DC Rebirth

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

The narrative begins with Barry Allen investigating a crime scene, where he experiences visions of Wally West, Eobard Thawne, and an individual in white. As Barry runs through Central City, he encounters Wally, who had been absorbed into the Speed Force. Wally attempts to warn Barry about someone interfering with the timeline before being pulled back out by a remembering Barry. Reunited, Wally warns that they are 'being watched.' The story expands when citizens across Central City suddenly gain Speed Force powers at random, a phenomenon known as the Speed Force Storm, which was triggered by the Sage Force merging with the Speed Force during the 'Flash War' storyline. Later arcs introduce new threats like Bloodwork, who holds secret ties to Barry, and the return of Eobard Thawne, who threatens everyone close to him.

In Their Own Story

In 'The One-Minute War' (issues 790–796), an alien force known as the Fraction invades Earth. Their ship lands in Central City, freezing time for everyone except the Flash Family. The destruction kills thousands, including Iris West. Wally West finds Barry crying over her death before rescuing him. Wallace West and Bart Allen argue on what to do until saved by Jay Garrick and Jesse Quick from the Fraction. Grieving at the West house, the family learns the Fraction's spire was seen during Dark Crisis. The invaders plan to collect metahumans as a wedding gift for their Empress, who wants more power after harnessing the Speed Force on her home planet. Miss Murder is released to attack the family. Wally convinces Barry to leave Iris's side temporarily. Kid Flash and Impulse infiltrate the ship, stealing a vehicle because 'Barry Allen wants a car,' rescuing a battery-person and heroes like Superman and Captain Atom while narrowly escaping Miss Murder.

Reader's Guide

Readers should start with the August 2016 launch by Joshua Williamson to follow Barry Allen's journey. The first arc, 'Lightning Strikes Twice' (2016), introduces Wally West's return and the random speedster phenomenon. Follow this with 'Speed of Darkness' (2016–2017) where Barry trains a new Kid Flash while battling the Shade. The 'Rogues Reloaded' arc (2017) sees the missing supervillain team setting deadly traps for Flash. Key turning points include the return of Eobard Thawne in 'Running Scared' and the introduction of Bloodwork in 'Negative.' For major events, read 'Flash War' (2018), 'Finish Line' (2020), and conclude with 'The One-Minute War' (2023), where the Fraction invasion tests the entire Flash Family. Note that the series reverted to original numbering at #750 in May 2020 before ending at #800.

Did You Know?

• The series reverted to its original numbering with issue #750 in May 2020.
• Citizens across Central City gained Speed Force powers seemingly at random during the first story arc, but the Speed Force Storm was actually triggered by the Sage Force merging with the Speed Force during the 'Flash War
• In 'The One-Minute War,' Kid Flash and Impulse used the Cosmic Treadmill to slow down the Fraction's time-dilation field.
• The Rogues appeared in the second story arc ('The Speed of Darkness'), not the first; the first arc ('Lightning Strikes Twice') introduced Godspeed.
• The series ended with issue #800 in September 2023.