Star Wars ##18
Marvel Comics • Star Wars Vol. 1
Writer
Archie Goodwin
Interior Artist
Carmine Infantino / Bob Wiacek
Cover Artist
Carmine Infantino / Bob Wiacek
Publication Date
December 1978
Cover Variant
Direct Edition (Blank UPC Box)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Title: 'The Empire Strikes!'. Luke Skywalker and the droids (C-3PO and R2-D2) are on the run on the planet Wheel while Han Solo and Chewbacca deal with Senator Simon Greyshade. This is part of the early Marvel original stories that expanded the universe before 'The Empire Strikes Back' was released.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Fine/Very Fine (CGC 7.0)
Condition Details
Visible spine stress and color-breaking ticks along the left edge. Minor blunting on the bottom left corner. Some surface scuffing visible on the dark background areas. The white UPC box and border show slight off-white aging. General shelf wear consistent with mid-to-high grade raw copies.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $15 - $25; Graded (CGC 7.0): $55 - $75; Graded (CGC 9.8): $350+
Recent Sales
Raw copies in similar mid-grade condition typically sell for $10-$20 on eBay. CGC 9.6 copies recently sold for approximately $135.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading unless the owner believes it would hit a 9.6 or 9.8. Currently, the visible spine ticks likely cap the grade at 7.0-7.5, making the grading fees higher than the immediate value increase.
Notable Features
Direct Edition identification due to the blank UPC bar code box. Features early expanded universe story art by industry legend Carmine Infantino.
Authentication Notes
Authentic 1978 Marvel paper stock. Ink saturation on the 'Star Wars' logo is consistent with standard high-volume web offset printing of the era. The diamond-shaped price box (35 cents) and lack of UPC barcode identify it as a Direct Edition.