Action Comics ##544
DC Comics • Action Comics Vol. 1
Writer
Cary Bates, Marv Wolfman
Interior Artist
Curt Swan, Gil Kane
Cover Artist
Gil Kane
Publication Date
June 1983
Cover Variant
Direct Edition
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
A double-sized 45th Anniversary issue. Part 1 features Lex Luthor obtaining his iconic green-and-purple power suit for the first time. Part 2 features the radical redesign of Brainiac into a robotic, more menacing skeletal form. This issue serves as the Modern Age origin for both classic villains.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine (CGC 8.0)
Condition Details
Minor spine stress with small color-breaking ticks on the left edge. Light blunting at the top right and bottom right corners. Horizontal surface crease near the upper logo area. Yellow background shows slight color fading/soiling near edges.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $25 - $45; Graded (CGC 9.8): $250 - $400; Graded (CGC 8.0): $55 - $75
Recent Sales
Raw mid-grade copies consistently sell for $20-$35. High-grade CGC 9.8 copies have recently realized prices between $325 and $425 due to the character redesign significance.
Grading Recommendation
Worth grading only if a pressing service can remove surface dimples and the book assesses at a 9.6 or higher. The current estimated grade of 8.0 would not provide a significant ROI over raw value after grading fees.
Notable Features
First appearance of Lex Luthor's Lexosuit (power armor). First appearance of the robotic/skeletal 'Brainiac' form. Anniversary issue. Cover art by Gil Kane and Dick Giordano.
Authentication Notes
The presence of the three-star 'Direct Edition' logo instead of a barcode is consistent with 1983 DC distribution. Printing colors and paper aging (slight tanning on interior visible edge) appear authentic for the Bronze Age period.