10 Best The Flash Covers That Changed Comic History

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Since first appearing in 1940, the Flash – whether it’s Jay Garrick, Barry Allen, or Wally West – has become one of DC Comics’ most recognizable heroes. He essentially created the idea of the super-fast superhero, and has been central to some of the biggest moments and shifts in comic book storytelling, from major events to new ideas and a changing tone. Many of these changes are powerfully shown on the Flash’s covers, which brilliantly capture his incredible speed, often making it seem like he’s leaping off the page.

Comic book covers need to be eye-catching to encourage sales. The Flash comics have always succeeded at this thanks to their imaginative artwork and dynamic action, making them some of the most recognizable and influential covers in comic book history.

10) The Flash (Vol. 1) #174

The Rogues are among the Flash’s most famous enemies, so when they returned after their initial appearance, artists Carmine Infantino and Murphy Anderson wanted to emphasize how significant this comeback was. In The Flash (Vol. 1) #174, they created a powerful image: Mirror Master, Captain Boomerang, Heatwave, Top, Pied Piper, and Captain Cold are shown sitting on top of the comic’s title, looking down at a defeated Flash. It’s a striking visual to see the Flash – a hero known for his speed – lying unconscious while his enemies symbolically take control of his identity. This image has become iconic and has been referenced by many other comic artists as a brilliant way to show just how vulnerable the Flash was.

9) Flashpoint #1

A single error by Barry Allen triggered one of the most significant and unsettling timelines in DC Comics history. The cover of Flashpoint #1, drawn by Andy Kubert, powerfully depicts the Flash racing forward, electricity surging through him and ripping his costume apart. Behind him, above a cityscape, stand the menacing figures of Cyborg, Batman, Wonder Woman, and Aquaman, all dramatically altered in this bleak new reality. Adding to the drama, ominous red lightning flashes behind them. This striking cover foreshadows the dark world of Flashpoint, which ultimately led to the New 52 reboot of the DC Universe.

8) The Flash (Vol. 4) #1

The fourth volume of The Flash began with issue #1, which reintroduced Barry Allen into the DC Universe after the ‘Flashpoint’ event and its resulting reboot, known as the New 52. This issue, created by Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato, is considered one of the most memorable covers of the New 52. It powerfully depicts the Flash – Barry Allen – fearlessly racing into this new reality, surrounded by crackling energy. The cover’s close-up perspective makes the image feel immediate and emphasizes Barry’s speed and resolve. It’s a fresh start for the character and series, and true to form, the Flash is charging forward.

7) The Flash (Vol. 1) #163

The cover of The Flash #163, created by Carmine Infantino, is famous for its playful breaking of the fourth wall – directly addressing the reader. Against a dark backdrop, The Flash reaches out and urgently asks the viewer to read the comic, claiming his life depends on it. This bold and humorous marketing tactic proved successful and has been referenced multiple times, even appearing on a variant cover for Absolute Flash #1. Writer Grant Morrison has credited this cover with inspiring him to embrace more fantastical and imaginative storytelling, moving away from gritty realism.

6) The Flash: Rebirth #1

When Barry Allen, the Flash, came back to life after being gone for 23 years, DC Comics highlighted his return with the comic The Flash: Rebirth #1. The cover art, by Ethan Van Sciver and Moose Baumann, powerfully captures this moment. It’s a close-up of Barry putting on his boots, getting ready to be the Flash again. He looks incredibly determined, and electric energy bursts across the page like a powerful storm, especially from his eyes and costume. The cover perfectly shows how much power Barry has accumulated during his time away, and that he’s now ready to take action with incredible force.

5) Superman (Vol. 1) #199

While the Flash is well-known for his speed, Superman is famously faster than a speeding bullet. For years, fans debated who was really the fastest, and the cover of Superman (Vol. 1) #199 seemed to finally offer an answer. The artwork by Carmine Infantino and Murphy Anderson brilliantly shows the importance of this race, with Superman and the Flash speeding forward before a packed stadium of cheering fans—even other superheroes are shown supporting their favorite. The cover perfectly captures an epic moment, launching a long-running trend of races between the two heroes.

4) Crisis on Infinite Earths #8

Issue eight of this amazing series was a key part of the Crisis on Infinite Earths storyline, and it shocked readers by seemingly killing off Barry Allen, the Flash, for twenty years. The cover, illustrated by George Perez, powerfully shows the Flash making a last stand amidst chaos and fire, holding the defeated villain Psycho Pirate. He’s looking up with determination at the massive Anti-Monitor, who is so large that only his legs are visible. This cover became instantly iconic and is frequently referenced by artists because it perfectly foreshadowed huge changes not just for the Flash’s world, but for the entire DC Universe.

3) Flash Comics #1

When comics first became popular, the debut issue of Flash Comics #1 introduced Jay Garrick, the very first superhero with super speed – known as the Flash. Illustrated by Harry Lampart, the cover shows Jay, dressed like the Roman god Mercury, running fast enough to catch a bullet before it could harm his girlfriend, Joan Williams. But Jay wasn’t the only new hero on that cover. It also featured glimpses of other stories within the comic, including the first appearances of Golden Age heroes Hawkman and Johnny Thunder, alongside characters like the Whip and Cliff Cornwall.

2) Showcase #4

As a comic book fan, I always think back to 1956 when people talk about the Silver Age truly beginning. It all kicked off with the cover of Showcase #4, illustrated by Carmine Infantino. That image of Barry Allen, the new Flash, literally bursting out of a film reel? Iconic. For 16 years, Jay Garrick had been the Flash, but Barry was one of the first DC heroes to inherit a legacy. And what an introduction! That bright red suit and that dynamic pose—he just leaps off the cover at you. Most fans agree that Showcase #4 really marks the start of the Silver Age, largely because of its lighter, more science-fiction focused approach, and that cover really embodies that shift.

1) The Flash (Vol. 1) #123

The cover of The Flash (Vol. 1) #123 is one of the most famous in comic book history, largely because it introduced the idea of the multiverse – multiple universes existing at the same time – and fundamentally changed superhero stories. Illustrated by Carmine Infantano, the cover depicts a construction worker being saved from a falling beam by two Flashes – Barry Allen and Jay Garrick – racing to the rescue. It brilliantly visualized what a crossover event could look like. This image has been copied many times, as it perfectly represents the idea of different versions of the same character meeting. Ultimately, this cover launched the multiverse concept in superhero media, opening up endless possibilities for new stories.

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2026-02-09 22:15