Action Comics ##509
DC Comics • Action Comics Vol. 1
Writer
Cary Bates
Interior Artist
Curt Swan and Frank Chiaramonte
Cover Artist
Ross Andru and Dick Giordano
Publication Date
July 1980
Cover Variant
Regular/A Cover (Newsstand Edition with UPC)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
The main story is titled 'The Exiles of Earth!', where Superman exiles five people from Earth for their own protection. It also features a 28-page bonus Superman story titled 'The Girl with the Human Heart!', an 'Atom' backup story, and appearances by Clark Kent and Lois Lane. Part of the 40-cent DC era.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine/Near Mint (CGC 9.0)
Condition Details
Minor spine stress marks visible on the left edge. Slight blunting on the top right corner. The cover gloss appears well-preserved through the plastic. Minimal color-breaking creases. Overall edges look sharp with very minor shelf wear.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $10 - $20; Graded (CGC 9.8): $100 - $130
Recent Sales
Recent raw copies in similar mid-to-high grade condition have sold for $8 to $15. High-grade slabbed 9.8 copies occasionally reach over $100.
Grading Recommendation
Not highly recommended for professional grading unless for personal collection. As a non-key Bronze Age issue, the cost of grading often exceeds the market value of the comic unless it is a guaranteed 9.8 Candidates. A press and clean could potentially raise it to a 9.4/9.6.
Notable Features
Contains a 28-page bonus Superman story. Features the newsstand UPC barcode in the lower-left corner. Bronze Age aesthetics with Andru/Giordano cover art.
Authentication Notes
Standard late Bronze Age newsstand print. The UPC code '0 70989 30410' is correct for DC issues of this period. Color registration on the DC logo and masthead appears consistent with authentic 1980 printing processes.