Superman Action Comics ##473
DC Comics • Action Comics Vol. 1
Writer
Cary Bates
Interior Artist
Curt Swan
Cover Artist
Curt Swan (pencils), Murphy Anderson (inks)
Publication Date
July 1977
Cover Variant
Regular/Direct Edition (with UPC)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Story title: 'The Foray of the Forgotten Five!'. Superman faces off against five criminals from the Phantom Zone (Jax-Ur, General Zod, Kru-El, Professor Vakox, and Faora Hu-Ul) who have escaped and combined their powers to defeat him.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine- (CGC 7.5)
Condition Details
Image shows multiple small spine stress lines (ticks), slight corner blunting on the bottom right, and minor edge wear. The cover retains good gloss but appears to have a slight vertical ripple, possibly from storage/moisture or tight bagging.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $10.00 - $20.00; Graded (9.8): $90.00 - $120.00. Current grade estimated value: $25.00 - $35.00.
Recent Sales
Recent eBay sales for mid-to-high grade raw copies range from $8.00 to $18.00. Graded 9.6 copies have recently sold for approximately $75.00.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading at this time. The cost of grading (approx. $30-40) likely exceeds the incremental value gain for a mid-tier Bronze Age non-key issue. Better suited for a protective mylar bag and board.
Notable Features
Features quintessential Bronze Age Superman villains/Phantom Zone escapees. Includes a 35-cent price point. Contains a UPC barcode on the lower left, indicating it was intended for newsstand distribution.
Authentication Notes
The comic appears authentic based on the age-appropriate paper oxidation (visible at edges), period-correct 35-cent pricing, and the specific DC 'Bullet' logo style used in the late 1970s.