Grant Gustin has been speeding on the screens as the Flash in the CW series of the same name. He has been filling some pretty big (bright yellow) boots. Barry Allen was the forerunner of a new generation of superheroes when he first appeared in 1956’s Showcase # 4, revolutionizing the creation of DC Comics’ Justice League of America. The comics was, in fact so successful it led to the creation of the entire Marvel Universe. Now we introduce to you the best Flash comics that have been handpicked from generations of comics.
But before that, let me remind you that there are so many different incarnations of the character – Jay Garrick, the original Flash, Barry Allen, the version in the current comics and TV show; Wally West who took on the role for multiple decades after Barry’s assumed death; Bart Allen, a time-travelling descendant of Barry from the 31st century – and yet, so few “iconic” stories centering around the character.
Without further ado, here are some of the best Flash comics that you need to read.
The Flash #1-24 (2011-2014)
The first couple of years of the current series featuring the character are the best groundwork one could find for the now running show. Not only you will get to meet Barry Allen, Iris West, and the various Rogues terrorizing Central City, you’ll also find some theorizing about quite how the Flash’s powers work.
That’s how we categorize it as one of the best Flash comics.
How to read it: Available in digitally and in print collections.
The Early Years (1956-1961)
As mentioned previously, the first years of the Barry Allen character held a particular importance to superhero comics and the superhero genre in general. Beyond all that, it is a lot of fun to read it. This is literally how it all began.
How to read it: Available digitally and in print collections as Showcase Presents: The Flash.
The Flash: The Return of Barry Allen (1993)
Arguably the most loved era for the Flash came after the “death” of Barry Allen in 1985’s Crisis on Infinite Earths series. It was when former sidekick Wally West took over the role of the Flash. Less than a year into his time of the series, Mark Waid (the writer) toyed with fans’ affections – and their mids- by appearing to bring Barry back from the dead, only for him to be a jerk.
This is undoubtedly a master piece and one of the best Flash comics ever written.
How to read it: Available digitally and in a print collection.
The Flash: Terminal Velocity (1994-1995)
This like the above story, is another Waid story, and another sequence that focuses on the idea of the Flash as a legacy position. Terminal Velocity revisits Wally West’s origins before propelling him towards his death, which means he needs to find and train his replacement. And at exactly the same time a terrorist organization launches a plan to freak out the world, if not outright subjugate the human race.
Although it is not a time-travel story, but it explores the consequences of such things in an impressive, exciting manner. This is what it makes a wonderful collection to the best Flash comics.
How to read it: Available digitally and in a print collection.
The Trial of The Flash (1983-1984)
Here is one for those looking to a deep dive into Flash history. The final couple of years of the original Flash series contained one the strangest, most drawn-out stories of the character’s 50-plus year career, in which the character killed one of his villains and went on trial for murder as result. And if that wasn’t enough, the Flash was given an entirely new face by super-intelligent gorillas. While the main plot is a twisty, turned messy at times, the storyline as a whole is a wonderful summary of what the Flash series has become by the point.
How to read it: Available in a print collection.