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The Flash (1959-1985) #105-112
The Flash: The Silver Age Vol. 1 (The Flash
The earliest adventures of the Flash-police scientist Barry Allen and star of the hit TV series THE FLASH on the CW!
These classic stories from the 1950s tell the origin of the Flash, his discovery of his incredible super-speed, and the introductions of the first of his "Rogues Gallery" of super-villains-including Captain Cold, Gorilla Grodd and Weather Wizard, the Pied Piper, Mirror Master and Mr. Element. Also in this volume, witness the debut appearances of fellow heroes Kid Flash and the Elongated Man!
Collects SHOWCASE #4, #8 and #14, and THE FLASH #105-112.
These classic stories from the 1950s tell the origin of the Flash, his discovery of his incredible super-speed, and the introductions of the first of his "Rogues Gallery" of super-villains-including Captain Cold, Gorilla Grodd and Weather Wizard, the Pied Piper, Mirror Master and Mr. Element. Also in this volume, witness the debut appearances of fellow heroes Kid Flash and the Elongated Man!
Collects SHOWCASE #4, #8 and #14, and THE FLASH #105-112.
423 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 17, 2016
72 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
About the author
John Broome
430 books14 followersLibrarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Bro...
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Bro...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
January 22, 2023
This contains the first year and a half to two years of Silver Age Flash stories. As we all know, The Flash blazed into existence in Showcase #4 and ushered in the Silver Age of super hero comics. Yes, I'm aware there was a Silver Age Dr. Fate story shortly before Flash but come on.
Anyway, this is pretty good shit. It feels like a Silver Age Marvel book at times. John Broome and Robert Kanigher don't waste any time getting all the pieces on the board. By the end of this volume, most of the Flash mythos is established. We get the origin of The Flash, Iris West, Mr. Elelement/Doctor Alchemy, Captain Cold, The Pied Piper, the Trickster, Gorilla Grodd, and Kid Flash all in this volume. The stories are above average for Silver Age DC books. Like I said, they feel almost like Marvel books at times. Carmine Infantino is in top form and his art is iconic.
So why did I give it a three? Remember, three means I liked it. Anyway, I felt like the stories started repeating themselves right out of the gate. Three Gorilla Grodd stories in one year is too much, even if gorillas do equal money. While I love Infantino's art, his running poses always feel boring to me. They aren't dynamic and that's because old Carmine used real runner photos for reference. People don't look cool while running and neither does Carmine's Flash.
I'm glad I read this for historical purposes and had some fun with it but I doubt I'll read it a second time. Three out of five stars.
Anyway, this is pretty good shit. It feels like a Silver Age Marvel book at times. John Broome and Robert Kanigher don't waste any time getting all the pieces on the board. By the end of this volume, most of the Flash mythos is established. We get the origin of The Flash, Iris West, Mr. Elelement/Doctor Alchemy, Captain Cold, The Pied Piper, the Trickster, Gorilla Grodd, and Kid Flash all in this volume. The stories are above average for Silver Age DC books. Like I said, they feel almost like Marvel books at times. Carmine Infantino is in top form and his art is iconic.
So why did I give it a three? Remember, three means I liked it. Anyway, I felt like the stories started repeating themselves right out of the gate. Three Gorilla Grodd stories in one year is too much, even if gorillas do equal money. While I love Infantino's art, his running poses always feel boring to me. They aren't dynamic and that's because old Carmine used real runner photos for reference. People don't look cool while running and neither does Carmine's Flash.
I'm glad I read this for historical purposes and had some fun with it but I doubt I'll read it a second time. Three out of five stars.
September 3, 2017
A couple weeks ago I discovered The Flash on Netflix. I am not a superhero comic book reader at all, but I took to that show. Talking with Liz at the LCBS, she piqued my interest in reading some Flash.
With such a legendary character, it is difficult to know where to begin. After some research, I decided to do what most counsel against: I wanted to start from the beginning. But there's a problem with that for me, my eyes. As I age, I cannot read normal text well for long. So, I opt for digital reading. I have committed to that save a couple comics I pull monthly. Well, Golden Age Flash is not available digitally. The only Silver Age available via Hoopla was this. I see Comixology has some singles available. Anyhow, I decided to start here and move forward until something influences that.
The stories here are what I think of classic comics. While these were late 1950s/early 1960s, just before my time, they are representative of what I recall reading as a child. And the villains are similar to what I recall from Batman '66. I truly beliee I understand DC Comics better than Marvel.
