The Flash #10 (2016) – The Speed of Darkness, Part One
📚 Genre
Superhero, Action, Mystery, Drama
🧑🎤 Main Characters
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Barry Allen / The Flash – The Scarlet Speedster, protector of Central City, and mentor to Kid Flash.
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Wally West / Kid Flash – Barry’s eager new sidekick, struggling to harness his powers and find his place as a hero.
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The Shade (Richard Swift) – A mysterious villain with control over shadows, originating from Opal City, making a dark return.
✍️ Writer
Joshua Williamson – Known for his deep understanding of legacy characters, Williamson brings emotional complexity and high-stakes storytelling to The Flash series.
🎨 Artist
Felipe Watanabe – His expressive line work and dynamic layouts bring both the speed of action and the eerie calm of darkness to life in this issue.
🧑💼 Editor Details
Brian Cunningham – Senior editor overseeing The Flash during this run, ensuring narrative cohesion and character development throughout the Rebirth era.
🏢 Publisher and Brand
DC Comics
Imprint: DC Rebirth – Re-establishing classic continuity while modernizing characters and relationships, Rebirth was a pivotal moment in revitalizing the DC Universe.
📅 Release Year
2016
🧩 Brief Plot Summary
The Flash #10 kicks off the “Speed of Darkness” arc as a mysterious and long-absent villain, The Shade, returns to Central City. Shadows creep over the city as Barry Allen begins investigating strange phenomena linked to this enigmatic figure. Meanwhile, Wally West—still adjusting to his role as Kid Flash—desperately wants to prove himself to his mentor. But as the darkness spreads, it becomes clear that this is no ordinary threat. Barry and Wally must unite to confront a powerful force that feeds off fear and shadow... and they may not be prepared for what lies ahead. 🌑⚡
🧵 Notable Arcs or Storylines
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Speed of Darkness (Part 1 of 3) – A significant story arc that explores the relationship between Barry and Wally while delving into lesser-known villains like The Shade. This arc also lays foundational character growth for Kid Flash.
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The Rise of Kid Flash – The narrative deepens Wally West’s internal struggle and growth, which becomes a recurring subplot throughout the Rebirth series.
🌀 Fan Theories or Interpretations
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The Shade’s True Intentions – Some fans speculate that The Shade might not be a true villain in this arc but a misunderstood antihero trying to control an even greater threat from the Shadowlands.
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Wally’s Connection to the Shadow Realm – A few theories suggest that Wally’s unique speed energy might be attracting darkness from unknown dimensions, hinting at future meta-human evolution or ties to multiversal forces.
⭐ Review Summary
The Flash #10 delivers a captivating blend of supernatural mystery and emotional character development. Joshua Williamson continues to prove his mastery over pacing and legacy characters, while Felipe Watanabe’s artwork immerses readers in a Central City teetering on the edge of darkness. The tension between Barry’s mentorship and Wally’s drive for independence is heartfelt and authentic. With shadowy visuals, smart dialogue, and eerie suspense, this issue sets the tone for an unforgettable arc. A must-read for Flash fans! ⚡🕶️🌌
Catch the speed. Feel the darkness.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
