Action Comics #No. 544
DC Comics • Action Comics Vol. 1
Writer
Cary Bates / Marv Wolfman
Interior Artist
Curt Swan / Gil Kane
Cover Artist
Gil Kane & Dick Giordano
Publication Date
June 1983
Cover Variant
Regular / Direct Edition
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
45th Anniversary Issue. This is a double-sized key issue featuring the radical redesign/reinvention of Superman's two greatest villains. Lex Luthor dons his iconic purple and green Warsuit (designed by George Pérez) and Brainiac is transformed into a skeletal robotic form.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine/Near Mint (CGC 9.0)
Condition Details
Minor spine stress marks visible, slight blunting on the top right corner, very minor edge wear along the bottom. Overall bright colors with high gloss and white borders.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $30.00 - $50.00; Graded 9.0+: $100.00 - $180.00
Recent Sales
CGC 9.8 copies have recently sold for $350-$500; raw mid-to-high grade copies typically sell for $25-$45.
Grading Recommendation
Worth grading if a 9.6 or 9.8 is expected; pressing could fix minor surface indentations to help achieve a higher grade. At a 9.0 estimation, it is a borderline candidate for the cost of grading vs. value increase.
Notable Features
First appearance of Lex Luthor's Lexosuit/Warsuit. First appearance of the 'Skeletal' Brainiac. Anniversary issue with a 5-page retrospective by Siegel and Shuster.
Authentication Notes
Authentic Direct Edition (indicated by the DC logo in the UPC box area). Paper stock is standard 1980s newsprint/slick hybrid. Colors are vibrant and consistent with 1983 DC printing standards.