Anyhow, I think there were three Flash stories in each issue here. It was difficult to tell unless one truly read the date on the cover. Each story was a standalone, although references would be made to previous issues to explain a reoccurring character. We got Grood, Elongated Man, Captain COld, and others. Lots of explanation about Barry Allen.
A couple things stood out. Iris West is not adorable here, imo. She constantly rags on Barry for being late. And while tardiness is not a good trait, she compares him to The Flash, which is certainly unfair. She is vicious with her denouncements of her boyfriend. And Barry takes to telling her stories to cover his identity. Obviously, their relationship is not built upon mutual respect and honesty.
We also get the introduction of Kid Flash here, with several stories. It appears there is no difference between what they can do. Kid Flash, Wally West, saves the day with ease.
Overall, I enjoyed the stories here. They are self-contained, so are different than modern-day stories. There's an innocence to them. They are also an interesting look into American culture. One story was about an evil beatnik gang. Really? Hey, Daddy-o! Ha!
Ultimately, I like the look of Silver Age Flash the best of them all. The stories are good. I look forward to next month when volume two arrives. My hope is that it will be offered digitally too. :)
With such a legendary character, it is difficult to know where to begin. After some research, I decided to do what most counsel against: I wanted to start from the beginning. But there's a problem with that for me, my eyes. As I age, I cannot read normal text well for long. So, I opt for digital reading. I have committed to that save a couple comics I pull monthly. Well, Golden Age Flash is not available digitally. The only Silver Age available via Hoopla was this. I see Comixology has some singles available. Anyhow, I decided to start here and move forward until something influences that.
The stories here are what I think of classic comics. While these were late 1950s/early 1960s, just before my time, they are representative of what I recall reading as a child. And the villains are similar to what I recall from Batman '66. I truly beliee I understand DC Comics better than Marvel.
Anyhow, I think there were three Flash stories in each issue here. It was difficult to tell unless one truly read the date on the cover. Each story was a standalone, although references would be made to previous issues to explain a reoccurring character. We got Grood, Elongated Man, Captain COld, and others. Lots of explanation about Barry Allen.
A couple things stood out. Iris West is not adorable here, imo. She constantly rags on Barry for being late. And while tardiness is not a good trait, she compares him to The Flash, which is certainly unfair. She is vicious with her denouncements of her boyfriend. And Barry takes to telling her stories to cover his identity. Obviously, their relationship is not built upon mutual respect and honesty.
We also get the introduction of Kid Flash here, with several stories. It appears there is no difference between what they can do. Kid Flash, Wally West, saves the day with ease.
Overall, I enjoyed the stories here. They are self-contained, so are different than modern-day stories. There's an innocence to them. They are also an interesting look into American culture. One story was about an evil beatnik gang. Really? Hey, Daddy-o! Ha!
Ultimately, I like the look of Silver Age Flash the best of them all. The stories are good. I look forward to next month when volume two arrives. My hope is that it will be offered digitally too. :)
Read
April 9, 2019I’m not a Flash fan. He’s a dull hero to me. But, in an effort to read more Bronze Age-and-earlier DC, I picked up this book to familiarize myself with Barry Allen, a character whom I’ve read only in team and event books. And I actually enjoyed it. Like most Silver Age comics, the stories are very one-note, blurring together quickly. Nearly every story uses the same basic plot: Barry has a date with Iris, he’s distracted by some colorful villain’s latest scheme, and, after defeating the villain, shows up late for his date. What’s more, Barry has virtually no characterization outside of your typical do-gooder hero. This is common for the time, so I can’t really fault this book for that.
I still had fun reading it, though. I’m realizing that I have a soft spot for Silver Age wackiness and goofy gimmick villains. In fact, the rogues are the best part of the book. Mirror Master, Captain Cold, Dr. Alchemy, Gorilla Grodd, Pied Piper, Trickster, and Weather Wizard all debut here. There’s some sci-fi stuff with aliens and monsters, but it’s mostly Flash fighting rogues in Central City. We also get Wally West and Elongated Man’s debut, plus a few Wally solo adventures. The bright, imaginative style of these stories mostly makes up for Barry’s blandness. The Silver Age was a hotbed for wild creativity, and The Flash undeniably spearheaded the era.
Carmine Infantino and Joe Giella provide solid art. The updated Flash costume has stood the test of time.
