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Action Comics #381 cover
Cover: Curt Swan & Murphy Anderson

Action Comics #381

Oct 1969 · DC · 0.15 USD
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In "The Dictator of Earth!", a rare solo moment for Matter-Eater Lad finds him at odds with his father, leading him back to Legion HQ where Shrinking Violet shares her own romantic frustrations. The two bond over their shared experiences, setting up a date that’s unexpectedly interrupted by the arrival of Duplicate Boy—only this time, the encounter takes a surprisingly thoughtful turn. Written by Jim Shooter and illustrated by Shooter and Win Mortimer, with inks by Jack Abel and lettering by Milt Snapinn, the issue features Curt Swan and Murphy Anderson on the cover.

Contains 3 stories
The Dictator of Earth!
9.17 pp · Superhero
Superman [Clark Kent]Superman Revenge Squad [DorxKrit]Lois Lane (cameo)Perry White (cameo)

In "The Dictator of Earth!", Superman faces a shocking accusation at the United Nations, forced to defend his actions without revealing his identity to Gold Kryptonite. As the world watches, he must clear his name and uncover the truth behind a conspiracy that threatens to plunge Earth into chaos.

The Hapless Hero!
11.67 pp · Superhero
Legion of Super-Heroes [Shrinking VioletMatter-Eater LadKarate KidPhantom GirlChemical KingBrainiac 5Saturn GirlLightning LadUltra BoyPrincess Projectra]Duplicate BoyRall (father of Matter-Eater Lad)Mitz (mother of Matter-Eater Lad)

In a rare moment away from the Legion's duties, Matter-Eater Lad finds himself at odds with his father, leading him back to headquarters where Shrinking Violet vents about her romantic struggles. Their tentative date takes an unexpected turn when Duplicate Boy arrives—but instead of a showdown, the two heroes share a surprising lesson in courtship.

Untitled Anthropomorphic-Funny Animals story
0.5 pp · Anthropomorphic-Funny Animals, Superhero
Super-Turtle

ComicBooks.com Value

Our Model is In Beta
Raw (VG) $4
CGC 9.8 · 2 in census $661*
CGC 9.6 · 12 in census $205
CGC 9.4 · 9 in census $115
CGC 9.2 · 3 in census $61*
CGC 9.0 · 5 in census $42
CGC 8.5 · 6 in census $28*
Show all 16 grades
CGC 8.0 · 2 in census $22*
CGC 7.5 · 3 in census $20*
CGC 7.0 · 5 in census $20*
CGC 6.5 · 1 in census $20*
CGC 6.0 none in existence
CGC 5.5 · 2 in census $20*
CGC 5.0 · 1 in census $20*
CGC 4.5 · 1 in census $20*
CGC 4.0 · 1 in census $20*
CGC 3.5 · 1 in census $20*
* estimate — limited direct-sales data at this grade
Our model’s value — refined as new sales data arrives · CGC census counts shown where available

More listings for this title

FINE $8.5 GD $11 VG $17.5 VG $18 VG $18 VG $18.91 GD $19 FN $19.5
Related listings we couldn't confirm as this exact issue · 40 total · seen 34 days ago

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Full credits

writer, artist Jim Shooter
inker Jack Abel
letterer Milt Snapinn
cover pencils Curt Swan
cover inks Murphy Anderson

Reprints

↩ Reprints DC Special #5 (1969), Detective Comics #392 (1969), World's Finest Comics #188 (1969)

Reprinted in Supermann #2/1970 (1970), Superman Supacomic #132 (1970), Superman et Batman et Robin #23 (1970), Superman Supacomic #136 (1970), Superman Extra #4 (1981), The Silver Age of Superman The Greatest Covers of Action Comics from the '50s to the '70s #[nn] (1995), The Legion of Super-Heroes Archives #9 (2000), Showcase Presents: Legion of Super-Heroes #4 (2010), Legion of Super-Heroes: The Silver Age Omnibus #3 (2020), DC Finest: Legion of Super-Heroes: Zap Goes the Legion #[nn] (2025)

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