The Flash: Comprehensive Character Summary

Introduction

Hold on to your seats, folks! The Flash is the fastest man alive, darting across Central City and Keystone City at lightning speed, battling evil with an unwavering sense of heroism. But his legacy is more than just one speedster – it’s the Flash Family, whose powers tap into the enigmatic Speed Force throughout history.

The OG Flash of the Golden Age was none other than Jay Garrick, a founding member of the Justice Society of America. Then came Barry Allen, the Silver Age Flash and founding member of the Justice League of America. Barry sacrificed himself to save the entire universe during the Crisis on Infinite Earths, but was later resurrected during Final Crisis.

Taking up the mantle next was Wally West, Barry’s nephew and original Kid Flash, who played a key role in the Teen Titans. But Wally was tragically erased from existence following Flashpoint – until his triumphant return in DC Rebirth, where he was restored as the primary Flash in Infinite Frontier.

Last but not least, we have Bart Allen – the fourth speedster to bear the Flash name, starting his career as Impulse and being a founding member of Young Justice. With a Flash Family like this, it’s no wonder The Flash is the beloved hero we know and adore.

Personality

Jay Garrick, the original Flash, is a charming and kindhearted gentleman with a love for science and a keen sense of justice. He’s the grandfather figure of the Flash family, always ready with a good story and a wise word.

Barry Allen, the beloved Silver Age Flash, is a nerd at heart with a heart of gold. He’s quick-witted and always eager to help others, even if it means putting himself in danger. He’s a true hero in every sense of the word, and his legacy lives on through his proteges.

Wally West, the third Flash, is a fun-loving and cocky speedster with a big heart. He’s always cracking jokes and playing pranks, but when it comes down to it, he’s fiercely loyal to his friends and family. He’s a bit of a ladies’ man, but he always puts his loved ones first.

Bart Allen, the fourth and youngest Flash, is a hyperactive teenager with a heart of gold. He’s eager to prove himself and live up to his family’s legacy, but sometimes he can be a bit reckless. He’s got a quick mind and an even quicker tongue, and he’s not afraid to speak his mind, even if it gets him into trouble.

Attributes & Abilities

The Flash is a superhero who possesses the ability to move, think, and react at light speeds, as well as having superhuman endurance that enables him to run incredible distances. He can vibrate so fast that he can pass through walls in a process called quantum tunneling, travel through time, and lend and borrow speed. Additionally, the Flash can heal more rapidly than an average human and has an invisible aura around his body that protects him from air friction and the kinetic effects of his powers.

The Flash has raced against Superman on several occasions, either to determine who is faster or as part of a mutual effort to thwart some type of threat. These races, however, often result in ties due to outside circumstances. While various incarnations of the Flash have proven their ability to run at light speed, the ability to steal speed from other objects allows respective Flashes to even significantly surpass this velocity.

Speedsters may also use the ability to speed-read at incredible rates, allowing them to process vast amounts of information temporarily. They also have the ability to think fast, which allows them some immunity to telepathy, as their thoughts operate at a rate too rapid for telepaths to read or influence their minds.

Flashes and other super-speedsters also have the ability to speak to one another at a highly accelerated rate, which is often used to have private conversations in front of non-fast people. They can also change the vibration of their vocal cords, making it possible to alter how their voice sounds to others.

While the Flash does not have the physical strength of many of his comrades and enemies, he can use his speed to exert incredible momentum into physical attacks. He has also claimed that he can process thoughts in less than an attosecond and can throw lightning created by his super speed and make speed vortices.

Some flashes also have the ability to create speed avatars (i.e. duplicates) and send them to different timelines to complete a particular mission. The Flash has also been seen negating the effects of the anti-life equation and freeing Iris-West from its control due to his connection with the Speed Force.

Wally West has reached the velocity of 23,759,449,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 (about 24 tredecillion) × c (the speed of light), and he could only do this with the help of every human being on earth moving so the Speed Force was joined through everyone. With that speed, he was able to run not only from planet to planet but also to different galaxies and universes at what would be considered a blink of an eye.

