Star Wars ##16
Marvel Comics • Star Wars Vol. 1
Writer
Archie Goodwin
Interior Artist
Walt Simonson
Cover Artist
Walt Simonson
Publication Date
October 1978
Cover Variant
Direct Edition (Blank UPC Box variant)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Story title: 'The Hunter'. Features Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia, and Jaxxon. The main antagonist is Valance the Hunter, a cyborg bounty hunter who hates droids and sought to prove his humanity by killing Luke Skywalker.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine (CGC 8.0)
Condition Details
Minor spine stress with small color-breaking ticks; light corner blunting on the top right; minor surface wear visible on the white title lettering; slight edge wear along the right side; overall flat and vibrant with good gloss.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $25–$40; Graded (CGC 8.0): $70–$90; Graded (CGC 9.6+): $200+
Recent Sales
Recent raw copies in similar mid-to-high grade have sold for approximately $30 on eBay. CGC 9.4 examples recently realized roughly $110.
Grading Recommendation
Only worth professional grading if it can achieve a 9.6 or higher. Based on the visible spine ticks, a 7.5 to 8.5 is more likely. A 'Press and Clean' might improve the shelf appearance but unlikely to remove the color-breaking ticks.
Notable Features
First appearance of Valance the Hunter (Beilert Valance). Notable for the 'Blank UPC Box' which identifies this as a Direct Edition from the early period of Marvel's distribution changes. Features the green 'rabbit' Jaxxon.
Authentication Notes
Authentic first printing from 1978. Identification confirmed by the 35-cent price point, correct trade dress for the Marvel Comics Group era, and the specific 'Blank UPC' variant found in early Marvel direct market copies.