The Flash made his debut in 1956, through the storyline in Showcase #4 by DC Comics. According to official information, Barry Allen is the second incarnation of The Flash in DC, following Jay Garrick from the Justice Society.
Barry Allen, known as “The Flash,” is considered one of the most iconic characters in DC, standing alongside Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. In the DC universe, The Flash is one of the superheroes endowed with the extraordinary power of super speed. Barry Allen is recognized by his distinctive red suit adorned with yellow lightning bolts across the chest and around the ears. Notably, Barry Allen’s costume can be fitted snugly around his physique.
Before becoming a superhero, Barry Allen worked as a forensic scientist. At that time, he often faced ridicule due to his habit of being overly reticent and slow to respond. One day during a storm, Barry was caught in an accident when a lightning bolt struck the chemicals he was working with. After the chemicals interacted with the lightning, Barry gained super speed, surpassing that of a normal human.
Furthermore, The Flash is characterized by the concept of “multiverse” specifically in DC and in superhero comics in general. During the event Crisis on Infinite Earths in 1985, The Flash sacrificed himself to save the multiverse. As a result, this character was absent from DC comics for 23 years until he officially returned in Final Crisis #2 in 2008.
Currently, The Flash is the fastest superhero on Earth. Barry Allen can run at speeds comparable to that of light, enabling him to access various abilities such as time travel, dimension hopping, thinking quickly, and even creating wormholes or phasing through solid objects. Additionally, his ability to move quickly also acts as a shield for Barry Allen against various forms of environmental hazards.
The character of The Flash – Barry Allen has also appeared in numerous adaptations on the big screen, with the most notable portrayals by Ezra Miller (in film) and Grant Gustin (in television). The character made his official film debut in 2017 through Justice League, followed by a standalone film “The Flash” released in 2023.
Barry Allen on screen is depicted as a charming and humorous individual, yet he harbors deep-seated pain. He has lost loved ones and struggles with his past, leading to a complex character arc. However, the quest for redemption has created a bright narrative point, leading to many unexpected events. This is also the central theme of the upcoming “The Flash,” which will feature iconic speedsters, including Supergirl and two versions of Batman played by Michael Keaton and Ben Affleck.
“The Flash” is scheduled to premiere on June 16.
