Did you know – Marvel Comics coined the phrase “The Last Jedi” – way back in 1981! We have the comic book cover to prove it!
According to Wookieepedia, Issue #49 of the original Star Wars comic series from Marvel was titled “The Last Jedi.” Released in April of 1981 and written by Mike Barr, the story involves Luke and Leia intervening in a royal power struggle on a distant planet. While there, they meet a former Jedi padawan. Space opera stuff ensues.
Check out the cover:
It appears it only took 36 years or so for the movies to catch up with the ideas from the comics.