The Flash ##264
DC Comics • The Flash Vol. 1
Writer
Cary Bates
Interior Artist
Alex Saviuk / Frank Chiaramonte
Cover Artist
Joe Staton / Dick Giordano
Publication Date
August 1978
Cover Variant
Newsstand Edition (UK Price Variant)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Barry Allen (The Flash) attempts to quit the police force. The story involves a plot where evidence suggests Barry Allen is dead or has given up his mantle, featuring appearances by Iris West and Commissioner Gordon.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good (CGC 4.0)
Condition Details
Visible chipping and tears along the top edge of the cover. Significant spine stress and creasing. Rounded corners. Color breaking creases on the right side. Small sticker or stamp (12p) in top right indicating UK distribution. General surface wear and dullness to the black background.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $5.00 - $12.00; Graded (CGC 4.0): $25.00 - $35.00
Recent Sales
Recent sales of mid-grade raw copies vary between $8 and $15. High-grade (9.0+) copies reach $40-$60. The UK price variant generally holds similar value to the US version among general collectors.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The grading costs would exceed the market value of the book in this condition. Recommended for raw inclusion in a personal collection.
Notable Features
Features the '12p' UK Price Variant stamp. Newsstand UPC at bottom left. Bronze Age DC era. Notable as part of the Cary Bates era which lead toward the 'Trial of the Flash' years later.
Authentication Notes
Authentic Bronze Age DC publication. Paper stock shows appropriate age-related tanning. Staple placement and ink registration are consistent with 1978 DC manufacturing standards.