The Flash ##242
DC Comics • The Flash Vol. 1
Writer
Cary Bates
Interior Artist
Irv Novick
Cover Artist
Ernie Chan (signed as Ernie Chua) and Vince Colletta
Publication Date
June 1976
Cover Variant
Regular/Direct Edition (Whitman/Newsstand variant style bar code)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Barry Allen (The Flash) faces a mysterious giant finger that attempts to 'eliminate' him. The story involves the character Gridley and a plot involving a miniature universe. It also features a solo-starring backup story featuring Hal Jordan (Green Lantern).
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good (CGC 4.0)
Condition Details
Visible heavy spine stress with color-breaking ticks; significant color-breaking crease running vertically through the right side of the cover; corner blunting and edge wear/chipping along the top and left edges; some surface scuffing and minor staining on the white border areas.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $5 - $15 | Graded (4.0): $30 - $45
Recent Sales
Recent sales for mid-grade raw copies range from $8 to $12. High-grade (9.0+) copies can fetch $60+, but lower grades remain very affordable.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The cost of third-party grading (CGC/CBCS) exceeds the market value of the book in this condition. It is best kept in a bag and board as a reader copy or for personal collection.
Notable Features
Includes a Green Lantern backup story. This issue is part of the Bronze Age '30-cent' era and features the 'DC Line of Super-Stars' logo. Features a UPC barcode box in the lower left, typical for newsstand distribution of the era.
Authentication Notes
Authentic 1976 publication. Correct paper stock (newsprint interior) and aging patterns. Proper 30-cent price point for the period. Corner wear and ink absorption are consistent with original copies.