Barry Allen first appeared in Showcase #4, published by DC in 1956. That places it in the Silver Age.
Why this issue matters
Widely regarded as the single issue that started the Silver Age of comics. Barry Allen's debut as the new Flash reinvented DC's Golden Age heroes for a new generation.
Key facts
Showcase #4
- Character: Barry Allen (Flash)
- Publisher: DC
- Cover year: 1956
- Era: Silver Age
Before you buy or sell one
- Check it is a first print, not a facsimile or reprint. Newsstand and direct editions are priced differently too.
- Condition decides most of the value. Whether grading is worth it depends on the copy.
Go deeper
More DC firsts from the Silver Age
- Reverse-Flash (Eobard Thawne) The Flash #139, 1963
- Zatanna Hawkman #4, 1964
- Hal Jordan (Green Lantern) Showcase #22, 1959
- Martian Manhunter Detective Comics #225, 1955
- Justice League Brave and the Bold #28, 1960
- Brainiac Action Comics #242, 1958
- Bizarro Superboy #68, 1958
- Supergirl Action Comics #252, 1959
Got a copy?
I buy key issues and whole collections across the UK, and I will tell you honestly whether what you have is the real first or a later printing. Send me photos of the cover and the indicia and I will come back with a straight answer, and a proper valuation if you want one.