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The most famous speedster superhero of all time, the Flash, is a hero who has traversed all of time and space while remaining emotionally grounded. From adventures across the multiverse to deep familial dramas, these are the Flash’s most fantastic storylines.
10) “The Death of Iris West”
In one of the Flash’s darkest storylines, “The Death of Iris West” concerns the murder of Barry’s wife, Iris. The trauma of Iris’ death sends Barry spiraling as he desperately tries to uncover who killed her. It’s eventually revealed that Iris’ killer is none other than Eobard Thawne, the Reverse-Flash. Barry’s grief and drive for revenge lead to him fighting the Justice League and even begging Green Lantern to try to resurrect Iris. “The Death of Iris West” is a heartbreaking story about loss and the death of the Flash’s most iconic love interest. The story has had a long-lasting impact on future Flash storylines and has cemented the Reverse-Flash’s role as Barry’s archnemesis.
9) “Rogue War”
The blue-collar supervillain team, the Rogues, are a collection of some of the Flash’s most three-dimensional foes. In “Rogue War,” the Rogues engage in a conflict among themselves that threatens to tear Keystone City apart. In the story, reformed members of the Rogues work with the FBI to apprehend the Rogues who haven’t given up their criminal ways. Obviously, the non-reformed Rogues won’t go quietly, and it leads to an all-out war between the two groups. Wally tries to stop the battle between the Rogues before someone gets killed. However, things get worse when two Reverse-Flashes, Hunter Zolomon and Eobard Thawne, team up against the Scarlet Speedster. “Rogue War” is the perfect send-off for Geoff Johns’ time writing the Flash stories.
8) “Blitz”
When Wally West became the new Flash, it was only a matter of time until he had his own Reverse-Flash nemesis. In “Blitz,” Wally refuses to change the past to undo the paralysis of his friend, Hunter Zolomon. The rejection causes Zolomon to snap. After an accident, he transforms into the time-manipulating speedster supervillain Zoom. With his new powers, Zoom dedicates his life to inflicting horrible tragedies on Wally in a demented calculus that they will make Wally a better hero. From Zoom’s incalculable speed and knowledge of Wally’s secret identity, Wally must push himself like never before to keep his loved ones safe. “Blitz” is a harrowing story full of tragedy and suspense that introduces one of the Flash Family’s deadliest adversaries.
7) “Born to Run”
After the Crisis on Infinite Earths rebooted the DC Universe and saw the death of Barry Allen, “Born to Run” modernized Wally West’s origin story and showed his transformation into the new Flash. The story centers around Wally reminiscing about his origin and evolution into the latest Scarlet Speedster. He recalls how he first got his powers and became his uncle Barry’s protégé, Kid Flash, and the many emotional and physical challenges that he faced. Additionally, in “Born to Run,” Wally deals with the loss of his mentor while questioning if he’s worthy enough to carry on the Flash legacy. Not only does this story retell Wally’s origin, but it also tells a heartfelt story that defines Wally’s new role as DC Comics’ new Flash.
6) Rebirth
Twenty years after his death during Crisis on Infinite Earths, Barry Allen finally returns to DC Comics. Barry then quickly makes a significant impact with his first storyline: Rebirth. After his resurrection during Final Crisis, Barry tries to find his place in a world that has changed since his death. Barry isn’t the only person who makes a comeback, as Eobard Thawne returns and drops one of the most impactful twists in Flash history. Eobard reveals that through time travel, he was the one who murdered Barry’s mother and framed his father when the hero was a child. Rebirth is an incredible story that introduces Barry to new readers while also tackling essential themes of life, death, and rebirth.
