Impulse (Bart Allen)
The fastest kid in the universe who learned that speed is about more than just going fast.
Bart Allen is a speedster from the distant future who first burst into the DC Universe as Impulse, a hyperactive teenager with a unique connection to time travel. Unlike his predecessors, Bart was not born in this era but was sent back through time by accident, eventually becoming a key member of the Teen Titans and the Justice League. His journey is defined by his struggle to control his immense speed while navigating the complexities of family legacy as the grandson of both Wally West and Iris West.
Quick Facts
- Character name
- Bart Allen
- Primary alias
- Impulse
- Affiliation
- Teen Titans
- Justice League
- Young Justice
- Origin era
- 30th Century (Future)
- Relation to flash family
- Grandson of Wally West and Iris West; Great-grandson of Barry Allen
- Status
- Active
Lore & Background
Over time, Bart matured from the erratic Impulse into the more serious Kid Flash, eventually taking on the mantle of the Flash himself after Wally West's apparent death. His tenure as the Flash was marked by high-stakes battles against cosmic threats and a deepening understanding of his role in the timeline. Despite facing tragedy, including the loss of his parents in alternate timelines and the destruction of his future home, Bart remained a beacon of hope. He eventually returned to his original era or found a new place within the multiverse, cementing his legacy as an essential pillar of the Flash family's history.
Reader's Guide
Bart Allen was created by Roy Thomas and then developed further by Mark Waid and others in the late 1990s, debuting as a future descendant of Wally West. Originally introduced as Impulse, he brought a chaotic, youthful energy to the Teen Titans during the 'Titans Tomorrow' era, serving as a foil to the more experienced heroes. As continuity shifted with events like 'Infinite Crisis,' Bart's role evolved significantly. He was retconned and repositioned within the timeline, eventually taking up the mantle of Kid Flash after Wally West stepped down or faced crisis. This period highlighted his growth from a reckless child into a responsible hero capable of handling the Speed Force. Later storylines saw Bart assume the title of The Flash following Wally's death in 'Final Crisis,' marking a tragic yet heroic chapter where he carried the weight of the legacy alone. His journey reflects the broader themes of legacy and redemption central to the Flash mythos, bridging generations of speedsters.
Did You Know?
- Bart Allen was originally intended to be the grandson of Barry Allen before being retconned as Wally West's grandson in the comics.
- His super-speed allows him to vibrate through solid objects and run on air, abilities he mastered early due to his future upbringing.
- Bart is one of the few speedsters who can access the Speed Force without a physical connection to its source initially.
- He has appeared in various animated adaptations, often retaining his impulsive personality while adapting to different team dynamics.
More in History & Legacy
Elsewhere in The Flash
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