Publication

Golden Age

The Flash made his debut in the thrilling pages of Golden Age Flash Comics #1, way back in January 1940. Created by the dynamic duo of writer Gardner Fox and artist Harry Lampert, the original Flash was none other than Jay Garrick – a college student who gained his incredible speed by inhaling hard water vapors.

But the Flash wasn’t content to rest on his laurels – he continued to evolve and adapt over the years. In the 1960s, Garrick’s origin story was modified slightly, with him gaining his lightning-fast powers through exposure to heavy water.

Jay Garrick was an instant fan favorite in the 1940s, supporting not just Flash Comics but also All-Flash Quarterly (later published bi-monthly as simply All-Flash). He even starred alongside other iconic heroes in Comic Cavalcade and was a founding member of the Justice Society of America – the very first superhero team! Their heroic exploits ran in the pages of All Star Comics.

But all good things must come to an end, and with the decline of superhero popularity post-World War II, Flash Comics was eventually canceled after issue #104 (1949) – though it did go out with a bang, featuring an evil version of the Flash known as the Rival. The Justice Society’s final Golden Age story was published in All Star Comics #57 (1951), with the title continuing on as All Star Western. Even after all these years, The Flash’s legacy and impact on comic book history still reverberate through the ages!

Silver Age

DC Comics revolutionized the industry in 1956 with the Silver Age of comic books. And who was the first hero to make a comeback? None other than The Flash, in the thrilling tryout comic book Showcase #4 (October 1956).

But this time, The Flash was reborn as Barry Allen, a police scientist who gained his super-speed powers through a bolt of lightning striking a shelf of chemicals. He was no longer just a Golden Age hero but a modern-day icon. His popularity soared, and he got his own title, The Flash, thanks to the talented creative team of writers Robert Kanigher and John Broome and cartoonist Carmine Infantino.

As The Flash’s adventures continued, he made new friends and enemies and even encountered characters from parallel worlds, such as Jay Garrick – the original Flash. These crossover events became fan favorites, and the Justice League of America was formed with The Flash as one of its charter members.

But as time passed and the 1980s arrived, DC Comics faced a difficult decision. They chose to end Allen’s adventures and pass the mantle to a new character, but not before he heroically sacrificed himself during the epic Crisis on Infinite Earths #8 (1985). Even though he was gone, his legacy lived on thanks to his time-traveling powers, making him a beloved character for years to come.

With a backstory like this, it’s no wonder that The Flash is one of the most popular superheroes of all time!

Modern Age

Wally West was the third Flash, and he first appeared in The Flash #110 (December 1959) as Kid Flash. He’s Allen’s nephew by marriage, and he gained the same powers as the Flash after being in an accident. He became Kid Flash and was part of the Teen Titans for a long time. After Allen died, Wally took on the Flash identity in Crisis on Infinite Earths #12 and got his own series starting with The Flash (vol. 2) #1 in 1987. Many issues began with his famous catchphrase, “My name is Wally West. I’m the fastest man alive.”

In 2006, due to the Infinite Crisis miniseries and the “One Year Later” time jump in the DC Universe, The Flash (vol. 2) was canceled at #230. However, a new series called The Flash: The Fastest Man Alive started on June 21, 2006. The first story arc of this series, written by Danny Bilson and Paul De Meo with art by Ken Lashley, focused on Bart Allen accepting the role of the Flash.

Flash: Fastest Man Alive was canceled after issue #13. The Flash (vol. 2) was revived with issue #231, and Mark Waid was the initial writer. Waid also wrote All-Flash #1, which acted as a bridge between the two series. DC had solicited The Flash: The Fastest Man Alive through issue #15, but instead, All Flash #1 replaced issue #14 and The Flash (vol. 2) #231 replaced issue #15. The covers and cover artists were as solicited by DC, but the information released had no plot information.

In 2009, Barry Allen made a big comeback to the DC Universe in The Flash: Rebirth, a six-issue miniseries by Geoff Johns and Ethan Van Sciver.

