Action Comics ##544
DC Comics • Action Comics Vol. 1
Writer
Cary Bates & Marv Wolfman
Interior Artist
Gil Kane, Curt Swan, Murphy Anderson
Cover Artist
Gil Kane & Dick Giordano
Publication Date
June 1983
Cover Variant
Newsstand Edition
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Special 45th Anniversary issue. This is a major Bronze Age key featuring the 'Cosmos-Quaking Origins' of the modern versions of Lex Luthor and Brainiac. Lex Luthor debuts his iconic green and purple power suit (war-suit) designed by George Perez, and Brainiac is redesigned into his more skeletal, robotic form.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Near Mint/Mint (CGC 9.8)
Condition Details
Professionally graded by CGC. The label indicates 'White Pages'. The slab appears intact with no visible scuffing or cracks. The comic exhibits sharp corners, a flat spine with no visible stress lines, and vibrant color registration on the yellow cover. Only minor manufacturing defects permissible for a 9.8 grade.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $30 - $70 | Graded (9.8): $350 - $550
Recent Sales
Recent 9.8 CGC sales for the Newsstand edition have fluctuated between $380 and $550. This specific anniversary issue commands a premium in high grade due to the difficulty of finding the yellow cover without staining or foxing.
Grading Recommendation
Already graded 9.8 by CGC. This is the top tier for this issue. No further grading action is needed. Pressing is not recommended as it already holds a near-perfect numerical grade.
Notable Features
First appearance of Lex Luthor's Power Suit; First appearance of the robotic skeletal Brainiac; Newsstand edition identified by the UPC barcode in the lower-left corner; Double-sized anniversary issue.
Authentication Notes
Authenticated and encapsulated by CGC (Certified Guaranty Company) with certification number 4706053016. High-quality print gloss and correct logo placement for the 1983 era.