DC Comics

The Flash #1 (2016)

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by Books August 02, 2025
The Flash #1 (2016)


The Flash #1 (2016) – A Surge of Speed and Mystery Strikes Central City ⚡

Genre

Superhero, Action, Sci-Fi, Mystery

Main Characters

  • Barry Allen / The Flash – The Scarlet Speedster and forensic scientist

  • August Heart / Godspeed (Debuts later in arc) – A new speedster with unknown origins

  • Iris West – Investigative journalist and Barry’s longtime confidante

  • Wally West (New 52) – A young speedster-in-training

  • Captain Singh – Barry’s boss at CCPD

Writer

Joshua Williamson – Known for his sharp pacing and deep character insights, Williamson revitalizes Barry Allen’s journey by introducing new layers of emotional tension and mysterious powers.

Artist

Carmine Di Giandomenico – With a kinetic art style perfectly suited for a speedster tale, Di Giandomenico blends speed, color, and emotion in every frame.

Editor

Brian Cunningham – Oversees the launch of the Rebirth line and ensures continuity with legacy storytelling while keeping new readers engaged.

Publisher and Brand

DC Comics
Brand: DC Universe: Rebirth

Release Year

📅 2016

Brief Plot Summary

When a lightning storm unlike any other hits Central City, it brings with it more than just thunder and chaos. Barry Allen is stretched thin as he juggles his dual life as a forensic scientist and the Flash. But things take a sharp turn when a mysterious new speedster appears in the aftermath of the storm. As Barry investigates this new arrival, he must come to terms with the fact that speed may no longer be his alone—and that power, in the wrong hands, can quickly spiral into devastation.

Notable Arcs or Storylines

  • “Lightning Strikes Twice” (Beginning here) – This arc kicks off a major event where multiple citizens gain speedster powers. It introduces Godspeed, one of Barry’s most personal and morally complex enemies.

  • Explores the consequences of spreading the Speed Force across Central City.

  • Begins the mentorship dynamic between Barry and Wally West.

Fan Theories or Interpretations

🧠 Some fans speculate that the storm was not natural but triggered by deeper forces within the Speed Force itself—perhaps linked to the mysterious entity hinted at in DC Universe: Rebirth #1.
đŸ’„ Others believe Godspeed represents a darker reflection of Barry—a "what if" scenario had Barry ever been driven by vengeance rather than justice.
🔍 Iris West's early observations on Barry's secret life fuel theories that she may uncover his identity sooner than expected in this timeline.

Review Summary

The Flash #1 (2016) is a thrilling start to a fresh chapter in Barry Allen’s legacy. Joshua Williamson's writing balances heartfelt introspection with superhero spectacle, while Carmine Di Giandomenico’s art crackles with dynamic energy, capturing the essence of speed in a way that feels both fluid and frantic. The introduction of new speedsters raises compelling questions about power, responsibility, and identity. With emotionally grounded storytelling and visual flair, this issue sets a high bar for the Rebirth era.

⭐ Rating: 9/10
🎹 Best For Fans Of: Speed Force lore, character-driven superhero arcs, and visually dynamic comic storytelling.


Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)

The Flash #1 (2016)
Language : English