Celebrate 80 Years of the Flash with DC, as we revisit classic comics stories from the 1940s and onward, featuring some of the Flash’s greatest allies and villains, and work from some of the greatest creators ever to grace the graphic-literature medium! This book collects such seminal moments as the first appearances of Jay Garrick (FLASH COMICS #1), Barry Allen (SHOWCASE #4) and Wally West (THE FLASH #110), the classic “Flash of Two Worlds” (THE FLASH #123) and the death of Iris West (THE FLASH #275) as well as many previously uncollected gems, including stories from THE FLASH #300 (1981), FLASH #54 (1991), FLASH COMICS #89 (1947) and many more. It also features new essays and commentary from comics stars Mark Waid, Roy Thomas, Francis Manapul and more, plus a new cover by Jim Lee!

While many American superheroes have multiple powers and complex gadgets, the Flash is simply fast. This simplicity makes his character easily comprehendible for all audiences, whether they are avid comic fans or newcomers to the genre, and in turn he has become one of the most iconic figures in the comic-book industry. This collection of new essays serves as a stepping-stone to an even greater understanding of the Flash, examining various iterations of his character--including those of Jay Garrick, Barry Allen, Wally West and Bart Allen--and what they reveal about the era in which they were written.

A time-traveling soldier arrives in Central City and her mission is to kill the Fastest Man Alive! But what is it that the Flash did (or will do) to destroy her world – and is there a way he can prevent it without dying?

Story 1 - It’s the Flash Parade and everyone’s so excited...except for Barry Allen. This is his least favorite day of the year. Can a superhero showdown with the villainous Tar Pit show Barry the best side of the parade or will the day be ruined? Story 2 - Justice is finally served as Captain Cold’s thrown behind bars for the murder of a group of drug dealers, only problem is the evidence isn’t adding up. Will The Flash stand by as an innocent man is arrested or will he look the other way to keep this known criminal off the street?!

Bart Allen at last embraces his heritage to become the latest speedster to don the mantle of The Flash. The future looks bright-his former colleagues in the Teen Titans ask him to rejoin their team; he’s to be honored at the Flash Museum; and best of all, he is being considered for membership in the Justice League of America. Heady stuff for a young hero. Unfortunately, becoming a Flash also carries with it certain burdens. It’s no secret that the previous Flashes made many deadly enemies over the years, and those enemies are intent on seeking vengeance on any hero who carries on the legend of the Scarlet Speedster. When this desperate Rogues Gallery teams up to bring down the latest Flash, will Bart have what it takes to defeat the vicious onslaught? Or will his career end before it has a chance to begin? FULL THROTTLE is the most shocking and tragic storyline in Flash history, and sets up a new era of greatness for the Fastest Man Alive.

Temporal travesties are wreaking havoc on the streets of Central City, and the Flash needs an extra pair of hands to keep the city safe-he just didn’t realize how tiny those hands would be!

The Flash has arrived in the 25th century to face down the villainous Eobard Thawne, the REVERSE-FLASH! But what Barry discovers isn’t a city in ruins, but a utopia filled with people who can use the Speed Force the same way he does. Can the Flash stop the sinister speedster when he’s surrounded by people who would die for him?!