DC Comics

The Flash #12 (2016)

Comic Books Library
by Comic Books Library August 06, 2025
The Flash #12 (2016)


The Flash #12 (2016) – A Dive into the Shadowlands

🌀 Genre

Superhero • Action • Mystery • Sci-Fi • Dark Fantasy

đŸ‘„ Main Characters

  • Barry Allen / The Flash – The Scarlet Speedster, DC's fastest hero, confronting a darkness unlike any he's faced before.

  • Wallace West / Kid Flash – The eager young hero grappling with his emerging powers and proving his worth in high-stakes danger.

  • The Shade (Richard Swift) – A morally ambiguous figure caught between heroism and darkness, desperately fighting to control the terrifying realm he draws power from—the Shadowlands.

✍️ Writer

Joshua Williamson – Known for his long-running work on The Flash, Williamson blends fast-paced action with psychological depth and character-driven storytelling. His ability to explore fear and redemption is at full strength in this arc.

🎹 Artist

Davide Gianfelice – With a dynamic and expressive art style, Gianfelice crafts the shadowy tone of the issue perfectly. His depictions of the Shadowlands and energy-charged motion sequences elevate the visual experience to match the story's urgency.

🧑‍đŸ’Œ Editor Details

  • Editor-in-Chief: Bob Harras

  • Group Editor: Brian Cunningham

  • Associate Editor: Amedeo Turturro

  • Their combined editorial vision maintains continuity while giving space for innovative storytelling within the Rebirth era.

🏱 Publisher and Brand

DC Comics – DC Rebirth
The Rebirth initiative sought to re-establish legacy, heart, and emotional connection across the DC Universe, and The Flash stands as one of its strongest titles in achieving this.

📅 Release Year

2016

📖 Brief Plot Summary

In The Flash #12, the third chapter of the “Speed of Darkness” storyline, Barry Allen and Wallace West must journey into the Shadowlands, a dimension brimming with living darkness. The Shade, once in control of this place, has lost his grip, and now the shadows threaten to pour into the real world. With time running out, the two speedsters confront not just external threats, but also internal fears, all while striving to save a man whose allegiance lies somewhere between light and dark.

đŸ§© Notable Arcs or Storylines

  • "Speed of Darkness" (Parts 1–3): This arc delves into the mystical and horror aspects of The Flash universe. It challenges the traditional speed-force-driven battles by introducing elements of supernatural terror and character introspection.

  • The storyline also acts as a key turning point in Kid Flash’s development, as he begins to step out from Barry’s shadow and confront real threats.

🧠 Fan Theories or Interpretations

Fans speculate that the Shadowlands may represent more than just a mystical realm—it could be a metaphor for the psychological "shadows" each character must confront. Some readers have drawn parallels between the Shade’s loss of control and Barry’s own fear of failure, especially when mentoring Wallace. Others suggest the Shadowlands might eventually play into future crossover events involving the multiverse, particularly given their unstable and reality-bending nature.

🌟 Review Summary

The Flash #12 excels in both narrative and visuals. Joshua Williamson’s writing dives deep into the themes of fear, legacy, and emotional vulnerability, especially highlighting the mentor-student dynamic between Barry and Wallace. The issue balances high-stakes action with strong character arcs. Davide Gianfelice’s art, especially the brooding depiction of the Shadowlands, is visually haunting and energetic at once. This installment stands out for its emotional resonance and atmospheric storytelling—making it a must-read for fans of supernatural superhero tales. ⚡đŸ–€


Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)

The Flash #12 (2016)
Language : English