The Flash ##289
DC Comics • The Flash Vol. 1
Writer
Cary Bates
Interior Artist
Carmine Infantino
Cover Artist
Carmine Infantino & Dick Giordano
Publication Date
September 1980
Cover Variant
UK Price Variant (15p cover)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Barry Allen (The Flash) encounters Captain Cold, who appears to have been beaten to the scene of a crime by a mysterious new hero. The issue also features a Firestorm backup story titled 'The Girl with the Master-Mind!'
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine (CGC 8.0)
Condition Details
Visible color-breaking spine stress/ticks on the left edge. Minor blunting and wear on the top left and bottom right corners. Slight vertical alignment roll. Typical tanning for 1980s newsprint comics.
Estimated Market Value
Raw (UK Variant): $8 - $20; Graded (CGC 8.0+): $45 - $75
Recent Sales
Standard editions in high grade sell for $10-$25. UK variants typically carry a slight niche premium or hold equal value to US editions depending on the buyer.
Grading Recommendation
Not generally worth professional grading unless it is a 9.8 candidate. A professional clean and press might improve the spine, but current market value does not justify the grading fees for this specific issue.
Notable Features
Features Captain Cold. Rare UK Price Variant (15p instead of 50c). Firestorm backup story. Classic Infantino art style.
Authentication Notes
Authentic newsprint from 1980. Characteristic DC bullet logo and 15p UK price box. The alignment and ink saturation are consistent with DC's 1980 production standards.