I still had fun reading it, though. I’m realizing that I have a soft spot for Silver Age wackiness and goofy gimmick villains. In fact, the rogues are the best part of the book. Mirror Master, Captain Cold, Dr. Alchemy, Gorilla Grodd, Pied Piper, Trickster, and Weather Wizard all debut here. There’s some sci-fi stuff with aliens and monsters, but it’s mostly Flash fighting rogues in Central City. We also get Wally West and Elongated Man’s debut, plus a few Wally solo adventures. The bright, imaginative style of these stories mostly makes up for Barry’s blandness. The Silver Age was a hotbed for wild creativity, and The Flash undeniably spearheaded the era.
Carmine Infantino and Joe Giella provide solid art. The updated Flash costume has stood the test of time.
December 20, 2022
4.5. This volume contains 32 stories featuring the Silver Age Flash, Barry Allen, from the first issue in October 1956 through to November 1960. I was particularly interested in this one because the first issue of this second Flash is widely regarded as the beginning of the Silver Age of comics. I liked the way that first story gave a nod to the original Flash, by having police scientist Barry Allen sitting in his lab reading an original Flash comic. Then would you believe that the same conditions that caused the original Flash to become the fastest man alive also come together to cause Barry Allen to gain super speed like his fictional hero? Okay, you have to suspend disbelief a lot, but then that's the case with all superhero comics.
I haven't read any of the original Flash comics, though I've seen some of the later ones when an older Jay Garrick makes the occasional appearance. But I do like the Barry Allen version and can see why he was so popular. The stories are inventive and the art and lettering are a step above some of the other comics at the time. Some of the stories are pretty far-fetched, like the ones featuring Grodd the evil super gorilla, but others have some really interesting scenarios, including some sci-fi stories.
Barry's girlfriend, Iris West, appears in a number of the stories, as she is a photojournalist for Picture News and is often on the spot during strange occurrences. However, I didn't like this version of her much, as she's always berating Barry for being late and is often drawn with a sour expression on her face. She didn't know he was The Flash, of course, but I wondered why Barry didn't just dump her. She softened a little before the end. There are also a few comics featuring Kid Flash, Wally West, who later became the third Flash.
All in all, this is a great volume if you're interested in retro comics. I'd give it 5 out of 5 for historical significance and nostalgia value, though probably 4 out of 5 for my own personal enjoyment, as I liked some stories better than others. A great one to have in your collection, and savour one or two stories at a time.
I haven't read any of the original Flash comics, though I've seen some of the later ones when an older Jay Garrick makes the occasional appearance. But I do like the Barry Allen version and can see why he was so popular. The stories are inventive and the art and lettering are a step above some of the other comics at the time. Some of the stories are pretty far-fetched, like the ones featuring Grodd the evil super gorilla, but others have some really interesting scenarios, including some sci-fi stories.
Barry's girlfriend, Iris West, appears in a number of the stories, as she is a photojournalist for Picture News and is often on the spot during strange occurrences. However, I didn't like this version of her much, as she's always berating Barry for being late and is often drawn with a sour expression on her face. She didn't know he was The Flash, of course, but I wondered why Barry didn't just dump her. She softened a little before the end. There are also a few comics featuring Kid Flash, Wally West, who later became the third Flash.
All in all, this is a great volume if you're interested in retro comics. I'd give it 5 out of 5 for historical significance and nostalgia value, though probably 4 out of 5 for my own personal enjoyment, as I liked some stories better than others. A great one to have in your collection, and savour one or two stories at a time.
August 21, 2023
With this volume, The Flash sweeps into the Silver Age of Comics, pulling with him in his wake the entire superhero genre. Great stories in here, and the difference between this and what came before is unmistakable.
Later, Marvel will spring onto the scene and up the ante once again, but this is where it begins.
Later, Marvel will spring onto the scene and up the ante once again, but this is where it begins.
August 14, 2017
Very entertaining! Some pretty out there, goofy villains in this one!
January 10, 2024
I love comics! The old adventures of The Flash were unknown to. I enjoyed reading those funny and weird stories, also because I own several dvds of the series with The Flash.
