The Flash ##266
DC Comics • The Flash Vol. 1
Writer
Cary Bates
Interior Artist
Irv Novick and Joe Giella
Cover Artist
Rich Buckler and Jack Abel
Publication Date
October 1978
Cover Variant
Regular (Whitman Multi-Pack)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Barry Allen (The Flash) battles the villain Heat Wave. The story involves Heat Wave attempting to frame The Flash for crimes. The issue also includes a back-up story titled 'Who Stole Kid Flash's Super-Speed?' featuring Wally West.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Fine/Very Fine (CGC 7.0)
Condition Details
Moderate spine stress with color-breaking ticks; corner blunting on the top right; visible vertical indentation on the right side of the cover (likely from storage/binding); minor edge wear and light surface foxing along the left spine edge.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $10 - $25; Graded (CGC 9.0+): $60 - $100
Recent Sales
Recent sales for raw copies in mid-to-high grade average around $15. Higher grade copies (NM) occasionally reach $40-50 due to the Whitman variant nature.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading unless the collector desires it for preservation. The current market value of a mid-grade issue #266 does not justify the grading fees ($25+), as the potential value increase is minimal for this specific issue.
Notable Features
Whitman Variant (distinguished by the blank diamond UPC box with no bar code lines, often distributed in plastic multi-packs at toy stores/pharmacies). Features Heat Wave and Kid Flash.
Authentication Notes
Authentic 1970s DC publication. The paper stock shows natural aging consistent with the era. The presence of the blank UPC box confirms it is the Whitman distribution version, which is slightly less common than the standard newsstand edition but not significantly more valuable for this specific issue.