The Flash # 1 1987 NM-

The Flash #1—often carrying the cover text "Presenting the New Flash"—is a historic comic book published by DC Comics in June 1987. Written by Mike Baron and penciled by Jackson Guice, this issue officially launched a brand-new ongoing era for the Scarlet Speedster following the reality-altering events of Crisis on Infinite Earths.

Historical Significance

This issue marks the first solo series starring Wally West as the primary Flash. Following the tragic death of his mentor, Barry Allen, Wally steps out of his former role as "Kid Flash" to inherit the iconic red suit. The creative team deliberately redefined the character, establishing that Wally was slower than Barry (maxing out at roughly 705 miles per hour) and required immense caloric intake to fuel his metabolism.

Issue Plot Summary

The story, titled "Hearts... of Stone," takes place on Wally West's 20th birthday.

• The Mission: Wally receives an emergency call from a children's hospital requesting immediate delivery of a heart for a transplant patient in Seattle. Penniless and struggling, Wally agrees to the transcontinental run on the condition that the hospital covers his health insurance.
• The Conflict: During his cross-country run, he thwarts a mid-air plane hijacking orchestrated by a terrorist group known as the Third World Liberation Army.
• The Villain's Shadow: Later in the journey, Wally witnesses the immortal villain Vandal Savage murder a private investigator. The issue ends on a tense cliffhanger when Wally returns to his apartment, only to find Vandal Savage casually waiting for him inside.