About this Collection
This DC Essential Edition collects the opening arc of writer Joshua Williamson and artist Carmine Di Giandomenico's run on The Flash, following Barry Allen as he confronts a new speedster villain known as Godspeed. The story explores the legacy of the Speed Force and the return of Wally West, setting the stage for a new era in the Scarlet Speedster's adventures. It reprints issues #1-8 of The Flash (2016) and the DC Rebirth one-shot.
In "Think Fast," Barry Allen confronts the mysterious source of his powers as the Speed Force’s origin begins to unfold. Meanwhile, in Gorilla City, Grodd’s violent ascent to power takes a devastating personal turn, and at a heartfelt memorial for Barry Allen, a quiet revelation hints at a new connection between David Singh and Hartley Rathaway. Written by Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato, with art and colors by Manapul and Buccellato, and lettered by Wes Abbott, this DC Essential Edition features cover art by Francis Manapul.
Contains 18 stories
Untitled Superhero story
20 pp · Superhero
Flash [Barry Allen]Captain Darryl FryeDavid SinghDr. Darwin EliasIris WestJames ForrestManuelPatty SpivotTony
Think Fast
20 pp · Superhero
Flash [Barry Allen]Dr. Darwin EliasDr. GuerreroIris WestJames ForrestManuel LagoPatty SpivotMob Rule
Lights Out
20 pp · Superhero
Captain Darryl FryeDr. Darwin EliasDr. Guerrero (death)James ForrestManuel LagoPatty SpivotMob Rule (villains)
Mob Rule
20 pp · Superhero
Flash [Barry Allen]Dr. Darwin EliasIris WestManuel LagoMrs. Lago (flashback)Patty SpivotMob Rule (villains)
Untitled Superhero story
20 pp · Superhero
Flash [Barry Allen]Dr. Darwin EliasDavid SinghIris WestJames ForrestManuel LagoPatty SpivotFolded Man (villain)Girder (villain)Mob Rule (villains)Tar Pit (villain)
Best Served Cold
20 pp · Superhero
Flash [Barry Allen]Dr. Darwin EliasIris WestLisa Snart (flashback)Patty SpivotCaptain Cold [Leonard Snart] (villain)
Into the Light
20 pp · Superhero
Flash [Barry Allen]David SinghDr. Darwin EliasIris WestLisa SnartNora AllenPatty SpivotTurbine [Roscoe Hynes] (first appearance)Captain Cold [Leonard Snart] (villain)Grodd (villain)
The Speed Force
20 pp · Superhero
Flash [Barry Allen]David SinghHartley RathawayHenry AllenIris WestJames ForrestNora AllenPatty SpivotTurbine [Roscoe Hynes] (origin)King Grodd (villain)
Barry Allen confronts the mystery of the Speed Force while grappling with the aftermath of his father’s death—just as King Grodd ascends to power in Gorilla City. Amid the grief and revelations, personal connections deepen, including a quiet moment between David Singh and Hartley Rathaway at a memorial for Henry Allen.
Fear
20 pp · Superhero
Flash [Barry Allen]AlbertDavid SinghDr. Darwin EliasHartley RathawayIris WestMarissaNora Allen (flashback)Patty SpivotGeneral SilverbackKing Grodd (villain)Marco Mardon (villain)
Weather Wizard
20 pp · Superhero
Flash [Barry Allen]Patty SpivotTurbine [Roscoe Hynes] (cameo flashback)King Grodd (cameo flashback, villain)Claudio Mardon (flashback, villain, death)El Araña (villain)Elsa Mardon (villain, death)Glider [Lisa Snart] (villain)Weather Wizard [Marco Mardon] (villain)
Slow Burn
20 pp · Superhero
Flash [Barry Allen]CharlesDavid SinghDr. Darwin EliasMr. HatchPatty SpivotCaptain Cold [Leonard Snart] (villain)Glider [Lisa Snart] (villain)Heat Wave [Mick Rory] (villain)
Untitled Superhero story
20 pp · Superhero
Flash [Barry Allen]Dr. Darwin EliasMayor GamenPied Piper [Hartley Rathaway]Captain Cold [Leonard Snart] (villain)Glider [Lisa Snart] (villain)Heat Wave [Mick Rory] (villain)Mirror Master (villain)Trickster [Axel Walker] (villain)Weather Wizard [Marco Mardon] (villain)
United They Fall, Chapter 1: The Flats
5 pp · Superhero
Flash [Barry Allen]Henry Allen (flashback)
Chapter 2: The Opportunity
6 pp · Superhero
Flash [Barry Allen]Lisa SnartThe Rogues [Captain Cold [Leonard Snart] (villain)Heat Wave [Mick Rory] (villain)Mirror Master [Sam Scudder] (villain)Trickster [Axel Walker] (villain)Weather Wizard [Marco Mardon] (villain)]
Chapter 3: The Price
9 pp · Superhero
The Rogues [Captain Cold [Leonard Snart] (villain)Glider [Lisa Snart] (villain)Heat Wave [Mick Rory] (villain)Mirror Master [Sam Scudder] (villain)Weather Wizard [Marco Mardon] (villain)]
Chapter 4: The Secret
3 pp · Superhero
Patty SpivotTurbine [Roscoe Hynes]
Chapter 5: The Showdown
15 pp · Superhero
Flash [Barry Allen]David SinghDr. Darwin EliasPied Piper [Hartley Rathaway]King Grodd (villain)The Rogues [Captain Cold [Leonard Snart] (villain)Glider [Lisa Snart] (villain)Heat Wave [Mick Rory] (villain)Mirror Master [Sam Scudder] (villain)Weather Wizard [Marco Mardon] (villain)]
Untitled Superhero story
20 pp · Superhero
Flash [Barry Allen] (origin)Captain Darryl FryeDaniel WestHenry AllenJames ForrestMiss LagoNora Allen (death)
![The Flash: Starting Line DC Essential Edition #[nn] cover](https://cdn.comicbooks.com/covers/amazon/1401284760.jpg)