Biography

Jay Garrick

Jay Garrick was a college student in 1938 when he accidentally inhaled heavy water vapors while taking a smoke break inside his laboratory. This exposure gave him the ability to run at superhuman speed and have fast reflexes. He briefly pursued a career as a college football star before deciding to fight crime as the Flash. To conceal his identity, Garrick vibrated his body while in public to blur any photographs of his face.

He wore a red shirt with a lightning bolt and a metal helmet with wings, reminiscent of the Greek deity Hermes. His first case involved taking down the “Faultless Four,” a group of blackmailers. Although originally from Earth-Two, he was integrated into the history of New Earth after the Crisis on Infinite Earths event. Jay Garrick, as the Flash, continues to operate out of Keystone City and is a member of the Justice Society.

Barry Allen

Barry Allen works as an assistant scientist in the Criminal and Forensic Science Division of the Central City Police Department. He has a reputation for being slow, deliberate, and frequently tardy, which often frustrates his fiancée, Iris West. One night, as he was leaving work, a freak lightning bolt struck his lab and drenched him in a mixture of unnamed chemicals.

This accident gave him superhuman speed and reflexes, prompting him to become a crimefighter in Central City known as the Flash. His costume features a red bodysuit with a lightning bolt, inspired by the original Captain Marvel comics (Fawcett Comics). In his everyday life, he stores the costume in a ring, which can compress the fibers using a special gas.

During the 1985 Crisis on Infinite Earths storyline, Barry sacrificed his life for the greater good. He remained dead for over 20 years until his return in the 2008 series Final Crisis. He then re-emerged as the Flash in The Flash: Rebirth in 2009, which led to a new ongoing series that ran until 2020, chronicling his adventures as the Scarlet Speedster.

Wally West

Wally West is the nephew of both Barry Allen and Iris West, introduced in The Flash #110 in 1959. When Wally was around ten years old, he visited his uncle’s police lab and was exposed to the same freak accident that gave Barry his powers, giving Wally superhuman speed. He took on the identity of Kid Flash, donning a copy of his uncle’s outfit to fight crime.

After Barry’s death in Crisis on Infinite Earths, Wally took up the mantle of the Flash. He, his wife Linda, and their twins left Earth for an unknown dimension after Infinite Crisis. However, they were eventually pulled back from the Speed Force by the Legion of Super-Heroes.

Wally returned as the Flash in The Flash: Fastest Man Alive #13 after Bart Allen, and with the launch of The Flash (vol. 2) series, he resumed his role as the Flash from issue #231 in August 2007 until issue #247. He played a major role in The Flash: Rebirth, alongside all the other Flash characters. Wally briefly appeared in the Blackest Night story arc before the New 52 was launched, and his character disappeared. He returned in DC Rebirth with a new red and silver costume and joined the Titans.

After several events, Wally became the main character of The Flash series again, returning to his original red and gold Flash costume. His adventures as the Fastest Man Alive are currently being published in The Flash #771, as of 2021.

Bart Allen

Bartholomew Henry “Bart” Allen II is the grandson of Barry Allen and Iris West. He suffered from accelerated aging and was raised in a virtual reality machine until Iris took him back in time to seek help from the then-current Flash, Wally West. With Wally’s assistance, Bart’s aging slowed down, and he adopted the name Impulse. However, after being shot in the knee by Deathstroke, Bart altered his attitude and costume, taking on the identity of Kid Flash.

During the events of Infinite Crisis, the Speed Force vanished, taking all the speedsters except Jay Garrick. Bart returned four years later, claiming to be depowered from the event. However, it was later revealed that the Speed Force had been absorbed into Bart’s body, giving him all of its powers.

Bart’s costume as the Flash was a replica of his grandfather’s and was styled similarly to Wally West’s. Unfortunately, Bart was killed by the Rogues in the final issue of The Flash: The Fastest Man Alive. But he was later resurrected in the 31st century by Brainiac 5 in Final Crisis: Legion of 3 Worlds #3 to battle Superboy-Prime and the Legion of Super-Villains. Bart returned to the past and played a significant role in The Flash: Rebirth.

Reception

The Flash has run its way into the hearts of comic book fans everywhere! Since his debut in 1940, the scarlet speedster has become an iconic superhero, known for his lightning-fast speed, witty personality, and colorful costume.

