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
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
A double-sized 45th Anniversary issue. It features two major reimagined origins: Lex Luthor gains his iconic green-and-purple power suit for the first time, and Brainiac is transformed from his humanoid form into his skeletal, high-tech robot 'Living Computer' form.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine- (CGC 7.5)
Condition Details
Visible spine stress marks (ticks), slight corner blunting on the top and bottom left, minor yellowing/toning along the bottom edge of the cover, and possible minor surface wear on the back (unseen) or along the spine edge.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $30-$50; Graded (9.8): $250-$350; Graded (7.5-8.0): $60-$80.
Recent Sales
Recent raw copies in similar condition sold for approximately $35-$45. High-grade CGC 9.8 copies have recently sold in the $300 range due to the double-character re-imagining.
Grading Recommendation
Only worth grading if you believe it can achieve a 9.6 or higher after a professional press and clean. In its current 7.5-8.0 state, the cost of grading may exceed the value added.
Notable Features
Significant key issue featuring the first appearance of Lex Luthor's Power Suit and the first appearance of the modern skeletal Brainiac. Includes a barcode (Newsstand Edition). Anniversary issue commemorating 45 years of Superman.
Authentication Notes
The item shows age-appropriate paper oxidation (yellowing) and standard newsstand paper stock from the early 1980s. The UPC barcode is consistent with DC distribution for 1983.