The Flash (Barry Allen) Reading Order

This reading order is designed to give a timeline of major storylines featuring the Flash (Barry Allen) throughout DC Comics. It may not encompass every one of his appearances but is an outline of the major ones and the stories that affect them.

The continuity details relating to each specific storyline are explained in the “Review” of each storyline. Every “Review” link will provide a detailed continuity breakdown of that story and will explain any reference the story makes to other aspects of the DC Universe. All of this can be found under the “Continuity” section of each link.

Jump to: New 52 – Rebirth

New 52

With the start of the New 52, the DC Universe was reset in the Flashpoint (Reading Order) event. The Flash actively participated in this event and directly entered the new DC Universe from the old one. However, even the Flash’s history was almost entirely rewritten in the process of transitioning to the New 52. 

The Flash was reintroduced through his solo series. This series extends throughout this era and is where most of Barry Allen’s major plotlines take place. However, he also makes a number of cameo appearances in other comics and stars in the Justice League (Reading Order) series (see below for more info on his role in that series).

Flash issues are from the Vol. 5 series.
Captain Atom issues are from the Vol. 3 series.
Batman: The Dark Knight issues are from the Vol. 2 series.
Justice League Dark issues are from the Vol. 1 series.

Notes

1. Flash has a small role in this issue. However, it shows his powers in a unique way.
2. Flash's role in these issues is very minor. They showcase his skills as a crimefighter and his powers as a superhero but are not necessary for his personal journey.
3. Flash has a supporting role in these issues. They are not necessary but have him in some unique situations.
4. This issue shows what the Flash is doing during the Forever Evil (Reading Order) event. It is not mentioned again after this point but may be of interest to some fans. This is a point of intersection between "The Flash Reading Order" and the "Justice League Reading Order".
5. This issue just emphasizes the friendship between Hal Jordan and the Flash.

Other Appearances

Justice League

The Flash is a member of the Justice League (Reading Order) and is with them on most of their adventures. However, his role on the Justice League almost never impacts or is impacted by his role in his solo series. Any point of intersection between these reading orders is marked in the notes on this reading order.

The Flash appears in every issue from the "Justice League Reading Order" except:

• Justice League #1
• All Throne of Atlantis issues
• Justice League #19-21
• Trinity War Tie-ins (except Phantom Stranger #11)
• Justice League of America Vol. 3 #9
• Forever Evil #2-6
• Justice League #31 and #36-37
• Justice League of America Vol. 4 #2 and #4
• Justice League: Darkseid War: Batman
• Justice League: Darkseid War: Superman
• Justice League: Darkseid War: Green Lantern
• Justice League: Darkseid War: Shazam
• Justice League: Darkseid War: Lex Luthor
• Justice League: Darkseid War Special
• Justice League #47

Rebirth

At the very beginning of the Rebirth era, the DC Universe: Rebirth event rewrites some of the Flash's past. This brings back some pre-New 52 history and one pre-New 52 character. However, besides this, the Flash's Rebirth journey mostly continues the story from the New 52 era, specifically in regards to his relationship with Wally West II (Reading Order) and Iris West.

In this era, the Flash's most significant appearances are within his solo series. This comic details his deeply personal journey and connects him to several major DC events, including Batman/The Flash: The Button (Reading Order) and Dark Nights: Metal (Reading Order). Besides this, the Flash continues to serve as a member of the Justice League (Reading Order) and makes a number of appearances as a supporting character in other comics.

HJatGLC = Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps
The Flash issues are from the Vol. 5 series
Trinity issues are from the Vol. 2 series
Batman issues are from the Vol. 3 series
Green Arrow issues are from the Vol. 6 series
Titans issues are from the Vol. 3 series
Justice League issues are from the Vol. 3 series
Superman issues are from the Vol. 4 series

Notes

1. The Flash is a member of the Justice League (Reading Order) in this era. In most of the League's appearances he serves in a supporting role or plays a contributing part in a larger group effort, which does not contribute much to his story. From these appearances, this reading order links ComicBookWire's "Justice League Reading Order" to prevent this reading order from becoming overly complicated. Larger or more significant appearances are listed separately and explained where indicated.
2. Only the "A Flash Christmas Carol" story from this issue is relevant to this reading order.
3. These issues mostly star the Trinity (Reading Order) but the Flash has a supporting role in them.
4. These issues are mostly about Green Arrow's (Reading Order) recent trials. However, they guest star the Flash and expand on the relationship between these two.
5. These issues of Titans (Reading Order) only feature small appearances from Barry Allen. However, his role in these issues expands on his relationship with Wally West (Reading Order).
6. Only the "Hope for the Holidays" story from this issue is relevant to this reading order.
7. In this issue, the Flash makes a small appearance alongside the rest of the Justice League (Reading Order).
8. The Flash's appearance in this issue is very brief. However, it expands on his relationship with Avery Ho and explains where she went after her early appearances in the Flash's solo series.
9. Barry only makes a brief appearance in this issue. It simply has him discussing the nature of crime fighting with Hal (Reading Order) and offering him some advice.

All DC Comics Reading Orders