The 10 Greatest Flash Comic Book Runs, Ranked

As a die-hard comic book enthusiast who’s spent countless hours poring over the pages of my favorite superhero tales, I must say that Mark Waid’s run on The Flash is undeniably one of the most significant and captivating. Having grown up reading the adventures of Barry Allen and Wally West, witnessing their stories evolve under Waid’s pen was akin to watching a master painter refining his craft before my very eyes.

One of the enduring characters in DC Comics’ vast universe is The Flash, also known as the Scarlet Speedster. This character has been a part of their publication since 1940, just 18 months after Superman, without any intended pun. The original Flash was Jay Garrick, who debuted in Flash Comics #1. After a hiatus in 1952, the character underwent a transformation, featuring a new costume, a new identity, and a science fiction twist. The second Flash, Barry Allen, laid the foundation for a legacy that persists until now, encompassing two live-action TV series, a movie, and potentially a role in James Gunn’s upcoming DCU. As we await his appearance, consider immersing yourself in some influential Flash comic book series. Following is our ranking of the best to worst runs of The Flash comics from DC Comics.

10. Flash: The Fastest Man Alive by Danny Bilson, Paul DeMeo, and Marc Guggenheim

with Ken Lashley, Tony Daniel, Art Thibert

Ultimately, The Flash series created by Danny Bilson and Paul DeMeo had to rank last on the list, regrettably. These writers had an impressive background with The Flash when they took charge of launching Flash: The Fastest Man Alive in 2006, having served as showrunners for the Flash TV series from the ’90s. However, instead of focusing on Barry Allen like the original series did, this new series centered around Bart Allen, the former Impulse who had taken over as the new Flash following Wally West’s disappearance during the Infinite Crisis event series (or technically his death). Shortly after this, Barry’s future grandson and speedster teenager, Impulse, underwent a rapid maturation into adulthood, assuming the mantle of the fourth Flash.

In this particular run, a few intriguing ideas emerged, such as the Speed Force exclusively dwelling within Bart Allen himself. The artwork by Ken Lashley and others was certainly commendable. However, the narratives and new antagonists presented in this run were inconsistent. Not even acclaimed Arrowverse writer Marc Guggenheim could salvage it when he took over. Fans promptly implored DC to reinstate Wally, which they did. By the conclusion of this brief series, Bart Allen, the Flash, had met his demise, making him the quickest hero to don the name. Wally returned in a matter of months, and shortly after, DC resurrected Bart and reverted him back to being Impulse. As such, The Fastest Man Alive may well be the most overlooked Flash series ever.

Issues in Danny Bilson, Paul DeMeo, and Marc Guggenheim’s Flash run:

Flash: The Fastest Man Alive #1-13 (2006-2007)

9. The Flash (Vol.4) by Robert Venditti and Van Jensen

with Brett Booth

In the subsequent run of “The Flash,” penned by authors Robert Venditti and Van Jensen, built upon the popular stint of Francis Manapul. Although not an all-time classic, this phase offers enough engaging content to warrant reading. The artwork, skillfully crafted by penciler Brett Booth, imparts a distinct ’90s vibe, which isn’t necessarily a drawback. One of the standout aspects of this period in “The Flash” is the debut of a new Kid Flash. This fresh speedster sidekick goes by the name Wallace West, differing significantly from the adult Wally West. It wasn’t until several years later that the differences between these two Wallaces were fully explored. This run offers enjoyable tales involving Weather Wizard and the Reverse Flash, with no major character developments but a satisfying read overall.

Issues in Robert Venditti and Van Jensen’s Flash run:

The Flash vol. 4 #30-52 (2014-2016)

8. The Flash Vol. 2 by Grant Morrison and Mark Millar

with Paul Ryan, Pop Mhan

From 1997 to 1998, writer Mark Waid, having penned the tales of Wally West for five years, felt the need for a break. Thus, Grant Morrison, who was then working on Doom Patrol and JLA, together with an upcoming talent named Mark Millar, took charge of The Flash. Artists Paul Ryan from Fantastic Four (initially) and Pop Mhan later joined them. This team crafted a cosmic journey for Wally West that lasted for 12 issues. Additionally, this run included a crossover with Green Lantern and Green Arrow, who were both younger versions of heroes similar to Wally West at the time.

