*DC: Among the rarer Silver Age treasures are the pre-distribution, early appearances of Flash in the DC try-out title Showcase. From the Bute Collection this week, we have the third and fourth ever appearances of the Scarlet Speedster for your delectation. Showcase #13 is the Flash’s third appearance and the premiere appearance of the nefarious Mr Element. With issue #14, Mr Element was back post-makeover as Dr Alchemy, commencing a lengthy criminal career in his new guise. Both issues cover feature tales of international adventure and science-fiction, with rich blue and purple backgrounds that only the DC palette could produce. The early appearances of the Flash are seldom seen in the UK and are much prized by the comic collecting community worldwide. These low grade examples are at least in reach financially – more than better copies would be! 
PICTURED: SHOWCASE
#13 FA £175 Cover detached and split all of the way down. The bottom third is attached front and back by two pieces of tape. Much wear to the spine and some to the other edges, with a long colour-breaking crease across the Showcase logo and a softer vertical subscription-like crease down the centre. Cover colours are vivid and rich, staples are firm at centrefold and the page quality is an okay, dusky cream colour. Small corner off bottom right splash page (margin only) and a similar size corner off back cover top. Tiny vertical chip off top right edge alongside Comics Code box. 
#14 FA+ £225 Cover detached with vertical holes at staple level and one further centre spine. Multiple colour-breaking creases all over cover and quite a lot of edge wear. Tiny chip out bottom right cover. Centrefold off top staple. Pages are a nice off-white. Heavily worn but readable and complete.