World's Finest Comics #no. 198
DC Comics • World's Finest Comics Vol. 1
Writer
Dennis O'Neil
Interior Artist
Dick Dillin
Cover Artist
Neal Adams
Publication Date
November 1970
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
A DC 'Key' issue featuring the Third Race between Superman and The Flash. The story involves the Guardians of the Universe requesting both heroes' aid to stop a galactic threat that requires speed. It is a pivotal part of the ongoing Superman/Flash debate regarding who is faster.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good (CGC 4.0)
Condition Details
Significant spine wear with multiple color-breaking stress lines, blunted and rounded corners, visible edge wear along the top and right margins, surface scuffing particularly in the dark background areas, and possible small moisture staining on the bottom edge.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $40-$60; Graded CGC 4.0: $85-$110
Recent Sales
Similar raw copies have sold for $45-$55 in recent months; higher-grade copies (CGC 8.0+) command over $400.
Grading Recommendation
Likely not worth professional grading in this condition unless for personal preservation. The costs of grading/shipping would approach or exceed the value of the slabbed book at a 4.0 grade. Professional cleaning and pressing might improve the flatness but will not fix the color-breaking spine ticks.
Notable Features
Featured character Flash (Barry Allen) and Superman; iconic race cover by Neal Adams; part of a famous sequence of race matches between the two characters; First 15c cover price issue in the series for that era.
Authentication Notes
The comic appears to be an authentic 1970 original with appropriate aging for the paper stock and period-specific ink saturation. No signs of restoration are visible from the low-resolution cover scan, but staples show some oxidation consistent with age.