The Scarlet Speedster
The Flash has been one of DC's most recognizable superheroes for decades, but there's much more to the character than simply running incredibly fast. Different versions of the Flash have appeared across comics, television, animation, and movies, with Barry Allen and Wally West becoming especially important to the character's history. From the Speed Force to some truly ridiculous applications of super-speed, the Flash has accumulated plenty of fascinating facts along the way.
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1. Jay Garrick Was The First Flash
Most people know Barry Allen or even Wally West as the Flash, but Jay Garrick was actually the first. He showed up in 1940 in the first issue of Flash Comics. Unlike later Flashes, Jay originally gained his abilities through an unusual accident involving hard-water vapors.
2. Barry Allen Arrived In 1956
Barry Allen became the second Flash when he debuted in 1956. Like Jay, he got hit with chemicals and lightning, which caused him to gain super-speed. The accident gave him super-speed and helped launch the Silver Age of comic books.
3. Wally West Started As Kid Flash
When Wally West first became a superhero, he was Barry's sidekick known as Kid Flash. He gained similar powers after an accident involving the same type of chemicals and lightning that had transformed Barry. Wally eventually became the Flash himself, making him one of the most important successors in the character's history.
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4. The Speed Force Explains His Powers
As mentioned before, super-speed isn't only having super-fast legs. The Speed Force is a form of energy that gives the Flash many of his abilities. Some of these can range from just moving faster to traveling through time and crossing dimensions.
5. He Can Run On Water
Running across land is easy when you can run so fast, but the Flash can also run across water. Due to the amount of speed he can go, he is able to travel on top of water. This will allow him to never worry about running into rivers again.
6. His Brain Can Process Information Quickly
Not only does the Flash have super-speed legs, but he also has a super-fast brain. That's why a Flash story can involve him making complicated decisions in situations that would be over almost instantly for everyone else.
7. He Can Vibrate Through Objects
Because he can vibrate his body so fast, he is able to phase through certain objects. By doing this, he can sometimes pass through solid objects instead of simply crashing into them. The technique has become such a familiar part of his power set that phasing through walls is almost as recognizable as running fast.
8. The Flash Has Traveled Through Time
At high enough speeds, the Flash can travel through time. Barry Allen's actions involving time have also had enormous consequences for the DC Universe, most famously in Flashpoint. Time travel is therefore much more than a convenient trick for the character, since it has played a major role in his stories.
9. His Costume Has A Special History
The red suit is one of many costumes that Barry Allen has worn. Throughout the years, there have been modifications to the suit to help the Flash out in the real world. But the lightning bolts are something he always has on his suit.
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10. His Super-Speed Can Create A Tornado
By going around in circles at high speed, the Flash can cause a tornado. This is one of many things the Flash can do. Not only can he get somewhere really quickly, he can use that power for good.
11. He Has A Famous Rival Named Reverse-Flash
One of the Flash's greatest nemeses is the Reverse-Flash. Eobard Thawne became very infatuated with Barry Allen and wanted to know more. This has led to some interesting relationships in the world of the Flash.
12. Gorilla Grodd Is One Of His Strangest Enemies
You probably never knew that one of the Flash's villains was a gorilla. Gorilla Grodd is an intelligent gorilla with telepathic powers. So if you're wondering if the Flash has any weird villains, here is one.
13. The Flash Has A Huge Rogues Gallery
Some of the Flash's villains are Captain Cold, Heat Wave, Mirror Master, Weather Wizard, Captain Boomerang, and the list goes on. Many of which became rogues themselves. Some of the villains are able to take down the Flash by using certain weapons and powers.
14. Captain Cold Isn't Actually A Speedster
Even though Captain Cold doesn't have super-speed, he can still take down the Flash. Using his cold gun, he's able to control temperatures around him, which can affect the Flash. So it's safe to say that he's one of the Flash's biggest villains.
15. The Flash Is A Founding Justice League Member
Barry Allen has been one of the main members of the Justice League for most of its lifetime in the comics. His speed makes him useful for everything from rescuing civilians to gathering information during a crisis. He also brings a more lighthearted personality to many team stories.
16. Barry Allen Is A Forensic Scientist
Barry's day job is as a forensic scientist. He's traditionally portrayed as a forensic scientist working with the Central City Police Department. His scientific knowledge often helps him investigate unusual cases rather than relying solely on his superhero abilities.
17. Central City Is His Home
Central City is strongly associated with the Flash, particularly Barry Allen's version of the character. The fictional city has served as the setting for many of his adventures and for his work as a forensic scientist. Unlike Gotham City and Metropolis, Central City is especially tied to the Flash's scientific and speed-focused corner of the DC Universe.
18. He Has Appeared In Many Different Media
The Flash has appeared in comic books, animated series, live-action television, and feature films. Different adaptations have put their own spin on Barry Allen, Wally West, and other speedsters. That variety has helped introduce the character to audiences who might never have picked up a comic book.
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19. The Flash Has Been Part Of Major DC Events
Over the years, the Flash and others who have super-speed have been involved in big DC events. From Crisis on Infinite Earths to Flashpoint. The Flash is always an asset when it comes to time and dimensions.
20. There Isn't Just One Flash
The last thing to know about the Flash is that there are many who can call themselves the Flash. Jay Garrick, Barry Allen, Wally West, and other characters have carried the name at different points in DC history. Each version has brought different personality traits and storylines to the role, which is one reason the Flash has remained such a lasting part of superhero comics.
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