- "I wonder what it would really be like - to be the fastest man on Earth? Well... I'll never know -- the Flash was just a character some writer dreamed up!"
- ―Barry Allen
| "Mystery of the Human Thunderbolt!" | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Showcase | |
| Title: | "Mystery of the Human Thunderbolt!" |
| Volume: | 1 |
| Number: | 4 |
| Cover price: | .10 |
| Cover date: | September-October, 1956 |
| Publisher: | DC Comics |
| Credits | |
| Writers: | Robert Kanigher; John Broome |
| Pencilers: | Carmine Infantino |
| Inkers: | Joe Kubert |
| Cover artists: | Carmine Infantino |
| Cover inker: | Joe Kubert |
| Editors: | Julius Schwartz |
| Navigation | |
| Previous: | Showcase #3 |
| Next: | Showcase #5 |
"Mystery of the Human Thunderbolt!" is the title to first story from issue #4 of the comic book anthology series Showcase. The story was written by Robert Kanigher and featured artwork by Carmine Infantino and inks by Joe Kubert. The story is notable in that it introduces the character of Barry Allen, aka The Flash, thereby kicking off what has come to be known as the "Silver Age" of DC's publishing history.
The second story in this issue, also a Flash tale, is a ten-page story called "The Man Who Broke the Time Barrier!". It was written by John Broome with artwork again supplied by Carmine Infantino and Joe Kubert.
The cover art illustration for this issue was composed by Carmine Infantino and inked by Joe Kubert. Both stories were edited by Julius Schwartz. This issue shipped with a September-October, 1956 cover date and carries a cover price of 12 cents per copy (US).
"Mystery of the Human Thunderbolt!"[]
Featured characters
Supporting characters
Villains
Minor characters
Organizations
Races
Locations
Items
- Flash Comics #13
- Flash's costume ring
Vehicles
Powers
"The Man Who Broke the Time Barrier!"[]
| "The Man Who Broke the Time Barrier!" | |
|---|---|
| No image available | |
| Title: | "The Man Who Broke the Time Barrier!" |
| Credits | |
| Writers: | John Broome |
| Pencilers: | Carmine Infantino |
| Inkers: | Joe Kubert |
| Editors: | Julius Schwartz |
Featured characters
Supporting characters
Villains
- Mazdan
Minor characters
Organizations
Races
Locations
Items
Vehicles
Powers
Notes & Trivia[]
- This is the first appearance of Barry Allen, who is the second costumed super-hero to adopt to code name of The Flash. His introduction signals what is often regarded as the beginning of the Silver Age era of DC Comics publications.
- First appearance of Iris West.
- First appearance of the Turtle Man.
- The second story from The Flash #128, "The Origin of Flash's Masked Identity!", takes place concurrently with scenes from "Mystery of the Human Thunderbolt!" in between the moment when Barry Allen first acquires his powers and the moment he decides to become a costumed adventurer.