Flash's three must-have runs are the revolutionaryInfantino Silver Age(1956-1968), the definitiveMark Waid(1992-2000) and the monumentalGeoff Johns(2000-2005, 2009-2011).

Flash is the character who launched the Silver Age of comics in 1956. From Barry Allen to Wally West, the Speed ​​Force has generated some of the most beloved runs in the DC Universe. For the collector, the franchise offers a range of periods from the rare Golden Age to the accessible modern.

This ranking covers the best continuous series of the Scarlet Bolide, all incarnations combined. Each run has redefined the character and his universe, and represents a solid investment for any serious DC collection.

Top 1 — Infantino Silver Age (1956-1968)

Screenwriter:John Broome, Robert Kanigher |Designer:Carmine Infantino |Numbers:Showcase #4, The Flash #105-174 |Period :1956-1968

Showcase #4 revives the superheroic genre and ushers in the Silver Age. Infantino invents a visual language of speed that still defines the character today. The origins of the Reverse-Flash, Captain Cold, Mirror Master and Earth-2 are born here. A historic run in the literal sense.

Key numbers:Showcase #4 (1st Barry Allen), Flash #123 (Flash of Two Worlds), #139 (1st Reverse-Flash).Market value:Showcase #4 in VG: €15,000-30,000 | Flash #123 in VF: €1,500-3,000.

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Top 2 — Mark Waid (1992-2000)

Screenwriter:Mark Waid |Designers:Greg LaRocque, Mike Wieringo, Paul Pelletier |Numbers:The Flash vol.2 #62-129, 142-159 |Period :1992-2000

Waid transforms Wally West from hesitant successor to definitive Flash. He invents the Speed ​​Force, a concept that has become central to the entire DCU. “Terminal Velocity,” “Dead Heat,” and “The Return of Barry Allen” are legendary arcs that elevate the character to the DC pantheon.

Key numbers:Flash #73-79 (Return of Barry Allen), #95-100 (Terminal Velocity), #142 (Wally/Linda marriage).Market value:#73 in NM: €15-30 | Full run: €200-400.

Top 3 — Geoff Johns (2000-2005, 2009-2011)

Screenwriter:Geoff Johns |Designers:Scott Kolins, Howard Porter, Francis Manapul |Numbers:Flash vol.2 #164-225, Flash: Rebirth #1-6 |Period :2000-2005, 2009-2011

Johns enriches the Rogues' gallery like no one before him, humanizing Captain Cold and the Rogues into complex antagonists. “Rogue War” and “Blitz” (Zoom introduction) are peaks. Flash: Rebirth brings back Barry Allen and redefines the Speed ​​Force mythology for the modern era.

Key numbers:Flash #197 (Blitz/Zoom), #220-225 (Rogue War), Rebirth #1.Market value:#197 in NM: €20-40 | Full run: €150-300.

Top 4 — Bates & Novick (1969-1976)

Screenwriter:Cary Bates |Designer:Irv Novick |Numbers:The Flash #175-250 |Period :1969-1976

Bates brings a thriller and detective dimension to the title, exploring the civilian life of Barry Allen forensic scientist. Reverse-Flash's storylines become more personal and threatening. An often overlooked but solid transitional run, with very affordable issues for the collector.

Key numbers:Flash #175 (Flash vs Superman race), #215-216.Market value:#175 in French: €60-120 | Full run: €150-300.

Top 5 — Baron & Guice—Wally West (1987-1992)

Screenwriter:Mike Baron |Designer:Jackson Guice |Numbers:The Flash vol.2 #1-18 |Period :1987-1988

Post-Crisis, Baron relaunches Flash with Wally West as an imperfect hero: broke, arrogant, limited in speed. This realistic, down-to-earth approach creates a stark contrast to Barry Allen. Guice brings a nervous visual dynamism. The founding run of the series vol.2 which leads to Waid.

Key numbers:Flash vol.2 #1 (1st Wally solo), #12 (Chunk).Market value:#1 in NM: €15-25 | Full run: €40-80.

Top 6 — Joshua Williamson (2016-2020)

Screenwriter:Joshua Williamson |Designers:Carmine Di Giandomenico, Howard Porter |Numbers:The Flash vol.5 #1-88 |Period :2016-2020

The longest continuous run on Flash, Williamson synthesizes the Waid/Johns legacy while creating new speedsters (Godspeed, Meena Dhawan). “Flash War” confronts Barry and Wally in a powerful emotional arc. An accessible and consistent run over 88 issues.

Key numbers:Flash #1 (Rebirth), #21-22 (The Button, Batman crossover), #47-50 (Flash War).Market value:#21 (lenticular) in NM: €20-35 | Full run: €180-350.

Discover our guide toFlash key numbersand theeditorial history of the characterto put these runs in context.

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