10 Best Flash Stories in DC Comics History

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First appearing in 1940, the Flash is a long-standing and beloved superhero from DC Comics. For over 85 years, Flash stories have been innovative and groundbreaking, constantly expanding the possibilities of the comic book medium. Several heroes have famously taken on the role of the Flash, including Jay Garrick, Barry Allen, and Wally West, each bringing their own distinct experiences and challenges. These speedsters, along with other members of the Flash Family, have been central to some of DC’s most memorable and moving stories, playing a key role in the development of the DC Universe.

The Flash, arguably the most well-known superhero with super speed, is remarkable for staying relatable despite his incredible adventures through time and space. His stories range from epic journeys across different universes to touching personal stories about his family – here are some of his best.

10) “The Death of Iris West”

One of the most difficult stories in The Flash’s history centers around the murder of Barry Allen’s wife, Iris West. Her death deeply traumatizes Barry, driving him to find her killer. It’s eventually revealed that the villainous Reverse-Flash, Eobard Thawne, was responsible. Consumed by grief and a desire for revenge, Barry clashes with the Justice League and even pleads with Green Lantern to bring Iris back to life. “The Death of Iris West” is a powerfully sad story about loss and the death of Flash’s most famous love. It has significantly impacted future Flash comics and firmly established the Reverse-Flash as Barry’s greatest enemy.

9) “Rogue War”

The Rogues, a group of compelling villains who often battle the Flash, find themselves at war with each other in the story “Rogue War.” Some Rogues have tried to reform and are now working with the FBI to stop their former teammates from continuing their criminal activities. This leads to a full-scale conflict between the two factions. As the battle escalates, Wally West (the Flash) attempts to prevent anyone from getting hurt. The situation becomes even more dangerous when two versions of Reverse-Flash join forces against him. “Rogue War” is considered a fitting conclusion to Geoff Johns’ run writing The Flash comics.

8) “Blitz”

When Wally West took on the role of the Flash, it wasn’t long before he gained his own arch-enemy, much like his predecessor. This enemy is Zoom, who was originally Hunter Zolomon, a friend of Wally’s. Wally refused to go back in time to fix an accident that paralyzed Hunter, which drove Hunter to madness. After a freak accident, Hunter gained the ability to control time and became the supervillain Zoom. Zoom then dedicated his life to tormenting Wally, believing that by inflicting terrible tragedies, he could somehow make Wally a stronger hero. Because Zoom is incredibly fast and knows Wally’s secret identity, Wally must reach his limits to protect those he cares about. “Blitz” is a suspenseful and tragic story that introduces one of the Flash’s most dangerous foes.

7) “Born to Run”

Following the major reboot of the DC Universe with Crisis on Infinite Earths and the death of Barry Allen, the story “Born to Run” updated Wally West’s beginnings and showed how he became the new Flash. The narrative focuses on Wally reflecting on his journey – how he gained his powers, became Kid Flash under his uncle Barry’s guidance, and the difficulties he overcame. Importantly, “Born to Run” also explores Wally grappling with the loss of his mentor and questioning whether he’s capable of living up to the Flash’s legacy. Ultimately, this story isn’t just a retelling of Wally’s origin; it’s a moving story that establishes his identity as DC Comics’ new Flash.

6) Rebirth

After being presumed dead for twenty years – a fate met during the Crisis on Infinite Earths event – Barry Allen, the Flash, returned to DC Comics. He immediately played a key role in the Rebirth storyline. Following his revival during Final Crisis, Barry struggled to adjust to a world that had moved on without him. The return wasn’t just for Barry; his nemesis, Eobard Thawne, also reappeared, delivering a shocking revelation: he had traveled back in time to kill Barry’s mother and wrongly accuse his father when Barry was a child. Rebirth is a compelling story that both welcomes new readers to the Flash and explores powerful ideas about life, death, and new beginnings.

5) “Terminal Velocity”

The storyline “Terminal Velocity” is a pivotal moment for the Flash, shaping many core elements of the character’s history. It centers around Wally West’s desperate attempt to save his girlfriend, Linda Park, after he foresees her death. This is complicated by a plot from the terrorist group Kobra, who target Linda because of her investigation into their dangerous earthquake weapon. The story also introduces Bart Allen, Barry Allen’s grandson from the future, as the energetic new hero Impulse. Beyond the action, “Terminal Velocity” expands the mythology of the Speed Force, defining it as its own dimension, and solidifies the Flash Family’s bonds, establishing Wally as a key leader within the group.

4) Flashpoint

The story Flashpoint marked the end of the New Earth era for DC Comics and launched the New 52, a complete reimagining of their universe. It begins with Barry Allen, the Flash, waking up in a drastically different reality. In this new timeline, his mother is alive, but he doesn’t have his superpowers. The world is completely altered—Superman grew up in captivity, Batman is actually Thomas Wayne, and Wonder Woman and Aquaman are locked in a devastating war. Barry soon realizes he caused this fractured timeline by traveling back in time to save his mother. Flashpoint is a powerful and impactful story, widely considered one of the most important in DC Comics history.

3) “A Flash of the Lightning”

As a huge Flash fan, “A Flash of the Lightning” is a story that really stuck with me. It’s part of the massive Crisis on Infinite Earths event that changed everything in the DC Universe. This is where Barry Allen, The Flash, faces off against the unbelievably powerful Anti-Monitor, a villain who wanted to wipe out all of reality with a doomsday machine. What makes it so heartbreaking – and legendary – is that Barry makes the ultimate sacrifice. He pushes himself further than ever before and runs into the Speed Force, destroying the machine and saving literally everything. It was a huge moment because Barry had been the Flash for so long, defining an era of comics. His death signaled the end of that era and the start of something new, and it paved the way for Wally West to become the next Flash. It’s a powerful story that still resonates with fans today.

2) “The Flash of Two Worlds”

Considered a landmark issue in comic book history, “The Flash of Two Worlds” first introduced the idea of a multiverse to superhero stories. It featured a meeting between Barry Allen, the Flash of the Silver Age, and Jay Garrick, the original Flash from the Golden Age. When Barry accidentally travels to another Earth, he joins forces with Jay to battle villains like the Shade, the Thinker, and the Fiddler. This story allowed DC Comics to bring back many of its classic Golden Age heroes, including the Justice Society of America, and kickstarted the popularity of crossover events. It was a groundbreaking and thrilling tale that fundamentally changed the superhero genre, and continues to inspire every multiverse story in comics today, all stemming from that first meeting of two Flashes from different eras and worlds.

1) “The Return of Barry Allen”

The story that truly established Wally West as the rightful heir to the Flash legacy is “The Return of Barry Allen.” After the Crisis on Infinite Earths, Barry Allen seemingly came back to life, but he was drastically changed – more anxious and aggressive. He even blamed Wally for taking over as the Flash. The shocking truth was revealed to be that it wasn’t Barry who had returned at all, but his enemy, Eobard Thawne, attempting to claim Barry’s heroic identity for himself. At a time when fans were unsure about Wally taking on the mantle, this story powerfully demonstrated why he deserved to be the next Flash.

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2026-02-05 21:16