Flash First Appearance: Origin Comic and Key Issue

The story of the Flash is that of two births separated by sixteen years. In January 1940, Jay Garrick appeared in Flash Comics #1, playing the Golden Age speedster with his signature winged helmet. Then, in October 1956, Showcase #4 introduced Barry Allen — an event that not only revived a character, but inaugurated the entire Silver Age of comics. These two issues are among the most important in DC Comics history.

For the modern collector, these two key issues represent major investments but of a different nature. Flash Comics #1 is an extremely rare Golden Age Holy Grail. Showcase #4 is considered the most important issue of the Silver Age — the one that proved that superheroes could return and that audiences were waiting for them.

Publication context: Flash Comics #1 (1940)

All-American Publications (future component of DC Comics) launched Flash Comics #1 in January 1940, riding on the success of Superman and Batman. Gardner Fox creates Jay Garrick, a chemistry student who gains superhuman speed after inhaling heavy water vapor. Harry Lampert draws a hero with a unique look — no traditional mask, but a winged Mercury helmet that will become iconic.

Publication context: Showcase #4 (1956)

By 1956, superheroes were all but dead. Only Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman survive. Editor Julius Schwartz decides to test a reboot: same concept (an ultra-fast man) but entirely new character. Robert Kanigher writes the script, Carmine Infantino draws Barry Allen — a police scientist in a bright red suit. The commercial success of Showcase #4 convinced DC to relaunch all of its heroes, ushering in the Silver Age.

The creators

For Flash Comics #1: Gardner Fox (prolific JSA writer) and Harry Lampert (lesser known artist but author of a cover that has become legendary). For Showcase #4: Robert Kanigher (war and superhero screenwriter) and Carmine Infantino, whose elegant and dynamic style will define the look of Silver Age DC. Joe Kubert signs the cover of Showcase #4 — a Flash crossing a film strip.

Description of the covers

Flash Comics #1 shows Jay Garrick running at high speed, bullets ricocheting off him as he saves a man. Showcase #4 features Barry Allen running, literally running through a strip of film stock — a visual metaphor for the transition from old to new. Both covers are considered masterpieces of their respective eras.

CGC Census and rarity

Flash Comics #1: approximately 200 copies certified at the Census CGC. The highest known grade is 9.0 (only one copy). The majority are between 1.0 and 4.0. Showcase #4: approximately 1,800 certified copies. The highest grade is 9.6 (two copies). In 9.0 and above, fewer than 20 copies exist. Both titles suffer from conservation issues typical of their respective eras.

Value by grade

Showcase #4 (Barry Allen)

Flash Comics #1 (Jay Garrick)

Price History and Trends

Showcase #4 has seen a dramatic increase since 2015, going from ~$50,000 in CGC 6.0 to ~$55,000 in 2026. The all-time high is $450,000 for a CGC 9.2 (Heritage, 2021). Flash Comics #1 remains more stable but extremely rare on the market — less than 5 public sales per year in grades above 4.0. Flash projects in cinema and TV series have maintained market interest.

Points of vigilance when purchasing

For Showcase #4, the main trap is the invisible restoration: many copies from the 1950s have been retouched (cover cleaned, staples replaced). Demand a blue Universal label. For Flash Comics #1, be wary of incomplete copies (missing pages) sold as "complete" — check the page count on the CGC label. Both titles suffer from brittleness (brittle paper) which can cause the grade to drop during regrading.