Action Comics ##544
DC Comics • Action Comics Vol. 1
Writer
Cary Bates and Marv Wolfman
Interior Artist
Curt Swan, Murphy Anderson, and Gil Kane
Cover Artist
Gil Kane and Dick Giordano
Publication Date
June 1983
Cover Variant
Newsstand Edition (UPC Barcode)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
45th Anniversary issue. Contains two significant stories: 'Luthor Unleashed' and 'Rebirth'. It features the introduction of Lex Luthor's iconic green and purple power suit and the complete robotic redesign of Brainiac.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Fine/Very Fine (CGC 7.0)
Condition Details
Visible color-breaking spine ticks, minor corner blunting on the bottom right/left, slight yellowing on edges of front cover, and minor surface wear typical of newsstand copies of this age.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $15 - $25; Graded (CGC 9.8): $150 - $200; Graded (CGC 7.0): $35 - $45
Recent Sales
Recent raw sales for mid-to-high grade copies range from $18 to $30. CGC 9.8 copies have recently sold for approximately $185.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading unless it could achieve a 9.6 or higher. In its current 7.0 state, the cost of grading may exceed the value added. A clean and press could improve the grade slightly.
Notable Features
First appearance of Lex Luthor's Power Suit. First appearance of the new skeletal/robotic Brainiac. 45th Anniversary issue featuring a wraparound cover style graphics and newsstand barcode.
Authentication Notes
The comic appears authentic with correct paper stock for 1983, standard newsstand UPC placement, and appropriate DC 'bullet' logo registration.