The Flash ##226
DC Comics • The Flash Vol. 1
Writer
Cary Bates
Interior Artist
Irv Novick
Cover Artist
Nick Cardy
Publication Date
April 1974
Cover Variant
Regular/A Cover (Direct)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
The main story, 'The One-Man Justice League,' features Barry Allen struggling with a crisis of identity between his role as The Flash and his villainous rival Captain Cold. The issue also includes a Green Lantern backup story, 'The Mystery of the Maskless Green Lantern.'
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good/Fine (CGC 5.0)
Condition Details
Visible moderate spine stress and color-breaking ticks; blunting on all corners with minor separation at the top left; slight surface scuffing in the black background area; overall yellowing of page edges (tanning); vertical crease near the right edge.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $10 - $20; Graded (CGC 5.0): $40 - $60
Recent Sales
Recent raw copies in Mid-Grade (5.0-6.0) have sold between $12 and $22. High-grade (9.0+) copies fetch significantly higher premiums starting at $100+.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The costs of grading (approximately $30-$50) would likely exceed the final market value of a 5.0 grade. This is better kept as a collector's raw copy.
Notable Features
Bronze Age DC title featuring a classic Nick Cardy cover; includes a Green Lantern solo backup story; 20-cent cover price; contains the 'DC Line of Super-Stars' branding.
Authentication Notes
The comic exhibits authentic aging consistent with 1970s newsprint; natural paper tanning, staple oxidation (if visible), and period-correct typesetting/ink density all indicate a genuine original copy.