Henry Allen

A forensic chemist who became a speedster after a lightning strike reshaped the DC Universe.

Bartholomew Henry 'Barry' Allen is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, serving as the second character known as the Flash. Born on a stormy night on May 13, he was the son of Henry and Nora Allen. Barry grew up feeling alone after his twin sibling was declared stillborn, developing an early interest in comics and specifically his favorite superhero, the original Flash. As a forensic chemist with a reputation for being slow and frequently late, Barry's life changed forever one night while working late in his laboratory.

Quick Facts

Character role: Second character known as the Flash; Forensic Chemist
Status: Deceased in Crisis on Infinite Earths #8 (November 1985); Returned in The Flash
Primary motivation: Saving the Multiverse; Establishing justice as a speedster

Lore & Background

Barry Allen first appeared in Showcase #4 (October 1956), created by writer Robert Kanigher and penciler Carmine Infantino. In this debut, he was introduced as a police scientist who gained super-speed powers when a lightning bolt struck and shattered a case full of unspecified chemicals, drenching him. This event occurred while he was working late on a new case. The story 'Mystery of the Human Thunderbolt!' highlighted contemporary themes of technological triumph and societal stability during an era marked by rapid scientific advancements and Cold War anxieties. Later stories in that issue, such as 'The Man Who Broke the Time Barrier!', explored time travel influenced by Einstein's theories. Barry wears a distinct red and gold costume treated to resist friction and wind, traditionally storing it compressed inside a ring. Unlike his predecessor Jay Garrick, who was treated as residing on Earth-Two after their meeting in Flash #123 (1961), Barry existed on Earth-One until the concept of the Multiverse was introduced.

Reader's Guide

Barry Allen's publication history began with Showcase #4 (October 1956), where the creative team included editor Julie Schwartz, writer Robert Kanigher, penciler Carmine Infantino, and inker Joe Kubert. While Gardner Fox is credited by Kanigher as 'the creator of The Flash' regarding the original Jay Garrick, Barry Allen was a reimagining that sparked the Silver Age of Comic Books. His first appearance featured two stories: 'Mystery of the Human Thunderbolt!' and 'The Man Who Broke the Time Barrier!'. In 1961, Flash #123 established the Multiverse by introducing Jay Garrick as residing on a parallel universe (Earth-Two). Barry's nephew, Wally West, first appeared in Flash #110 (1959) as Kid Flash. The character has been adapted into various media, starting with animated appearances in the 1967 The Superman/Aquaman Hour of Adventure and Super Friends. In live-action, John Wesley Shipp portrayed him in the 1990s show The Flash and the Arrowverse, while Grant Gustin took over the role in the Arrowverse, and Ezra Miller portrayed him in DC Extended Universe films.

Did You Know?

Robert Kanigher considered Gardner Fox 'the creator of The Flash,' viewing Barry Allen as a reworking of Jay Garrick's original work.
Barry Allen died in Crisis on Infinite Earths #8 (November 1985) and did not appear again for 23 years.