Jay Garrick, the original Flash, has been around since the Golden Age of comics and is beloved by fans for his charming personality and old-school heroism. Fans love his classic costume and helmet, and often see him as a wise and experienced mentor to younger speedsters.

Barry Allen, the Silver Age Flash, is one of the most iconic comic book characters of all time. Fans adore him for his earnestness, scientific mind, and his tendency to always do the right thing. His tragic origin story, which involves the death of his mother, has also won him many fans who connect with his sense of loss and determination.

Wally West, the third Flash, is often seen as the most relatable of the speedsters. Fans love his quick wit, sarcastic humor, and his ability to balance his superhero duties with his personal life. He’s also known for his close relationships with other DC heroes, particularly his best friend and mentor, Barry Allen.

Bart Allen, the fourth Flash, has had a mixed reception from fans. Some love his fun-loving and impulsive personality, as well as his unique powers and abilities. Others find him to be too immature and lacking in depth compared to the other speedsters. Despite this, many fans still enjoy his appearances and see him as an important part of the Flash family.

The speedsters unique power set, combined with likable character traits, has made them a staple of the DC Comics universe. Fans love to see them outrun their enemies, travel through time, and use their quick thinking to outsmart there foes.

Overall, the Flash family of speedsters has a passionate and dedicated fanbase who love each character for their unique personalities and contributions to the DC universe. Whether you prefer the classic heroism of Jay Garrick, the scientific mind of Barry Allen, the relatability of Wally West, or the impulsive energy of Bart Allen, there’s a Flash for everyone to enjoy!

Trivia

Are you ready to take your Flash fandom to the next level? Get ready to be hit with some lightning-fast trivia about the fastest man alive! In this section, we’ll delve into some fascinating tidbits about the Scarlet Speedster that even the most dedicated fans might not know. From behind-the-scenes secrets to Easter eggs hidden in the comics, we’ve got all the Flash facts you need to impress your friends and family. So grab your running shoes and get ready to race through some mind-blowing trivia on The Flash!

• The Flash is a DC Comics character which first appeared in the 1940’s “Flash Comics No.1”.
• The Flash is a name of several DC speedsters. In fact, there had been 4 main incarnations of the Flash (Jay Garrick, Barry Allen, Wally West and Bart Allen).
• In 1956, DC was reloaded and decided to recreate some of superheroes for the silver age comic book. They decided to re-launch the Flash’s character (Barry Allen) who had himself been inspired by reading the comics of Jay Garrick’s Flash comics.
• Barry Allen actually has a ring which contains his Flash costume so that he can wear it instantly.
• Barry Allen can run faster than the speed of sound and the speed of light. He can do time-travel by running at high-speed.
• Flash has a twin brother named Malcolm Thawne, also known as the villain Colbalt Blue.
• The Flash can process information so fast that he can almost predict the future. He can quickly perceive nearly every possible outcome to determine the best choices to make.
• The Flash is faster than Superman.
• When Barry Allen got his powers, he named himself after his favorite childhood comic book, The Flash, Jay Garrick who had the same super speed powers.
• Psychics can’t read The Flash’s mind, as his mind simply moves too fast to be read or controlled.
• The Flash once outrun the gravitational pull of a black hole that even light couldn’t escape.
• During Crisis on Infinity Earth, Barry Allen ran so fast that he actually dies. The interesting thing is that he becomes apart of the speed force. He is then converted into the lightning bolts that travelled back in time and hit himself; giving himself his superpowers in the first place.
• After Barry’s death during Crisis on Infinite Earth, Wally West takes the mantle of Flash and becomes the full-time adult Superhero.
• Creative use of Flash’s speed results in the most powerful punch of all: the infinite mass punch. This is the creative name for Flash’s ability to hit someone with many times the force of the explosion caused by the Chicxulub meteor, also known as the meteor that caused the extinction of the dinosaurs.
• The Flash is good friends with superhero the Green Lantern. At one point Flash briefly wore the Green Lantern’s Ring.

References

• Flash – DC
• Flash – Wiki
• Flash – Fandom