August 19, 2023
I am giving this a 3 star review but this is an excellent collection that I recommend for anyone who loves the Flash and loves the history of comics. These issues mark the start of the Silver age of comics. DC decided to reboot several of their characters who had been retired and update them for the 1950/60's. Now, Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman had continued but Flash, Green Lantern, Hawkman, Atom and others had not seen print for a number of years. This was a great start to the reboot. Now even though Robert Kanigher did the first story - I really hate him as a person (he was arrogant, dismissive of artists, and a bad writer) the lion share of the stories are by Broome and all the pencils were by artist extraordinaire Carmine Infantino. You hear Jack Kirby and Ditko getting talked about a lot because people gravitated towards Marvel more than DC but for my money Carmine and Gil Kane (Green Lantern, Atom) and Joe Kubert (Hawkman) were equally brilliant.
What do I love about these stories? Broome finding new and inventive ways to expand Flash's powers. Broome being smart enough and creative enough to invent villain after villain that could give Flash a run for his money. Flash's rogue's gallery is the equal of any super hero and as we all know - a hero is only as interesting as the villains he fights. Green Lantern comics suffered because too many times he fought mundane crooks. He had cosmic power and was fighting really boring criminals. Flash didn't have that problem with Broome at the writing helm. His villains stood the test of time and almost all of them are still around decades later. And when he wasn't inventing villains he had clever sci fi tales for Flash to be involved in. He even invented Kid Flash in case people wanted to see a Flash fight ordinary crooks.
And as I mentioned earlier - Carmine was the perfect artist to illustrate these tales. And on the rare occasion Murphy Anderson inked the story it was perfection. I could always tell a Murphy inked tale because of the crispness of his inking. They were a perfect team.
With so many great things to say why only three stars? Well - unfortunately Dc wanted two tales in every comic so these tales are only about 12 pages . Which doesn't give a writer enough time to both introduce a villain and have a few twists and turns. Most went "introduce amazing new villain" "have villain defeat (or escape from) Flash" "Flash tries again and easily defeats the villain with no real effort". There were a few tales where there were some inventive endings (the Cloud monsters is one that comes to mind) but all too often the Flash just used his speed and easily defeated the villain. We also get the annoying Iris, love interest who ... her main job was to complain how slow Barry Allen was.
Gardner Fox was the master at "clever twists" and Broome just didn't show that in these tales. They are still loads of fun but pretty paper thin. But read them for the art, the beginnings of Flash and the murderers row of villains.
What do I love about these stories? Broome finding new and inventive ways to expand Flash's powers. Broome being smart enough and creative enough to invent villain after villain that could give Flash a run for his money. Flash's rogue's gallery is the equal of any super hero and as we all know - a hero is only as interesting as the villains he fights. Green Lantern comics suffered because too many times he fought mundane crooks. He had cosmic power and was fighting really boring criminals. Flash didn't have that problem with Broome at the writing helm. His villains stood the test of time and almost all of them are still around decades later. And when he wasn't inventing villains he had clever sci fi tales for Flash to be involved in. He even invented Kid Flash in case people wanted to see a Flash fight ordinary crooks.
And as I mentioned earlier - Carmine was the perfect artist to illustrate these tales. And on the rare occasion Murphy Anderson inked the story it was perfection. I could always tell a Murphy inked tale because of the crispness of his inking. They were a perfect team.
With so many great things to say why only three stars? Well - unfortunately Dc wanted two tales in every comic so these tales are only about 12 pages . Which doesn't give a writer enough time to both introduce a villain and have a few twists and turns. Most went "introduce amazing new villain" "have villain defeat (or escape from) Flash" "Flash tries again and easily defeats the villain with no real effort". There were a few tales where there were some inventive endings (the Cloud monsters is one that comes to mind) but all too often the Flash just used his speed and easily defeated the villain. We also get the annoying Iris, love interest who ... her main job was to complain how slow Barry Allen was.
Gardner Fox was the master at "clever twists" and Broome just didn't show that in these tales. They are still loads of fun but pretty paper thin. But read them for the art, the beginnings of Flash and the murderers row of villains.
October 13, 2017
It was time I gave DC a try. (Why don't you often have your collections on sale, DC? This is why I read Marvel so much. They appeal to my book slut wallet.)
Anyway, this is my first read of Flash a.k.a. Barry Allen, police scientist (who never does seem to do any police work). While it is colorful and has plenty of adventure, I just didn't get into this version of the Flash. He didn't have any kind of personality and his comics all had a sameness to them.
"I'd better hurry up or I'll be late for my date with my crabby girlfriend. But wait, there's a crime going on that only the Flash can solve. Now that I've saved the world, I'd better catch up with Crabby Abby and listen to her bitch and moan all night. Why are we dating?"
