A New Beginning

In the 40s, The Flash was a scientist named Jay Garrick, who inherited his ability from a chemical experience gone awry. For 9 years he starred in the comic books Flash Comics and All-Flash Quarterly. His regular series was ended as comic book sales nationwide sagged in the post-World War II climate of extreme conservatism. However, the concept of TheFlash was reimagined and released in 1956 with Showcase #4, when Barry Allen made his debut as a police scientist who had been given the gift of speed. Because it was so well-received by the public, Barry Allen took over his own book, The Flash, starting where the original Flash Comics series ended, number 105.

Showing the Ropes

Barry Allen's fiancee, Iris West, had a nephew that was the Flash's number one fan: Wally West. Promising to introduce the youngster to his idol, Barry Allen invited Wally to his police laboratory. Just then, as Barry was explaining the laboratory accident that created the Flash, a bolt of lightning crashed in through the window, striking the child and sending him into the same array of chemicals that gave Barry his powers. To their astonishment, Wally then inherited the same gift of speed that Barry had, and decided to become the Flash's sidekick, Kid Flash.

Taking up the Mantle

The series continued for 25 years, with both Wally and Barry showing little signs of change through the rolling decades. But when DC Comics decided to allow Barry Allen to die in the cataclysmic Crisis on Infinite Earths (See DC History) Wally was left heartbroken. As a tribute to his mentor and father-figure, Wally took up the ring and costume of Barry Allen, and once the world new the speed and excitement of The Flash.