Wally West, the third person to take up the mantle of The Flash, is one of DC Comics’ most beloved speedsters. His development from a lighthearted sidekick to a seasoned hero has made him a favorite among readers. Navigating Wally’s extensive publication history can feel overwhelming, so a clear wally west reading order can be a lifesaver for fans looking to follow his exhilarating adventures.
Below, we’ll outline the essential comics and story arcs that define Wally’s character, from his debut as Kid Flash to his time as the primary Flash. Whether you’re a casual reader or a hardcore fan, this guide will help you experience the best of Wally West.
Who Is Wally West?
Before diving into the wally west reading order, it’s important to understand who Wally is. Created by John Broome and Carmine Infantino, Wally West first appeared in The Flash #110 (1959). Initially introduced as the nephew of Barry Allen’s girlfriend, Iris West, Wally gained super-speed powers in an accident that mirrored Barry’s. He became Kid Flash, Barry’s sidekick, and eventually stepped into the role of The Flash following Barry’s seeming demise in Crisis on Infinite Earths.
Wally is notable not just for his speed and heroic feats, but also for his relatable struggles. Juggling his legacy, personal relationships, and evolving responsibilities, Wally has always embodied growth and perseverance.
Essential Comics to Start With
1. The Early Days as Kid Flash
Wally’s origins begin with his time as Kid Flash. These stories are great for fans who want to see how Wally’s character was initially portrayed.
- The Flash #110-120 (1959): The first appearance of Wally as Kid Flash is in The Flash #110, where his origin story unfolds. He continues to feature prominently in Barry Allen’s adventures during this period.
- Teen Titans (1966 series): Wally joined the original Teen Titans team, which added more depth to his character. The early Teen Titans stories placed him in a team setting, allowing his personality to shine alongside heroes like Robin and Wonder Girl.
2. Transition to The Flash
Wally’s big transition comes after the events of Crisis on Infinite Earths. This is where he starts to take on the mantle of The Flash full-time.
- Crisis on Infinite Earths #1-12 (1985): This monumental event is where Barry Allen sacrifices himself, paving the way for Wally to take over as The Flash.
- The Flash (1987 series) #1-62: Written by Mike Baron and later William Messner-Loebs, this series chronicles Wally’s struggles and growth after becoming The Flash. Significant highlights include Wally inheriting Barry’s legacy and coming to terms with his place as a hero.
3. Mark Waid’s Era
One of the most essential runs for any wally west reading order is Mark Waid’s work on The Flash. Waid’s stories explore Wally’s relationship with the Speed Force and his role in the Flash Family.
- The Flash #62-129 (1992-2000): Mark Waid’s defining run begins here. Iconic storylines like “Born to Run” (#62-65) retell Wally’s origin as Kid Flash, while “The Return of Barry Allen” (#74-79) explores Wally’s feelings of inadequacy compared to his mentor.
- Impulse appearances (1995): Wally often butted heads with Impulse (Bart Allen), Barry’s grandson. Their dynamic is a fun addition to Wally’s story and can be explored in titles like Impulse #1-6.
4. Geoff Johns’ Era
Geoff Johns elevated Wally’s stories to new heights with high-stakes action and emotionally charged storytelling.
- The Flash #164-225 (2000-2005): Johns’ run introduces fan-favorite villains like Zoom (Hunter Zolomon) and provides some of Wally’s most personal challenges. Key arcs include “Blitz” (#197-200) and “Ignition” (#201-206).
- Rogue War (#220-225): This storyline is a culmination of the tension between The Flash and his rogues’ gallery, showcasing Wally’s leadership and resolve.
5. Post-Flashpoint and New 52
The New 52 reboot (2011) complicated Wally’s continuity, but eventually, he returned to DC Comics in a meaningful way.
- The Flash Rebirth (2009): Though focused on Barry Allen’s return, this mini-series also acknowledges Wally’s importance in the Flash mythos.
- DC Universe Rebirth (2016): Wally makes a triumphant return in the Rebirth era. His return is emotional and pivotal, kicking off new storylines.
- Titans (2016-2019): This series reunites Wally with his old Teen Titans teammates, focusing on his efforts to piece together memories from the pre-Flashpoint timeline.
6. Current Era
Wally continues to thrive as a key player in DC’s ongoing stories.
- The Flash (2021-Present): After Barry steps away from the role, Wally reclaims his place as The Flash. These recent issues, written by Jeremy Adams, highlight Wally’s balance between family life and heroism.
- Dark Crisis (2022): Wally plays a critical role in DC’s latest crisis event, solidifying his status as a central figure in the DC universe.
Standalone Stories and Key Collections
While the ongoing series mentioned above provide a continuous narrative, several standalone stories and collected editions capture Wally’s essence perfectly:
- The Flash by Mark Waid Omnibus: A comprehensive collection of Mark Waid’s legendary run, perfect for fans who want to experience Wally’s growth in one go.
- The Flash by Geoff Johns Omnibus: This collection brings together all of Johns’ work on Wally’s title, full of iconic moments and thrilling battles.
- Kid Flash of Two Worlds: A nostalgic story showcasing Wally’s bond with Barry Allen and Jay Garrick, the original Flash.
Why Wally West Deserves Your Attention
Wally West isn’t just another superhero; he’s the heart of the DC Universe in many ways. His stories focus on family, legacy, and the power of determination. Unlike some heroes who remain static, Wally’s evolution—from a teenager in awe of his mentor to a hero who inspires others—has cemented his legacy.
When exploring the wally west reading order, you’ll see a character who’s been at the center of some of DC’s most emotional and exciting moments. Whether he’s teaming up with the Justice League, leading the Teen Titans, or running solo as The Flash, Wally’s adventures always bring something unique to the table.
Where to Start?
If you’re new to Wally West, the best starting point depends on what appeals to you:
- If you’re into classic superhero stories with a focus on team dynamics, start with his time in the Teen Titans.
- For those interested in his development as The Flash, picking up Mark Waid’s “Born to Run” arc is highly recommended.
- Fans of modern comics can jump into the Rebirth era or his latest adventures in the 2021 The Flash series.
Final Thoughts
A clear wally west reading order helps you appreciate the growth of this remarkable character. Whether you’re inspired by his determination, his witty sense of humor, or his profound connection to the Speed Force, reading Wally’s stories is sure to be an enjoyable experience. From Kid Flash to the full-fledged Scarlet Speedster, Wally West is a character whose legacy will continue to resonate with generations of fans.
Are you ready to explore the thrilling world of Wally West? Grab your reading list, start with the classics, and race into the pages of DC Comics for an unforgettable ride!