I had a good laugh, albeit unintentional on DC's part, when they started up a Kid Flash series and tried to appeal to the late Fifties/early Sixties youth by speaking slang.
"That platter's endsville, Big Daddy!"
"It's way out! I'm in orbit!"
"These cats are about to rumble."
There was one comic that stayed with me because of how inappropriate it was. A young boy, wrongfully accused of cheating, decides to run away to the big city and live with beatniks. Kid Flash goes to retrieve him, not to stop the boy from ruining his life by dropping out of school and reading Jack Kerouac, but because the boy is a track star and the school can't win the state championship without him. Way to pass on a positive message that you're only important if you're important to school athletics.
Anyway, this is my first read of Flash a.k.a. Barry Allen, police scientist (who never does seem to do any police work). While it is colorful and has plenty of adventure, I just didn't get into this version of the Flash. He didn't have any kind of personality and his comics all had a sameness to them.
"I'd better hurry up or I'll be late for my date with my crabby girlfriend. But wait, there's a crime going on that only the Flash can solve. Now that I've saved the world, I'd better catch up with Crabby Abby and listen to her bitch and moan all night. Why are we dating?"
I had a good laugh, albeit unintentional on DC's part, when they started up a Kid Flash series and tried to appeal to the late Fifties/early Sixties youth by speaking slang.
"That platter's endsville, Big Daddy!"
"It's way out! I'm in orbit!"
"These cats are about to rumble."
There was one comic that stayed with me because of how inappropriate it was. A young boy, wrongfully accused of cheating, decides to run away to the big city and live with beatniks. Kid Flash goes to retrieve him, not to stop the boy from ruining his life by dropping out of school and reading Jack Kerouac, but because the boy is a track star and the school can't win the state championship without him. Way to pass on a positive message that you're only important if you're important to school athletics.
June 29, 2017
It is interesting to read this and see that the Flash had most of his villains right from the get-go. At a time when most DC heroes were probably fighting aliens or pulling super pranks flash was already taken on his arch nemesis Captain Cold and fighting the likes of a super gorilla named Gorilla Grodd. Probably next to Batman and Spider-Man flash has the most interesting set of villains in comics. So it certainly was a joy to see all of them they're basically right from the beginning. The book does have one huge downfall for me which is that some of the super science and Silver age silliness is so over the top that it's not even enjoyable it's just laughable and stupid. There's a part where flash is able to survive the very deepest parts of the ocean because he has super speed. Somehow being really fast makes it so that he can survive in the ocean. But wouldn't that also logically mean that he couldn't be hurt by bullets if he was dense enough to survive the pressure of being at the bottom of the ocean? There's also a part where I captain Cold's cold gun causes a cold Mirage. The same way people will sometimes see a mirage in the desert because of the Heat the cold gun causes cold mirages by having such intense cold. Yeah it was kind of a lot to get around. Overall though the book is just some pretty fun Silver age DC silliness so if you like those kinds of stories you probably will enjoy this book.
December 20, 2022
... I really wanted to give this a higher rating-- especially since the first appearance of Barry Allen's Flash is not only the comic that jump-started the Silver Age, but also my favorite single issue from the era-- but good God almighty, is it tough trying to read a string of these borderline-nonsense stories in a row. The 1950s were a rough time for science fiction as a genre, and DC's Silver Age output is an encapsulation of all the goofiest ideas to tumble out of the decade. It also doesn't help that the writers make preposterous scientific leaps based on magical thinking (like the idea of a "cold mirage" being a thing) in practically every issue.
But what can you expect? These are adventure stories for children, from a decade when creators really didn't give kids a whole lot of credit. These old books might not be particularly edifying, but at least they're charming.
(... Well, as long as you ignore all the horrifically outdated gender politics between Iris West-- a relentless shrew who never stops berating Barry for being a slowpoke-- and Barry himself, who's depicted as a possessive, manipulative gaslighter and stalker. It's not a great look for DC's second-most-prominent "boy scout" hero...)
But what can you expect? These are adventure stories for children, from a decade when creators really didn't give kids a whole lot of credit. These old books might not be particularly edifying, but at least they're charming.
(... Well, as long as you ignore all the horrifically outdated gender politics between Iris West-- a relentless shrew who never stops berating Barry for being a slowpoke-- and Barry himself, who's depicted as a possessive, manipulative gaslighter and stalker. It's not a great look for DC's second-most-prominent "boy scout" hero...)
