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| The Flash | |
| Aliases: | The Flash; Bartholomew Allen |
| Continuity: | DC Universe |
| Notability: | Main character |
| Type: | Superhero |
| Gender: | Male |
| Race: | Altered human |
| Location: | Central City, Missouri |
| Relatives: | See Flash family for full list. |
| Status: | Formerly deceased |
| First: | Showcase #4 |
Barry Allen is the human alter ego of the DC Comics superhero The Flash. The character was created by writer Robert Kanigher and artist Carmine Infantino and first appeared as the feature spotlight Showcase #4 in September-October, 1956. Barry Allen was a forensics scientist who was doused with chemicals after a freak lightning bolt struck the display stand in his laboratory, granting him the ability to move at super-speed. Once regarded as the slowest human being on the planet, Barry subsequently earned himself the sterling sobriquet, "The Fastest Man Alive".
Overview[]
Barry Allen and his twin brother were born in the town of Fallville, Iowa, to parents Henry and Nora Allen. However, they were born two weeks late, with Barry being the last one to be born. Tragically, Barry's twin was pronounced stillborn by Dr. Gilmore. Interestingly, Barry's late arrival into the world would foreshadow a recurring theme in his life.
From a young age, Barry developed a fascination with the adventures of his favorite superhero, Jay Garrick, who was known as the original Flash. He would often act out these heroic adventures alongside his friend and future actress, Daphne Dean. Little did Barry know that one day he would become a hero himself, following in the footsteps of his childhood idol and eventually taking on the mantle of the Flash.
Biography[]
When Barry was a child, his mother was killed and his father was wrongly convicted for the crime. This tragedy fueled Barry's strong belief in justice and his determination to prove his father's innocence.
During his high school years, Barry was known for his laid-back and easy-going nature. On his first date, he went to a carnival where his date convinced him to ride a roller-coaster. The experience left him with a fear of roller-coasters that lasted for years. However, Barry had a passion for chemistry and excelled in his studies. He even won first place in the Fallville County Fair Agricultural Competition, earning a scholarship to Sun City University. He graduated in three years with a major in organic chemistry and a minor in criminology.
As a senior, Barry's talent for solving crimes became evident when he helped the authorities apprehend a bank robber. Impressed by his skills, he was offered a job as a police scientist at the Central City Police Department Scientific Detection Bureau. Barry eagerly accepted the offer, as it allowed him to be in Keystone City, the sister city of his childhood hero, Jay Garrick. He moved to Central City and set up a laboratory in his apartment. It was during his investigation of a murder case reported by Iris West, a Picture News reporter, that he met and began dating her. Iris was captivated by Barry's honesty and stability.
One fateful night, while conducting an experiment during an electrical storm, a bolt of lightning struck Barry, causing a shelf of chemicals to shatter and cover him in electrified substances. Dazed, Barry decided to head home but discovered that he had gained incredible speed. In a moment of realization, he sprinted after a taxi, only to run past it as if it were standing still. Amazed by his newfound abilities, Barry took a moment to gather his thoughts at a diner where he accidentally caught falling items from a waitress's tray, showcasing his superhuman reflexes.
The next day, Barry used his newfound speed to save Iris West from a stray bullet, solidifying his role as a superhero. With his extraordinary abilities, he became known as the Flash, the fastest man alive. Subsequently, he and Iris West married and had a pair of twins named Dawn and Don Allen, who also became heroes. They later passed on their legacy to their own son, Bart Allen, and Jenni Ognats as well.
Powers[]
Notes & Trivia[]
- Barry Allen received his first live-action treatment in the 1990-1991 superhero action series The Flash where he was played by actor John Wesley Shipp.