The Flash ##304
DC Comics • The Flash Vol. 1
Writer
Cary Bates
Interior Artist
Carmine Infantino
Cover Artist
Dick Giordano (Inks), Carmine Infantino (Pencils)
Publication Date
December 1981
Cover Variant
Regular Edition (Direct Market)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Features the story 'The Name of the Game is Death!' highlighting a battle against Colonel Computron (Quiggins). The plot involves Barry Allen getting trapped inside a computer-simulated combat game, reflecting early 1980s video game culture.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine- (CGC 7.5)
Condition Details
Visible spine stress marks (ticks), slight corner blunting on the top left, minor edge wear along the bottom right. The book appears to have good color gloss but shows shelf wear and light handling typical of mid-to-high grade raw copies.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $5 - $15; Graded (9.0+): $45 - $75. This is a common Bronze Age issue with moderate demand.
Recent Sales
Recent raw sales on eBay range from $4 to $12 plus shipping. Higher-grade slabbed copies rarely appear but typically trade around the cost of grading plus a small premium.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The costs of grading/shipping outweigh the market value of the book. It is a great reader copy or 'filler' issue for a collection.
Notable Features
Features the first appearance of the second Colonel Computron (Basil Nurblin). It is a 'Newsstand-style' Direct Edition (indicated by the DC logo in the UPC box area).
Authentication Notes
Genuine 1981 DC publication. Paper stock is standard newsprint of the era. The Direct Market 'Striker' or DC Logo in the UPC box is correct for distribution at the time.