The Flash is a name of a fictional comic book superhero from the DC Comics universe. Created by writer Gardner Fox & artist Harry Lampert, the original Flash first appeared in Flash Comics #1 (January 1940).
Nicknamed the Scarlet Speedster and the "Crimson Comet" all incarnations of the Flash possess "super-speed", which includes the ability to run & move extremely fast, use superhuman reflexes and seemingly violate certain laws of physics. Thus far, four different charactersâeach of whom somehow gained the power of "super-speed"âhave assumed the identity of the Flash: Jay Garrick (1940--present), Barry Allen (1956--1985, 2008--present), Wally West (1986--2006, 2007--2012), and Bart Allen (2006--2007, 2009--present). Before Wally & Bart's ascension to the mantle of the Flash, they were both Flash protĂ©gĂ©s under the same name Kid Flash.
The second incarnation of the Flash, Barry Allen, is generally considered the first hero of the Silver Age of comic books.