Superman Starring in Action Comics ##500
DC Comics (Whitman Publication) • Action Comics Vol. 1
Writer
Martin Pasko
Interior Artist
Curt Swan
Cover Artist
Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez
Publication Date
October 1979
Cover Variant
Whitman Variant (Diamond Price Box)
Printing
First Printing (Whitman Edition)
Comic Description
Anniversary issue featuring 'The Life Story of Superman'. Lex Luthor creates a clone of Superman, leading to a retrospective of the Man of Steel's history and Clark Kent's public reveal of his identity (later reversed).
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Fine/Very Fine (CGC 7.0)
Condition Details
Visible color-breaking spine stress, corner blunting on the top right, minor surface wear from bagging, potential tanning of pages based on paper stock age.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $15 - $25; Graded 9.0+: $100 - $150 (Whitman variants carry a premium for high-grade collectors)
Recent Sales
Standard DC direct editions sell for $10-$15 in this grade; Whitman variants have sold for $20-$40 depending on the specific buyer interest in the 'W' logo variant.
Grading Recommendation
Not highly recommended for professional grading unless it is a 9.6 or higher. The Whitman 'W' logo makes it more collectible, but current condition looks to be mid-to-high grade raw.
Notable Features
500th Anniversary Issue. Whitman variant featuring the 'W' logo in the price box. Key retrospective storyline. Action Comics landmark issue.
Authentication Notes
Genuine Whitman reprint distributed in multi-packs or through Western Publishing; features correct 'W' logo, barred UPC, and 40 cent price point typical of the era.