This Day In Comics: Bart Allen Becomes The Flash
In the world of comics, legacy is a powerful force. Few mantles carry as much weight and history as that of The Flash, a name synonymous with hope, heroism, and the very fabric of the DC Universe. On this day, June 21, 2006, that legacy was passed to a new generation in a moment forged by crisis and sacrifice. It was in the pages of The Flash: Fastest Man Alive #1 that the impulsive speedster we knew as Impulse and Kid Flash finally grew into his destiny, and Bart Allen becomes The Flash1.
This was no simple passing of the torch. Bart’s journey to becoming the Scarlet Speedster was a harrowing trial, born from the universe-altering events of Infinite Crisis. It represented the culmination of years of character development and a story that pushed a young hero to his absolute limits. For fans of the Flash family, this was a pivotal and unforgettable moment.
The Road to a New Legacy: Bart Allen Becomes The Flash
To understand how Bart Allen took on this iconic role, we must first look back at the chaos of Infinite Crisis. During this massive event, Bart spent four years trapped in an alternate reality’s Keystone City2. He was not alone, joined by his mentor Wally West, an alternate version of the original Flash Jay Garrick, and the spectral essences of speedster legends Max Mercury and Barry Allen3. When these speedsters rallied together to find a way back to their own dimension, a desperate plan was formed4. To survive the perilous journey, Bart Allen absorbed the entirety of the Speed Force, using Wally West’s ring and Barry Allen’s classic costume to help contain the overwhelming energy5.
The journey was a success, but it came at a great cost. Bart returned suddenly aged four years older than his friends and peers6. Compounding this physical change was a heavy mental toll, as he was unable to remember the years he had lost7. Haunted by these lost memories and the immense power now coursing through him, Bart’s first instinct was not to be a hero. Instead, he tried to create a normal, mundane life for himself, seeking refuge from the extraordinary life he once led8. Many dedicated fans followed this complex character arc with great interest.
Furthermore, Bart was harboring a dangerous secret. He knew that the Speed Force was not gone as others believed; it was still around, residing entirely within him and threatening to overwhelm him at any moment9. This internal conflict—the very source of his incredible power also being a constant danger—added a layer of tragedy to his story. His attempt at a normal life was a desperate bid for control over forces he couldn’t fully comprehend. The history of the Speed Force is one of the most fascinating parts of the DC Comics universe.
However, the life of a hero is not one that can be easily cast aside. The catalyst for Bart’s return was his roommate, who unexpectedly gained superpowers and became the dangerous new villain known as the Griffin10. This immediate threat in his new life forced Bart to finally accept his legacy11. In confronting the Griffin, Bart discovered that he had indeed absorbed the full power of the Speed Force and began the difficult process of learning how to control it12. It was through this trial by fire that he made his choice. Following in the footsteps of his grandfather Barry Allen and his father Don Allen, Bart Allen officially became the fourth hero to be called The Flash13. After defeating the Griffin, he moved to Los Angeles to truly begin this new chapter, even enrolling in the L.A. Police Academy to study forensics—another poignant tribute to his grandfather14. This journey is chronicled across some truly memorable comic book covers.
The story of Bart Allen is a testament to the enduring power of legacy. It’s a narrative about a young man running from his destiny, only to find the strength to embrace it when it mattered most. The events of June 21, 2006, gave readers and the entire community one of the most compelling chapters in the Flash’s long history. While you may not see it in new comics today, its impact is still felt.What are your favorite Bart Allen moments, either as Impulse, Kid Flash, or The Flash? Head over to our Twitter page and share your memories!
