the wraparound cover and Rocketeer ad, and this becomes a slab with more depth than the average 1982 comic.

For collectors who appreciate creator-owned history, Mike Grell signatures, and early independent comic book milestones, Starslayer #1 is a great CGC Book of the Day.

CGC Book Details

Title: Starslayer
Issue: #1
Publisher: Pacific Comics
Issue Date: February 1982
Issue Year: 1982
CGC Cert #: 4777287005
Grade: CGC 9.0
Page Quality: Off-White to White
Grade Date: September 1, 2026
Label Category: Signature Series
Signature: Signed by Mike Grell on August 7, 2026
Art Comments: Mike Grell story, cover, and art
Key Comments: Origin and first appearance of Starslayer; full-page ad for The Rocketeer; wraparound cover

Grader Notes

spine stress lines spine
crease left top of back cover
crease top of back cover
crease left bottom of back cover

Join the Discussion

Are you collecting early Pacific Comics keys, or is Starslayer #1 still flying under the radar compared to other independent comic milestones from the 1980s?

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