The Flash ##45
DC Comics • The Flash Vol. 2 (Wally West)
Writer
William Messner-Loebs
Interior Artist
Gordon Purcell (pencils), Larry Mahlstedt (inks)
Cover Artist
Gordon Purcell
Publication Date
December 1990
Cover Variant
Regular/Direct Edition (Logo in UPC box)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Part of the 'Post-Crisis' era featuring Wally West as the Flash. The story involves the Flash dealing with the bizarre characters of the 'Turtle' and 'Chunk' (Chester P. Runk) as they navigate strange dimensions. The cover features Wally West, Chunk, and various oddities emerging from a portal.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Fine/Near Mint (CGC 9.0)
Condition Details
Minor spine stress marks visible through the polybag (color-breaking ticks). Slight blunting on the bottom-left corner. Some surface rippling likely from storage in a plastic sleeve. Colors remain vibrant with high gloss.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $3 - $8 | Graded (9.8): $40 - $60
Recent Sales
Recent raw sales for this issue typically fall within the $2-$5 bin range. Graded 9.8 copies occasionally sell for $50 range primarily to completionist set collectors.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The cost of CGC/CBCS grading exceeds the current market value of the comic. It is a common 'dollar bin' issue from the early nineties.
Notable Features
Direct Edition (Flash bolt logo in the barcode box). Features appearances by Chunk and the Turtle. Notable for the Mike Baron/Messner-Loebs era which redefined Wally West's personality.
Authentication Notes
Authentic 1990s DC stock. The paper and ink registration are consistent with early Copper Age/Modern Age transition materials. Note the lack of a barcode, which identifies it as a direct market copy.