Title: "The Origin of Flash's Masked Identity"
Pages: 7
Feature(s):
Flash (Barry Allen of Earth-1)
Writer: John Broome
Penciller: Carmine Infantino
Inker: Joe Giella
Reprinted From:
Flash #128 (1962)
Feature Character(s)
Other Character(s)
- Citizens of Central City (dream appearance)
Comments:
This story takes place during the events of Showcase #4. The events of the story are mostly the dream of Barry Allen and never really occurred.
Synopsis:
In the early days of the Flash’s career, Barry Allen wore a maskless uniform. He did so on his first couple of cases and was not seen. While deciding whether or not to include a mask with his costume, he has a dream.
In the dream, Barry announces his identity publicly. People are skeptical at first, but when he stops a tornado the people believe him. Crowds flock to police headquarters to see him and get autographs. When a burglary occurs across town, Barry has a difficult time making his way through the crowds to get to the scene. When Flash arrives, the theives have left. Flash is able to catch the getaway car and catch them.
Waking from his dream, Barry realizes that the delay from the crowd almost prevented him from catching the crooks. He decides it would be better to wear a mask and keep his identity secret.