Oh I hear you, there were just so many clunkers. It was a tough time to have a vivid imagination because budgets and special effects capabilities were largely just not up to the task. I also had the Marvel comic adaptation, and for both versions I just remember thinking, “Wait, that’s it?” Similar to the Masters of the Universe movie (although not NEARLY as bad) — so much potential, and...that’s it?
Later, as a teen, I tried reading the novelized sequels by George Lucas and Chris Claremont. I think I got through two of them (maybe the third one wasn’t out yet?). That I can’t remember a single thing about them probably says it all.
I don’t know if it’s available anywhere. The thing I really have an itch to track down is Time Bandits. Supposedly that’s being re-adapted as a series somewhere but I haven’t seen any updates about it in a while.