The Flash #No. 278
DC Comics • The Flash Vol. 1
Writer
Cary Bates
Interior Artist
Don Heck
Cover Artist
Dick Giordano
Publication Date
October 1979
Cover Variant
UK Price Variant (15p)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Features the story 'Road to Oblivion' and 'The Longest Night' backup. The main story involves The Flash (Barry Allen) battling the iconic Rogue, Captain Boomerang. This issue deals with the fallout of the death of Iris West.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good/Fine (CGC 5.0)
Condition Details
Visible color-breaking spine stress, significant corner blunting (especially bottom left), edge wear along the top, minor surface staining or dirt on the yellow background, and some shelf wear to the bottom edge. Potential page tanning expected for the era.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $5 - $15 USD | Graded (estimated 5.0): $35 - $50 USD
Recent Sales
Recent sales for mid-grade raw copies of this issue range from $4 to $12. Higher grade (9.0+) copies generally sell for $25 - $40. UK variants often sell for a slight premium to specialists but generally follow US market trends.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The cost of CGC/CBCS grading would exceed the market value of the comic in this condition. It is a great reader copy or collection filler.
Notable Features
Bronze Age DC title featuring Captain Boomerang. This specific copy is a UK Price Variant (marked 15p instead of the US 40c), which was printed at the same time and in the same plant as US editions for the overseas market.
Authentication Notes
The comic appears authentic based on the 1970s Ben-Day dot printing visible in the color gradients, appropriate 15p UK price box for the October 1979 date, and era-appropriate staple placement.