Enjoy this great comic from DC’s digital archive!

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.

In 1990, Mark Waid wrote his first Flash story. Under his keen pen, Wally West, who had already been running in the footsteps of the Flashes who came before him, matured into a Flash in his own right. Waid brought a depth of character to The Flash that changed him for good. As a child, Wally visits his Aunt Iris and her distinctly boring fiancŽ, the perpetually tardy Barry Allen. Things get interesting for Wally, first when he discovers that Barry and The Flash work together, and then when an accident in BarryÕs lab gives him powers just like his heroÕs! Young Wally is quickly in danger-not only from The FlashÕs enemies, but from the side effects of his new powers! This first book in THE FLASH BY MARK WAID series collects THE FLASH #62-68, THE FLASH ANNUAL #4-5, THE FLASH SPECIAL #1 and THE FLASH TV SPECIAL #1.

An eye-opening exploration of the toxic masculinity and sexism that pervades the superhero genre. Superheroes have been exciting and inspirational cultural icons for decades, dating back to the debut of Superman in the 1930s. The earliest tales have been held up as cornerstones of the genre, looked upon with nostalgic reverence. However, enshrining these tales also enshrines many outdated values that have allowed sexist gender dynamics to thrive. In Not All Supermen: Sexism, Toxic Masculinity, and the Complex History of Superheroes, Tim Hanley examines how anger, aggression, and violence became the norm in superhero comics, paired with a disdain for women that the industry has yet to fully move beyond. The sporadic addition of new female heroes over the years proved largely ineffective, the characters often underused and objectified. Hanley also reveals how the genre’s sexism has had real-world implications, with many creators being outed as sexual harassers and bigots, while intolerant fan movements are awash with misogynistic hate speech. Superheroes can be a force for good, representing truth, justice, and courage, but the industry is laden with excessive baggage. The future of the genre depends on what elements of its past are celebrated and what is left behind. Not All Supermen unravels this complex history and shows how superheroes can become more relevant and inspiring for everyone.

Enjoy this great comic from DC’s digital archive!

Does the identification number 60 indicate a toxic substance or a flammable solid, in the molten state at an elevated temperature? Does the identification number 1035 indicate ethane or butane? What is the difference between natural gas transmission pipelines and natural gas distribution pipelines? If you came upon an overturned truck on the highway that was leaking, would you be able to identify if it was hazardous and know what steps to take? Questions like these and more are answered in the Emergency Response Guidebook. Learn how to identify symbols for and vehicles carrying toxic, flammable, explosive, radioactive, or otherwise harmful substances and how to respond once an incident involving those substances has been identified. Always be prepared in situations that are unfamiliar and dangerous and know how to rectify them. Keeping this guide around at all times will ensure that, if you were to come upon a transportation situation involving hazardous substances or dangerous goods, you will be able to help keep others and yourself out of danger. With color-coded pages for quick and easy reference, this is the official manual used by first responders in the United States and Canada for transportation incidents involving dangerous goods or hazardous materials.

THE SCARLET SPEEDSTER'S ORIGIN STARTS HERE! Barry Allen is stuck in place. As a forensic scientist for the Central City police, it's his job to catch criminals after they've committed their crimes. It's like he's lost the race before he even leaves the starting line. Then one night lightning strikes--and everything changes. Electrocuted and doused in chemicals, Barry emerges from a coma with the force of incredible speed humming in his very atoms. He's faster than bullets, faster than sound, faster than anyone can imagine. And he'd better be. Because even as Barry learns how to harness his incredible new powers, a new breed of criminal is stalking Central City. Some can slow him to a standstill. Others can freeze him in place. Still others run so hot and so fast he can't see them coming. The race is on for one of the DC Universe's most iconic superheroes to become the legend he is destined to be. Collects The Flash #70-75