Star Wars 16, a comic book issue in the Legends series Star Wars, was initially released on July 25, 1978 by Marvel Comics. The story, entitled "The Hunter!," was penned by Archie Goodwin and features artwork by guest artists Walt Simonson and Bob Wiacek. This issue is notable for introducing the bounty hunter Beilert Valance as he attempts to capture Luke Skywalker.
Beilert Valance, a droid-hating bounty hunter, spearheads an aggressive assault with his mercenary group on Anglebay Station located on Telos IV. At this location, they encounter Don-Wan Kihotay, who shares the tale of his experiences with the Star-Hoppers of Aduba-3. The mercenaries incorrectly assume that the Star-Hoppers are the Rebels responsible for the destruction of the Death Star, specifically mistaking the young farm boy Jimm Doshun for Luke Skywalker. Motivated by the substantial reward for capturing the individual who destroyed the Galactic Empire's most powerful weapon, and fueled by his personal desire to punish someone sympathetic to droids, Valance immediately begins his pursuit of the boy. Jaxxon and Amaiza Foxtrain, upon learning of Valance's plan, travel to Aduba-3 to warn Jimm about the approaching bounty hunters. Upon the arrival of Valance's gang, a conflict breaks out, resulting in the deaths of most of the mercenaries during the battle with the three Star-Hoppers. It is only after this that Valance, the sole survivor of his crew, comes to the realization that he has been pursuing the wrong person. He manages to escape by utilizing the blaster integrated into his cybernetic arm, catching his opponents off guard and departing the planet aboard his ship, the Kill Switch.
- UPC 071486028178; First printed by Marvel Comics on July 25 , 1978 [1]
- (No UPC) ; Digital edition released by Marvel Comics on September 29 , 2015 [4]