Action Comics ##544
DC Comics • Action Comics Vol.1
Writer
Cary Bates, Marv Wolfman
Interior Artist
Curt Swan, Gil Kane
Cover Artist
Gil Kane
Publication Date
June 1983
Cover Variant
Direct Edition
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
45th Anniversary Issue. This is a major key issue featuring the first appearance of Lex Luthor's Lexosuit (Power Suit) and the first appearance of the modern 'robotic' skeletal-body Brainiac. This issue significantly redesigned both villains for the Bronze Age.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine (CGC 8.0)
Condition Details
Multiple spine stress marks (color-breaking), blunting on the bottom right corner, minor edge wear along the top, and some light surface scuffing visible on the yellow background. The book appears mostly flat but exhibits standard handling wear consistent with an 8.0 grade.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $25 - $45; Graded (CGC 9.8): $250 - $400; Graded (CGC 8.0/9.0): $60 - $110
Recent Sales
CGC 9.8 copies have sold between $280 and $410 recently. High-grade raw copies frequently sell for $35-$50 due to the key nature of the issue.
Grading Recommendation
If the comic is cleaned and professionally pressed, it may reach an 8.5 or 9.0. Grading is generally only recommended for this specific issue if it looks like a candidate for 9.6 or higher to maximize return on investment.
Notable Features
First Lexosuit; First Robotic Brainiac; 45th Anniversary issue; Direct Edition (UPC barcode present but with different tracking digits); Bronze Age key.
Authentication Notes
Authentic. Features correct 1983 DC logo, specific $1.50 cover price for double-sized anniversary issues, and standard mid-80s newsprint quality interior pages.