The Flash ##259
DC Comics • The Flash Vol. 1
Writer
Cary Bates
Interior Artist
Irv Novick
Cover Artist
Rich Buckler and Jack Abel
Publication Date
March 1978
Cover Variant
UK Price Variant (12p)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Barry Allen (The Flash) faces off against the villain Black Hand. The story titled 'The Deadly Hands of Black Hand' involves the villain using his power-draining device to sap the Flash's speed. Sub-plot involves Barry's personal life and his relationship with Iris West.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good/Fine (CGC 5.0)
Condition Details
Visible color-breaking spine stress/ticks (at least 5-7 major ones), significant corner rounding/blunting at top and bottom right, edge wear along the right-hand margin, minor surface scuffing on the black areas of the cover, and overall paper aging/tanning apparent on edges.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $5 - $15 | Graded (estimated 5.0): $40 - $60. Note: UK price variants sometimes command a small premium to specific collectors but are generally valued similarly to US editions in mid-grade.
Recent Sales
Recent sales for mid-grade raw copies of this issue range from $4 to $12. A CGC 9.4 recently sold for approximately $85, but mid-grade slabs for this specific non-key issue are infrequent in the market.
Grading Recommendation
Not worth professional grading. The cost of CGC/CBCS grading plus shipping (approx. $40-$60) would likely exceed the final market value of the book in a 5.0 grade. It is best kept in a bag and board for personal collection.
Notable Features
Features Black Hand (William Hand), who later becomes a primary antagonist in the 'Blackest Night' event. This copy is a 12 pence UK Price Variant, which was distributed in the United Kingdom simultaneously with the 35 cent US versions. Includes a barcode (Direct/Newsstand distribution for international market).
Authentication Notes
Appearance is consistent with 1978 Bronze Age production. The 12p price stamp is correctly integrated into the cover plate rather than being a rubber stamp, confirming it as a legitimate regional variant. Staple placement appears original.