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
Regular / Direct Edition
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
45th Anniversary Issue. This landmark issue features the debut of Lex Luthor’s iconic green and purple Power Suit and the radical redesign of Brainiac into a skeletal, robotic form. It contains two main stories: 'Luthor Unleashed' and 'Rebirth!' which redefine Superman's greatest foes for the Bronze Age.
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 retains high gloss and vibrant colors with a very clean yellow background. Minimal surface wear and no major color-breaking creases.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $30 - $60; Graded (CGC 9.8): $250 - $350
Recent Sales
Recent sales for high-grade raw copies range from $40 to $55. CGC 9.8 copies have sold between $275 and $325 in recent months due to the significance of the character redesigns.
Grading Recommendation
Yes, if it can achieve a 9.6 or 9.8 grade. This issue is a 45th Anniversary special and a major key for villain redesigns. A professional press and clean could likely push this copy into the 9.4-9.6 range.
Notable Features
Double-sized anniversary issue. First appearance of Lex Luthor's Power Suit. First appearance of the robotic skeletal Brainiac. Features contributions from legends like George Perez and the original creators Siegel and Shuster.
Authentication Notes
The comic appears to be an authentic 1983 direct edition, indicated by the 'The New DC' logo in the bottom left corner where a UPC would normally be on a newsstand copy. Proper staple centering and period-accurate color palette confirmed.