June 1, 2018
Jesus(sorry for my foul words of the lord) but JESUS! The only reason I got this book is because I have seen the first four seasons of the The Flash on The CW but my god! Was this book trash! Iris West is a damn bitch “I don’t know why I put up with you Barry Allen!” “I do say Barry you are the slowest man on the earth, why can’t you be more like the flash?” Like hoe shove a sock down your throat(that’s VERY extreme) like first off Iris you’ve been trying to get with Barry’s friends and that is a shady move like if I were Barry Iris would not be worth it! She would be gone, out of MY life! And the crime and criminals they are so cringeworthy like so predictable and I their thoughts they explain the science in their escape. Look one star cause, come on it’s The Flash, a second cause it’s DC and well comics are interesting for free time if you can’t find a book and a third cause out of the pity and well I shouldn’t be dissing out on it and I mean what do I expect it is from the late 50s’ but me it just doesn’t stick with me , surprised I even finished it.
January 5, 2020
Barry Allen is The Flash. Oh, spoiler alert.
This first volume collects the exploits of the Silver Age Flash, from his origin to increasingly "complex" stories. We read about Gorilla Grodd and Captain Cold, to name but a couple of his stalwart rogues. Iris West is always around to trip Barry up, to throw Flash's magnificence in Barry's inept face. We are introduced to Kid Flash and his desire to represent The Flash well.
These are all charming stories from simpler times. It is a joy to read them and to look at them. There is a progression in the stories as to what Barry can do as well as what can be done to him. It's as though we witness the creators figuring out this character and expanding on his universe.
I look forward to reading Volume 2, downloading as I type. I have to say, using the guided path (or whatever Comixology calls it) lets me appreciate the artwork more. Panels as big as my screen really open up the viewing pleasure.
Highly recommended.
This first volume collects the exploits of the Silver Age Flash, from his origin to increasingly "complex" stories. We read about Gorilla Grodd and Captain Cold, to name but a couple of his stalwart rogues. Iris West is always around to trip Barry up, to throw Flash's magnificence in Barry's inept face. We are introduced to Kid Flash and his desire to represent The Flash well.
These are all charming stories from simpler times. It is a joy to read them and to look at them. There is a progression in the stories as to what Barry can do as well as what can be done to him. It's as though we witness the creators figuring out this character and expanding on his universe.
I look forward to reading Volume 2, downloading as I type. I have to say, using the guided path (or whatever Comixology calls it) lets me appreciate the artwork more. Panels as big as my screen really open up the viewing pleasure.
Highly recommended.
March 3, 2019
These are the books that ushered in the Silver Age of comics. To a modern reader, yes, they are corny. Intelligent gorillas! Criminal beatniks! Extraterrestrial invaders! It’s a gas. If you’re not familiar with this era of comics, understand that story structure is simplistic and the denouement is usually unsatisfying and rushed. Reading these stories in a collective volume, back-to-back, they can become repetitive and enervating. For an adult to enjoy these comics, it is probably necessary to have at least some knowledge as to their place in comics history. Unfortunately, there is no introduction in this volume providing that. That being said, the Carmine Infantino art is superb. The paper and print quality is satisfactory; a good value for your money. I give this four stars for the entertainingly manic story plots, and the excellent art.
September 16, 2017
I haven't read many Flash comics before, and it was my first time reading Silver age stuff.
As you can expect from the 60s and older stories, they were a bit (much more ;) silly than the over serious tones of nowadays but it's so endearing.
Reading decades old stories just brings you the cultural history view and lots of fun!
I loved that this volumes includes lots of Flash villains, and that I got to see the paper view on Captain Cold and Gorilla Grodd, and also KID FLASH!!
The running jokes about Barry always being late for his dates with Iris cracks me up ;)
Sometimes she's definitely brutal with him, it's so funny!
In all I really enjoyed it all and will happily pick up more Flash in the future, to complement Barry's adventures on the small and big screen I already love!
As you can expect from the 60s and older stories, they were a bit (much more ;) silly than the over serious tones of nowadays but it's so endearing.
Reading decades old stories just brings you the cultural history view and lots of fun!
I loved that this volumes includes lots of Flash villains, and that I got to see the paper view on Captain Cold and Gorilla Grodd, and also KID FLASH!!
The running jokes about Barry always being late for his dates with Iris cracks me up ;)
Sometimes she's definitely brutal with him, it's so funny!
