The Flash ##342
DC Comics • The Flash Vol. 1
Writer
Cary Bates
Interior Artist
Carmine Infantino
Cover Artist
Carmine Infantino and Klaus Janson
Publication Date
February 1985
Cover Variant
UK Price Variant (35p)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Part of the multi-year 'Trial of the Flash' storyline. Barry Allen (The Flash) continues to face legal and psychological turmoil after the death of Professor Zoom (Reverse-Flash). The issue features the 'The Trial Continues...' arc with appearances by the Pied Piper and legal drama involving the murder charges against Barry.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Fine (CGC 6.0)
Condition Details
Visible color-breaking spine stress/ticks (at least 4-5 along the spine), significant corner blunting at bottom right and top right, edge wear along the right vertical margin, and slight spine roll/misalignment. The cover shows minor surface scuffing but maintains decent color vibrance.
Estimated Market Value
Raw (UK Variant): $5 - $15; Graded (9.0+): $45 - $70. Note: UK variants can sometimes command a slight premium to the right specialist collector, but generally trade near standard US values in mid-grades.
Recent Sales
Recent sales for standard raw copies of #342 in mid-to-high grade typically range from $8 to $20. UK Price Variants often sell for similar prices on eBay UK, occasionally higher in the US due to perceived scarcity.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The cost of grading (CGC/CBCS) would exceed the final market value of the book in this condition (approximately 6.0). This is best kept as a nice reader or filler copy for a run.
Notable Features
Includes the 35p UK price variant in the top right corner instead of the US cent price. Features the iconic 'The New DC - There's No Stopping Us Now' promotional logo in the bottom left corner.
Authentication Notes
The item appears to be an authentic 1985 newsstand distribution for the United Kingdom market. The paper stock shows age-appropriate oxidation (off-white) and the dot-matrix printing on the masthead is consistent with DC's mid-80s production.