DC Rebirth

Barry Allen races through a timeline where Wally West returns and the Speed Force holds secrets of the past.

The Flash (DC Rebirth) is an American superhero comic book series written by Joshua Williamson and published twice-monthly by DC Comics. Launching in June 2016 as part of the company's relaunch initiative (which began with a one-shot in May 2016), the title follows Barry Allen in Central City after the conclusion of The New 52 era. The series began with a soft reboot that restored elements of previous continuity while incorporating new storylines. It ran until September 2023, ending with issue #800, though it reverted to its original numbering with #750 in May 2020.

Quick Facts

Schedule: Bimonthly
Genre: Superhero
Publisher: DC Comics
Date: August 2016 – August 2023
Issues: 145 (#1–88, 750–800, plus Rebirth one-shot, One-Minute War special, and 5 annuals)
Creators: Robert Kanigher; Carmine Infantino

Lore & Background

The narrative begins with Barry Allen investigating a crime scene, where he experiences visions of Wally West, Eobard Thawne, and an individual in white. As Barry runs through Central City, he encounters Wally, who had been absorbed into the Speed Force. Wally attempts to warn Barry about someone interfering with the timeline before being pulled back out by a remembering Barry. Reunited, Wally warns that they are 'being watched.' The story expands when citizens across Central City suddenly gain Speed Force powers at random, a phenomenon known as the Speed Force Storm, which was triggered by the Sage Force merging with the Speed Force during the 'Flash War' storyline. Later arcs introduce new threats like Bloodwork, who holds secret ties to Barry, and the return of Eobard Thawne, who threatens everyone close to him.

Reader's Guide

Readers should start with the August 2016 launch by Joshua Williamson to follow Barry Allen's journey. The first arc, 'Lightning Strikes Twice' (2016), introduces Wally West's return and the random speedster phenomenon. Follow this with 'Speed of Darkness' (2016–2017) where Barry trains a new Kid Flash while battling the Shade. The 'Rogues Reloaded' arc (2017) sees the missing supervillain team setting deadly traps for Flash. Key turning points include the return of Eobard Thawne in 'Running Scared' and the introduction of Bloodwork in 'Negative.' For major events, read 'Flash War' (2018), 'Finish Line' (2020), and conclude with 'The One-Minute War' (2023), where the Fraction invasion tests the entire Flash Family. Note that the series reverted to original numbering at #750 in May 2020 before ending at #800.

Did You Know?

In 'The One-Minute War,' Kid Flash and Impulse used the Cosmic Treadmill to slow down the Fraction's time-dilation field.
The Rogues appeared in the second story arc ('The Speed of Darkness'), not the first; the first arc ('Lightning Strikes Twice') introduced Godspeed.