In all I really enjoyed it all and will happily pick up more Flash in the future, to complement Barry's adventures on the small and big screen I already love!
July 14, 2024
The Flash: The Silver Age Vol. 1
Police Forensic Scientist Barry Allen was always a fan of the adventures of the comic book character, the Flash. When a lightning strike in his chemical lab changes his body, he assumed the identity of the Flash in order to fight crime.
Strong artwork and a clear idea of the trajectory of the character arc, albeit with a strong layer of camp which explains the sensibilities of the 'Batman' tv series almost a decade later, this is a strong opening for possibly the best known of the Flash characters. This outsize book covers the first year of Barry's adventures.
Police Forensic Scientist Barry Allen was always a fan of the adventures of the comic book character, the Flash. When a lightning strike in his chemical lab changes his body, he assumed the identity of the Flash in order to fight crime.
Strong artwork and a clear idea of the trajectory of the character arc, albeit with a strong layer of camp which explains the sensibilities of the 'Batman' tv series almost a decade later, this is a strong opening for possibly the best known of the Flash characters. This outsize book covers the first year of Barry's adventures.
May 22, 2017
The Flash: The Silver Age Vol. 1 is a delightful afternoon read that showcases the beginning of Wally West, Kid Flash, and most of the Rogues Gallery that has come to define some of the Flash's greatest battles.
Some parts don't particularly age well (Iris West's cluelessness), the science is goofy at times, but its the Silver Age of comics. It's fun, action-packed, and really enjoyable.
Definitely worth picking up if you're a fan of The Flash, the Silver Age of comics, or want to know more about how comics use to be.
Some parts don't particularly age well (Iris West's cluelessness), the science is goofy at times, but its the Silver Age of comics. It's fun, action-packed, and really enjoyable.
Definitely worth picking up if you're a fan of The Flash, the Silver Age of comics, or want to know more about how comics use to be.
December 18, 2018
I started reading Mark Waid's run on Flash from the early nineties. The Wally West version. I wanted to check this out as a way to familiarize myself with the Flash that mentored Wally. This is some of the most readable Silver Age comics. Much more fun and engaging to me than the Spider-Man or Fantastic Four that I've read. Maybe it's just that I like the character a bit more. Anyway, really enjoyed this and can't wait to put the next few volumes away.
June 29, 2017
This is Silver Age so the art is cheesy and the stories are cheesy but I enjoyed it from the perspective that I was able to read the first stories of Flash, Captain Cold, Grodd, Mirror Master.
If you want to read the earliest stories of the Flash then this is where to go.
If not, then skip this one.
If you want to read the earliest stories of the Flash then this is where to go.
If not, then skip this one.
February 21, 2024
This is some of the best of the Silver Age and how it began. I strongly recommend all check out these classics of the Flash if you really want to know what entertainment is all about. It's far better than the disaster Geoff Johns made of the Flash in the early 2000s, and what was published up to the turn of the century was galaxies better than what came after.
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February 28, 2023Better than the justice league collection of silver age comics, still a bit too dated, but the colors and movement are great. Kid Flash guilty though, awful back up comics. Elongated Man is cool, Gorilla Grodd is a fantastic villain as well.
September 10, 2023
The original silver age, not a reinterpretation!
Barry Allen at his best! Some of the original wonky advertisements would’ve been nice. But it’s great to get the digitalized original stories. Guess you can’t call them a re-print.
Barry Allen at his best! Some of the original wonky advertisements would’ve been nice. But it’s great to get the digitalized original stories. Guess you can’t call them a re-print.
May 8, 2025
I'm giving it more than is probably worth. I read the comics from the 70s and 80s, so i can't wait to catch up with those. this seems golden age and safe, but it's Flash.... so I still love it thoroughly.
December 16, 2017
In general, I'm not a huge fan of anything from the silver age, because of the way they are written, but this is a great introduction to The Flash, the villains, Kid Flash and Elongated Man.
February 27, 2019
As I continue reading all DC and Marvel comics from 1938 forward. I have worked my way up to 1965 in about 3 years.
March 31, 2020
It is a very fun, interesting comic book.
February 10, 2021
Fun 1960s comic book silliness
September 7, 2022
Can’t believe I read these things as a kid. Beautifully illustrated but, good lord, the actual stories are almost nonexistent. Also read Volume 2, if you’re interested, but not sure I finished it.
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