The Falcon ##3
Marvel Comics • The Falcon Vol. 1 (Limited Series)
Writer
Christopher Priest (credited as Jim Owsley)
Interior Artist
Paul Smith
Cover Artist
Paul Smith
Publication Date
January 1984
Cover Variant
Direct Edition (Spiderman head in UPC box)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Part three of a four-issue limited series featuring Sam Wilson (The Falcon). In this issue, Falcon continues his battle against the 'Legion of Losers' and Electro (Max Dillon). This series is notable for being Falcon's first solo title.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Fine (CGC 6.0) - Very Good/Fine (CGC 5.0)
Condition Details
Visible spine stress and color-breaking ticks throughout the left edge; corner blunting particularly on the bottom left and top right; visible vertical crease/line near the left edge suggesting a possible reading fold or storage damage; minor surface scuffing and edge wear.
Estimated Market Value
Raw (Ungraded): $5.00 - $10.00; Graded (CGC 9.8): $70.00 - $90.00. (Note: Current condition significantly lowers value).
Recent Sales
Recent raw copies in Mid-Grade condition have sold for $3 to $8. High-grade (9.8 or 9.6) slabs typically fluctuate between $65 and $110 depending on demand.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The cost of the grading service ($25+) plus shipping exceeds the market value of the comic in this mid-grade (5.0-6.0) condition.
Notable Features
First solo series for The Falcon; Direct Edition version (marked by Spider-Man graphic in the UPC field); Paul Smith cover art.
Authentication Notes
The comic appears to be an authentic 1984 Marvel Direct Edition. The ink saturation and newsstand-adjacent paper stock (Baxter/standard newsprint transition era) are consistent with Bronze Age Marvel publications. No indicators of reproduction.