Action Comics ##544
DC Comics • Action Comics Vol. 1
Writer
Cary Bates and Marv Wolfman
Interior Artist
Curt Swan, Gil Kane, and George Perez
Cover Artist
Gil Kane and Dick Giordano
Publication Date
June 1983
Cover Variant
Canadian Price Variant / Newsstand Edition ($2.00 Dual-Price with Barcode)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
A major 45th Anniversary issue featuring the introduction of Lex Luthor's iconic Lexoskeleton battle armor and a significant redesign/relaunch of Brainiac into his robotic skeletal form. Includes the origin stories for both characters' new incarnations.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine/Near Mint (CGC 9.0)
Condition Details
Minor spine stress with small color-breaking ticks; very slight blunting on the bottom right corner; some light yellowing of the white cover edges; minor surface wear visible on the high-gloss yellow areas.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $30 - $50 (standard editions are lower, but CPV adds premium). Graded 9.0: $80 - $110.
Recent Sales
Standard direct editions in high grade sell for $15-$25. 75-cent Canadian Newsstand Price Variants (CPVs) in 9.0+ often command 2x-3x the standard price due to lower distribution and rarity.
Grading Recommendation
Potentially worth grading if it can reach a 9.4 or higher through professional pressing, as the 45th Anniversary issue and key new designs for Luthor/Brainiac are popular. As a Canadian Price Variant, it has higher collectible upside than the standard issue.
Notable Features
45th Anniversary Issue; First appearance of Lex Luthor's green and purple power suit; First appearance of the robotic skeletal version of Brainiac; Canadian Price Variant ($2.00 cover price vs standard 60-cent/75-cent US price).
Authentication Notes
The dual-priced $2.00 Canadian Newsstand UPC and the specific 1983 DC logo placement align with known distribution patterns. Ink saturation and paper stock appear consistent with early 80s Copper Age copper/bronze transition books.