Comic Title: Flash #196
Publisher: DC (National Periodical Publications, Inc.)
Address: 909 Third Avenue, New York, NY
Cover Date: Apr/May 1970
On Sale Date: February 10, 1970 Newsstand Date February 10, 1970
Source: Comic Reader, #77

Copyright Date February 10, 1970
Source: Library of Congress, Periodicals 1970

Newsstand Date February 12, 1970
Source: House Ad, Phantom Stranger #6, Page 10

Frequency: Monthly, (with the exception of Jan., July and Oct.)
Cover Price: $0.25
Page Count: 64
Editor: Julius Schwartz

See Also: The Guide to DC Giants

Notes:
This issue is labeled Giant #G 70.

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)

• Flash (last appearance in Showcase #4; next appearance in Showcase #4)

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.