The Flash ##268
DC Comics • The Flash Vol. 1
Writer
Cary Bates
Interior Artist
Irv Novick
Cover Artist
Dick Giordano
Publication Date
December 1978
Cover Variant
Newsstand Edition (UPC barcode present)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Title: 'The Secret of the Golden Age Comic!' Barry Allen (The Flash) battles Wildcat and Green Lantern (Alan Scott) over a mysterious Golden Age comic book that appears to hold a secret that could destroy the world.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Fine/Very Fine (CGC 7.0)
Condition Details
Visible spine stress marks (color-breaking ticks), some corner blunting on the bottom right/left, minor surface scuffing on the light blue background, and slight edge wear along the right side.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $10 - $20; Graded (9.6+): $80 - $120
Recent Sales
Recent sales for raw mid-to-high grade copies range from $12 to $25. High-grade slabbed copies (9.8) have peaked near $150 in the last 24 months.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading unless a high-grade 9.8 is expected. The current estimated grade of 7.0-7.5 would not cover the costs of grading and shipping versus the market value of the book.
Notable Features
Bronze Age issue; features Golden Age heroes Green Lantern (Alan Scott) and Wildcat; newsstand edition with barcode.
Authentication Notes
Appears to be a genuine 1978 original. The paper aging, ink saturation, and UPC barcode layout are consistent with DC Comics' production from this era.