Flash Comics #1 Cover Recreation by original artist Sheldon Moldoff

Flash Comics #1 Cover Recreation by original artist Sheldon Moldoff - Originally published November 20, 1939, with cover date January 1940.

I was surprised and thrilled to win this gorgeous full color recreation a few months ago on ComicLink. From online research I'd determined that Moldoff had done a few of these recreations but this one by far seemed the most detailed and with the most vibrant colors. I put in a bid beyond the current bid and called it a night as it was closing late and there was still over an hour to go, and I was tired. I figured for sure I would get outbid. The next morning, I found out I'd won it!!!

I was fortunate enough to meet Moldoff back in the 1980's as a teen when he stopped in at the comic store I'd eventually manage. Unfortunately, back then I didn't appreciate or understand what stood before me.

There is no indication of the year of recreation in the listing or on the artwork but thanks to our CAF historian extraordinaire Marcus for indicating it was likely done in the 1990's for a convention appearance (see his comment below).

ComicLink Comments:

Dimensions: This large art has an image area of approximately 15" x 21".

This is Sheldon Moldoff's spot-on recreation his original cover to one of the most important DC Golden Age keys, Flash Comics #1, the January 1940 (released in late 1939) comic book that introduced three beloved members of the Justice Society of America, the Flash, Hawkman and Johnny Thunder.

Moldoff would go on to draw many of the early Hawkman stories before settling in for decades long run as one of Bob Kane's uncredited "ghosts" on Batman. In his retirement years, Moldoff recreated many of the classic covers of the early Golden Age as commissions for fans.

The original Flash, Jay Garrick, quickly became one of DC's biggest stars. He remains an active part of the DC comic book universe to this day, 85 years later. He also served as the inspiration for DC's other major characters to adopt the Flash name, Barry Allen and Wally West.

This art is executed in ink and art marker on heavy paper. An attractive, removable matting is included with the piece, making it "frame ready"

About the Artist
Sheldon "Shelly" Moldoff was a highly respected Golden Age and Silver Age artist best known for his early work on Hawkman in Flash Comics and All-Star Comics. Moldoff's first work was a sports filler published as the inside back cover of Action Comics #1. From 1953 to 1967, Moldoff worked as "Ghost Artist" for Batman's creator, Bob Kane. He co-created such additions to the Batman family as Batwoman, Ace the Bat-Hound and Bat-Mite and the original Bat-Girl (Bette Kane). He co-created such villains as Calendar Man, Mister Freeze and the Silver Age Clayface. In his later years, Moldoff created multiple paintings based on his Batman work and he was a regular presence on the comic book convention circuit. Moldoff passed away in 2012 when he was 91.