The Flash is amongDC Comics' most iconic characters. From his core position in the Justice League to his major contributions to many of DC’s most popular storylines to his ability to transcend the time barrier,The Flashis one character that comic book readers cannot seem to get enough of.
There have been multiple characters who have taken on the mantle of the iconic superhero. The Flash has been directly involved in kickstarting a new era of DC Comics, alongside the recent popularity ofThe Flash in movies and television. All of this means that fans are eager to read more and more of the Flash. Yet, many stories of the iconic hero that deserve a read-through have gone under the radar.
8Flash: The Fastest Man Alive - Lightning In A Bottle
Kicking things off is a Bart Allen story. Barry’s grandson Bart, especially as The Flash, is not covered a lot by DC Comics. In this story, Bart Allen rapidly ages and is stripped of his powers following theInfinity Crisis.Some time later, Bart regains is power but comes across numerous issues ranging from an internal crisis to rapid aging.
Bart has to overcome the many challenges that plague him. In his quest for doing that, readers get to know more about Bart Allen, both as an individual and as The Flash. Overall, this is a fantastic storyline for fans of The Flash wanting to expand on their knowledge of the hero.
7The Flash: Out of Time
Out of Timeis a gritty and dark Flash story. In this comic, The Flash overcomes numerous challenges that are surrounding him, such as guidingWally Westand taking care of the newly emerging villains following the Crime Syndicate’s end. In the midst of all this, another version of theFlash has emerged from the futurelooking to kill the current Flash to ensure the same mistakes that lead to the deaths of many are not repeated.
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This story is a deep dive into The Flash’s mind and how he has to navigate through so many hurdles all at once. It also gives fans a look at things that can drive The Flash to the point of wanting to kill his past self, and goes in-depth about the powers the hero possesses.
6DC Rebirth One Shot
Much likeThe New 52,it was The Flash that kicked offDC Rebirth.In theRebirth One Shot, fans are shown Wally West as he is trapped in the speed force. Here Wally tries to get in contact with the people he knew so that he could be jerked out of the speed force. He also notices how the world has lost 10 years and how everything seems to have changed.
What follows is a very emotional story about Wally and his relationship with Barry Allen, the events ofThe New 52,and the beginning ofDC Rebirth.This is also an excellent jumping-on point for new readers looking for a place to start readingDC Comics.
5The Flash: The Return of Barry Allen
In this story, Barry Allen, who is supposed to be dead, returns home to Wally West as if nothing happened to him. From the very first conversation since Barry’s return, Wally is wary that something feels off.
What follows is a tense story full of drama, suspicion, and a lot of emotions. The story also features (technically) three generations of The Flash: Jay Garrick, Barry Allen, and Wally West. All in all,The Return of Barry Allenis a gripping Flash tale every fan should read at least once.
4The Flash: Crossfire
Crossfireis a tense and fun read written by the maestro, Geoff Johns. In this comic, several members of the Flash’s gallery of rogues come together to take over the city of Keystone. As if this was not enough, there is a new threat looming on the horizon that goes by the name of The Thinker, a virus that is slowly taking over the minds of Keystone’s inhabitants.
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In this fast-paced story, fans get to see The Flash navigate through two major issues at once. Glimpses of the hero’s unending grit and determination are shown. The spectacular artwork complements the plot greatly. Overall, this serves as an excellent standalone story every fan of the hero should read.
3Life Story of The Flash
Written by Mark Waid,The Life Story of The Flashcovers the entire life of The Flash in the words of his lover, Iris Allen. In this story, Iris details the life of The Flash from his upbringing as a curious, smart child to his work with the police force to him embracing the mantle of The Flash to his death.
This is a very emotional story that is full of beautiful writing and serves as an excellent way of getting to know the storyline around Barry Allen’s The Flash. For fans looking for a non-typical comic centered around the Flash, one that is not written as an action-fueled story but rather an emotional homage, this is the book to read.
2The Flash: Day In The Life
Issue 134 of 1987’s Morrison’sThe Flashtells the story of Jay Garrick substituting for Wally West as The Flash for a day. Suitably titledDay in The Life,in this issue viewers get to see Jay Garrick as he ventures out with Wally and Nightwing and ends up fighting one of The Flash’s most iconic rogues, Captain Cold. This comic does an excellent job of introducing new readers to the oldest Flash and still holds up really well to this day.
1The Flash: Rogue War
The title of this story explains everything fans should know before reading it. InRogue War,The Flash encounters the Rogue Gallery and has to work at the peak of his capabilities to protect Keystone city. A tense and gripping tale,Rogue Waris a must-read for fans of the hero, especially those looking to read more about the Rogues.