One of the best stories in this brief run, “The Human Race,” has Wally having to represent the Earth in a race that spans the entire cosmos. Another great storyline, “Emergency Stop,” has Wally breaking both of his legs, leaving the other speedsters to watch out for his hometown of Keystone City while he recovers. Speaking of the other speedsters, OG Flash Jay Garrick has a nice one-off story here, where he must face one of his Golden Age villains in an unexpected way. The coolest (and longest-lasting) contribution from this run is the Black Flash, the Speed Force’s embodiment of death. All in all, a very brief but extremely fun series of issues, written by two titans of the comics industry, both just having a good time with big concepts.

Issues in Grant Morrison and Mark Millar’s Flash run:

The Flash vol. 2 #130-141 (1997-1998)

7. The Flash (Vol.4) by Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato

Following the occurrences in 2011’s “Flashpoint”, Barry Allen rewrote the past, leading to a fresh timeline known as “the New 52” by DC Comics. To kick off this new era for The Flash, DC brought together the creative duo of writer/artist Francis Manapul and co-writer Brian Buccellato. As Manapul had previously worked with Geoff Johns on the pre-“Flashpoint” run of “The Flash”, he already had a solid background in speedster tales. His portrayal of Barry Allen was more youthful, free from the weight of past continuity or near-death experiences. This phase brought a refreshing change to the series, with its lively vibe despite echoes of classic Flash elements such as the Rogues, villainous speedsters, and familiar staples. However, Manapul’s artwork consistently shone, adding depth and quality to this short-lived run.

Issues in Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato’s Flash run:

The Flash Vol.4 #1-29 (2011-2014)

6. The Flash (Vol.5) by Joshua Williamson

with Carmine Di Giandomenico, Howard Porter, Rafa Sandoval, Christian Duce, Davide Gianfelice, Pop Mhan, Scott Kollins, Jesus Merino

In 2016, Joshua Williamson assumed writing responsibilities for “The Flash” during DC’s “Rebirth” period, a time that reinstated much of the traditional DC Universe narrative that was lost in the New 52 overhaul. Over 101 consecutive issues, Williamson became the longest-running writer on “The Flash.” During this stint, he introduced captivating new antagonists such as Paradox, enriched the character development of Eobard Thawne, aka the Reverse Flash, and delved deeper into the Speed Force mythology by introducing additional fundamental energies, including the Still Force and Strength Force. One of Williamson’s creative ideas was the Speed Force storm, which bestowed super speed upon several individuals, among them the intriguing new adversary Godspeed.

Similar to how a well-known DC superhero like Superman or Batman received a fresh, contemporary reinterpretation of their origin story with “Action Comics” or “Batman: Year One”, Williamson crafted a similar definitive modern tale for Barry Allen in “Flash: Year One”. Yet, the standout narrative from Williamson’s tenure was “Flash War”, where the two most renowned Flash characters, Barry and Wally, clashed. This epic confrontation ultimately decided who truly held the title of The Fastest Man Alive. Throughout his run, Williamson collaborated with numerous artists due to the book’s bi-weekly publication schedule. Notable among them were Carmine Di Giandomenico, Scott Kollins, and Howard Porter. However, the most successful creative partnership was between Williamson and Howard Porter. To sum it up, Williamson’s portrayal of Barry Allen is arguably the finest since the character’s resurrection.

Issues in Joshua Williamson’s Flash run:

The Flash: Rebirth Special #1, The Flash Vol. 5 #1-88, The Flash Vol. 1 #750-762

5. The Flash (Vol.2) by William Messner-Loebs

with Greg LaRocque

In the final installment of “Crisis on Infinite Earths” in 1985, Wally West, who was once Kid Flash, assumed the role of the Flash following Barry Allen’s selfless act to preserve the universe. However, when he got his own comic series about a year later, written by Mike Baron and illustrated by Butch Guice, Wally was portrayed as a playboy and an immature brat, which was quite unlikeable given that he was only 20 years old at the time. To make matters worse, they made him a lottery winner with a fortune, which didn’t win him many fans among readers. Fortunately, writer William Messner-Loebs took over “Flash” Vol. 2 from issue #15 onwards and began working to reform Wally’s character.

