The Flash ##31
DC Comics • The Flash Vol. 2 (Wally West)
Writer
William Messner-Loebs
Interior Artist
Greg LaRocque
Cover Artist
Greg LaRocque
Publication Date
October 1989
Cover Variant
Regular/Direct Edition
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Features Wally West as The Flash. In this issue, 'The Comfort of a Stranger,' Wally deals with the aftermath of recent battles while encountering the Turtle, who uses slowness as a weapon against the speedster.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Fine+ (CGC 6.5) to Very Fine (CGC 8.0)
Condition Details
Moderate spine stress and ticks visible along the left edge. Slight blunting of the upper and lower right corners. Minor color-breaking creases may be present near the spine. General shelf wear consistent with age, though colors appear vibrant.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $3 - $8; Graded (9.8): $40 - $60
Recent Sales
Recent raw copies in similar mid-to-high grade condition typically sell for under $10 on secondary markets like eBay. High-grade slabbed copies (9.8) occasionally reach $50+ but have low liquidity.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The cost of grading (CGC/CBCS) exceeds the current market value for a mid-tier issue from this era unless it is a guaranteed 9.8 pristine copy. Recommended for bagged and boarded personal collection.
Notable Features
Direct Edition (indicated by the Superman logo in the UPC box). Features the Turtle, a classic Golden Age villain reimagined for the Copper Age. Includes art by the definitive 80s Flash team of Messner-Loebs and LaRocque.
Authentication Notes
Appears authentic with standard late 80s DC glossy cover stock and newsprint interiors. No signs of counterfeit; staple placement and alignment are consistent with mass-market production of this era.