MADBALLS ##5
Marvel Comics (Star Comics imprint) • Madballs Vol. 1
Writer
Michael Gallagher
Interior Artist
Howie Post
Cover Artist
Howie Post (attributed)
Publication Date
August 1987
Cover Variant
Regular Direct Edition
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
The Super Madballs! The storyline involves the eccentric Madballs (Slobulus, Screamin' Meemie, Skull Face, etc.) dealing with a multiplication problem where dozens of duplicate Madballs are created. Star Comics' Madballs was a licensed series based on the popular 1980s toy line by AmToy.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good/Fine (CGC 5.0)
Condition Details
Visible moderate spine stress with color breaking ticks, corner blunting on the top and bottom right, surface scuffing and scratches visible in reflecting light, minor color chipping along the spine edge, and potential foxing/smudging on the white speech bubbles.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $5 - $15 | Graded (estimated 5.0): $35 - $50
Recent Sales
Recent sales for mid-grade raw copies range from $8 to $12. High-grade (9.8 or higher) can fetch $100+, but mid-grade copies are common and inexpensive.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The cost of grading (CGC/CBCS) would likely exceed the market value of the comic in this condition. A clean and press would not fix the color-breaking spine ticks.
Notable Features
Features the 8-ball Madballs logo; newsstand version would have a barcode whereas this direct edition has a blank UPC box with a Spider-Man face (or similar) or illustration; distinct Star Comics logo for Marvel's children-focused line.
Authentication Notes
Authentic 1987 newsprint publication. Correct gloss level for Star Comics of this era; no signs of reproduction. Staple placement appears original.