Star Wars ##18
Marvel Comics • Star Wars Vol. 1
Writer
Archie Goodwin
Interior Artist
Carmine Infantino and Terry Austin
Cover Artist
Carmine Infantino and Bob Wiacek
Publication Date
December 1978
Cover Variant
Direct Edition
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
The Empire Strikes! Part of the Wheel saga. Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia are caught in a conflict on 'The Wheel,' a massive space station gambling resort. Features C-3PO, R2-D2, and Stormtroopers.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good (CGC 4.0)
Condition Details
Significant spine wear with color-breaking stress lines, edge wear/chipping on the right side of the cover, corner blunting, possible small tear on the right mid-section, and general surface wear. The white UPC box is blank (noting Direct Edition).
Estimated Market Value
$10 - $25 (Raw); $60 - $80 (CGC 4.0 graded)
Recent Sales
CGC 9.8 copies have sold for $300-$500, but raw low-to-mid grade copies like this one typically sell for under $20 on secondary markets.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The cost of CGC/CBCS grading would likely exceed the final market value of the book in this condition (estimated 4.0 range). A press might improve the appearance but won't fix the color-breaking spine ticks.
Notable Features
Early Marvel Star Wars issue. Direct Edition (distinguished by the blank UPC box). Cover art by Carmine Infantino. Notable for use of the title 'The Empire Strikes!' nearly two years before the film of a similar name was released.
Authentication Notes
The item appears to be an authentic 1978 newsprint comic. The ink saturation on the dark cover and the specific wear patterns on the fibers are consistent with age and typical paper stock of the era.