Throughout his time in this position, Wally developed friendships with some of his mentor’s sworn adversaries, as well as mended fences with previous enemies such as Chunk. He even began dating an intelligent and older woman who was a scientist. Under Messner-Loeb’s tutelage, Wally grew to value the slower pace of life thanks to an ordinary and elderly neighbor named Mason. Most of this period was illustrated by Greg LaRocque, and while his art wasn’t particularly dynamic, it effectively conveyed the story. This rendition of The Flash had a soap opera feel, but it laid the groundwork for more impressive runs to follow. Crucially, it made Wally West a character that readers could rally behind.

Issues in William Messner-Loebs’ Flash run:

The Flash Vol.2 #15-61 (1988-1992)

4. The Flash (Vol.1) by Cary Bates

with Irv Novick, Alex Saviuk, Don Heck, Carmine Infantino

In 1971, when Cary Bates assumed the role of writer for The Flash, the series had started to feel rather routine. The character’s rather one-dimensional personality no longer resonated with contemporary readers. Similar to Denny O’Neil and Neal Adams’ revitalization of Green Lantern, Bates injected the series with intense drama and significant shifts in the main character’s status quo. Bates, along with his frequent collaborators like Irv Novick, Alex Saviuk, and Carmine Infantino, steered Barry Allen’s life towards a grittier, more mature path. This transformation occurred during the comic book Bronze Age, a period spanning 14 years until the title’s cancellation in 1985.

The climax of the Bates comics series was reached when Eobard Thawne, also known as the Reverse Flash, brutally killed Barry’s wife Iris in cold blood. This act sparked a desire for revenge within the Flash, leading him to kill his long-time foe by breaking his neck. Unsurprisingly, this violent action was heavily criticized by the superhero community. The aftermath of this event initiated the intense “The Trial of the Flash” storyline, where our hero stood trial for first-degree murder. Later on, Barry would reconnect with his deceased wife in an extraordinary manner, as she was reborn in a new body a thousand years into the future. Bates’ tenure on the title came to an end just before Barry Allen made the ultimate sacrifice to save all reality during Crisis on Infinite Earths, but his impact on the Flash’s adventures will forever be remembered.

Issues in Cary Bates’ Flash run:

The Flash (Vol.1) #209–212, 216, 218–292, 294–305, 307–312, 314–350 (1971-1985)

3. The Flash (Vol.2) by Geoff Johns

with Scott Kollins, Howard Porter

I’ve always been captivated by the work of Geoff Johns, whose name became nearly synonymous with DC Comics throughout the 2000s. He penned unforgettable arcs for series like Teen Titans, JSA, and most notably, Green Lantern. However, it was his takeover of The Flash from writer Mark Waid in 2000 that first catapulted him into the limelight. In a relatively short span, he demonstrated himself to be a worthy successor to Waid’s already legendary run. During his stint, primarily collaborating with artists Scott Kollins and Howard Porter, he introduced a host of memorable new villains such as Cicada and Girder, broadening the rogues gallery. Simultaneously, he crafted a Flash nemesis for the ages in Hunter Zolomon, also known as Zoom, who was an adversary who held the belief that only tragedy could mold Wally West into a superior hero—so he endeavored to cause the tragedy himself by harming those dear to him.

In rapid sequence, compelling story arcs unfolded much like “Rogue War,” where the Flash’s primary adversaries clash with each other. At the conclusion of Johns’ tenure, he achieved what was once deemed impossible in DC comics – he resurrected Barry Allen, who had been deceased and buried for two decades, in the comic “Flash: Rebirth“. This narrative solidified the contemporary concept of Barry Allen experiencing his mother’s murder as a child, with his father falsely accused. Over eight years, Johns concluded his run on Flash by launching the first ongoing series featuring Barry Allen in three decades. This work not only influenced the Flash TV show and movie but also paved the way for “Flashpoint“. This event would ultimately reshape the entire DC Universe. The affection Johns had for Wally as a character and Flash lore is evident throughout every issue, making this one of the most outstanding runs for any incarnation of the Scarlet Speedster.

