Superman Action Comics ##473
DC Comics • Action Comics Vol. 1
Writer
Cary Bates
Interior Artist
Curt Swan
Cover Artist
Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez
Publication Date
July 1977
Cover Variant
Regular (Newsstand Edition)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
In 'The Great Krypton-Earth Swap!', Faora Hu-Ul escaped from the Phantom Zone and uses her Horu-Kanu martial arts to challenge Superman. Faora is notable as a female Kryptonian villain who predates the movie versions of the character.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine- (CGC 7.5)
Condition Details
Moderate spine stress with some color breaking tics. Light blunting at the corners, specifically top left and bottom right. Gloss is well-preserved. Minor scuffing visible on the back (estimated). Overall flat with minor reader wear.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $10.00 - $15.00 | Graded 9.0+: $45.00 - $65.00
Recent Sales
Recent raw copies in similar mid-to-high grade have sold for between $8 and $18 on auction platforms. Graded copies remain relatively flat due to the issue not being a major key.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The costs of CGC/CBCS grading would likely exceed the final market value of the book. Best kept in a high-quality mylar bag and board for personal collection.
Notable Features
Features Faora Hu-Ul, a significant Phantom Zone villain. Newsstand edition with UPC barcode. Early Bronze Age DC publication with the 35-cent price point.
Authentication Notes
The paper stock, ink saturation, and 35-cent price point are consistent with 1977 DC Bronze Age production. No signs of reproduction or counterfeiting observed.