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Bartholomew Henry ''Barry'' Allen, also known as theFlash, is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published byDC Comics. The character was created byRobert Kanigher,John Broome andCarmine Infantino, first appearing inShowcase #4 (1956).
He is a speedster and the second superhero known as the Flash. In his secret identity he is a police officer working inCentral City as a forensic specialist. His legacy is theFlash Family, he was inspired byJay Garrick of theJustice Society and has been succeeded byWally West andBart Allen. Barry's running generates theSpeed Force, an enigmatic source of energy that all other speedsters tap into throughout time. There is an ever-present danger that as fast as he runs, he might lose himself as he approaches speeds closer to light, but his lightning rod is his wifeIris West. Although he died sacrificing himself to save the universe duringCrisis on Infinite Earths, he was resurrected duringFinal Crisis and is now working alongside the full Flash Family as ofRebirth. He was also a founding member of theJustice League of America.
Like other heroes who go by the Flash, Barry is a "speedster", with powers that derive mainly from his superhuman speed.
Barry Allen has been featured in several media, first appearing in animated form in the 1967The Superman/Aquaman Hour of Adventure and then in the relatedSuper Friends program. Since then he has appeared in several DC Universe Animated Original Movies. ActorJohn Wesley Shipp portrayed the character in the live-action 1990s television showThe Flash and the Arrowverse. The character was portrayed byGrant Gustin in the Arrowverse shows in a main capacity, especially the 2014 television seriesThe Flash, whileEzra Miller portrayed the character in theDC Extended Universe moviesBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,Suicide Squad,Justice League, the director's cutZack Snyder's Justice League, the Arrowverse eventCrisis on Infinite Earths, the HBO Max seriesPeacemaker, and the 2023 movieThe Flash.