Issues in Geoff Johns’ Flash run:

From The Flash Volume 2, issues #164 to #225 (spanning the years 2000-2005), followed by The Flash: Rebirth issues #1 to #6 (published in 2009-2010), and then moving on to The Flash Volume 3 issues #1 to #12 (published from 2010-2011).

2. The Flash (Vol.1) by John Broome, Gardner Fox, and Carmine Infantino

1956 marked the beginning of the Silver Age in comics, led by DC Comics editor Julius Schwartz. During this time, he modernized the 40s super speedster hero, The Flash, for a contemporary audience. The new incarnation of the character was created by writers John Broome, Gardner Fox, and artist Carmine Infantino. Instead of college student Jay Garrick, the Flash was now Barry Allen, a police scientist. An incident involving chemicals and lightning in his lab transformed him into the speedy hero. As the Flash, he battled an array of colorful villains who would eventually become some of the most iconic in comics history. Simultaneously, he endeavored to balance his life with his reporter girlfriend, Iris West.

In the era when Gardner Fox, Julie Schwartz, and Carmine Infantino were at the helm of The Flash comic series (during what’s known as the Broome/Fox/Infantino run), the foundation for DC Comics’ Silver Age was laid. This period saw the introduction of concepts like the multiverse, Gorilla City, and updates to classic characters such as Green Lantern and Hawkman. As a direct result, the Justice League of America was formed. The stories were entertaining yet educational, with Gardner Fox incorporating “Flash Facts” or science tidbits for kids. Moreover, Carmine Infantino’s artwork surpassed that of most other DC Comics artists during this time. Despite Barry Allen being a bit one-dimensional and perhaps dull at times, the stories about “The Human Thunderbolt” established a blueprint for all future Flash storylines and remain enjoyable to read even decades later.

Issues in John Broome and Gardner Fox’s Flash run:

The Flash (Vol.1) #105-174 (1956-1967)

1. The Flash (Vol.2) by Mark Waid

with Greg LaRocque, Mike Wieringo, Oscar Jimenez, Salvador Larocca, Paul Ryan, Paul Pelletier

Mark Waid gained legendary status in the comics world due to his contributions on various titles such as “Kingdom Come.” However, it was his extended stint on “The Flash,” featuring Wally West, from 1992-2000 that truly set him apart. In this period, he introduced the concept of the Speed Force, a source of power for speedsters, which significantly impacted the Flash’s storyline in subsequent years, particularly on screen adaptations. Prior to Waid’s tenure, Wally West often felt overshadowed by the late Barry Allen and considered himself not as fast or heroic as “Saint Barry.” Waid transformed this narrative, highlighting that Wally is more than capable of being an exceptional Flash and even surpassing his predecessor. Moreover, he developed Linda Park, a character created by William Messner-Loebs, into the love of Wally’s life, his wife, and his anchor to reality.

In addition to other notable aspects, Waid’s tenure as writer introduced Bart Allen/Impulse, Wally’s cousin and protege, who later gained significant prominence. Notable stories in this period include “The Return of Barry Allen,” which saw Wally grappling with his heroic heritage, and “Terminal Velocity,” where the Speed Force was introduced, along with the enigmatic speedster cult leader Savitar. Other notable tales from Waid’s run include “The Dark Flash Saga,” introducing Walter West, an alternate Wally with a melancholic past, and “Chain Lightning,” which brought Barry Allen’s twin brother, Cobalt Blue, into play. The artists collaborating with Waid during this time, such as Mike Wieringo, Oscar Jimenez, Paul Pelletier, and others, admired his narrative approach. When people speak highly of Wally West as the greatest Flash, it is often in reference to this groundbreaking run.

Issues in Mark Waid’s Flash run:

The Flash (Vol.2) #62-129, 142-162 (1992-2000)

2024-12-24 03:33