The Flash is not just one hero. It is a legacy.

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the Flash mantle across DC Comics history, exploring how the role of the Scarlet Speedster has been passed down, reshaped, and redefined over generations. From the Golden Age origins of Jay Garrick, to the scientific heroism of Barry Allen, to the emotional and character driven evolution of Wally West, this episode unpacks why The Flash is one of DC’s most meaningful legacy heroes.

We explore how each Flash earned the mantle, what each era needed from its speedster, and how the concept of legacy became central to DC storytelling long before it was fashionable. Along the way, we break down the creation and evolution of the Speed Force, how it changed the rules of superhero storytelling, and why it transformed The Flash from “the fast guy” into one of the most powerful and emotionally resonant heroes in comics.

This episode also examines the real world shifts behind the scenes. Editorial changes, creative reinventions, major events, and why The Flash mantle reflects DC’s broader philosophy about hope, growth, and generational storytelling. More than almost any other hero, The Flash shows us that being a hero is not about replacing the past, but building on it.

If you have ever wondered why The Flash matters, why fans argue so passionately about who the “real” Flash is, or why legacy heroes hit differently than solo icons, this episode is for you.

Because when it comes to The Flash, speed is only part of the story. Legacy is everything.

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DC Comics has been through one of the most turbulent, experimental, and misunderstood stretches in its history over the last five years—and if you’ve felt lost trying to keep up, you’re not alone.

In this episode, we break down the last half-decade of DC Comics continuity in a way that actually makes sense. From major events and publishing resets to real-world shifts inside DC that reshaped the stories on the page, this is a guided tour through where the universe has been, where it is now, and why it looks the way it does.

We’ll unpack the fallout from Dark Nights: Metal and Death Metal, what Infinite Frontier was really trying to accomplish, how Dark Crisis redefined legacy and heroes, and why recent initiatives like the Absolute Universe and experimental storytelling approaches matter more than they might first appear. Along the way, we’ll talk about how characters like Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and the wider DC roster have evolved—and what themes DC has been wrestling with in a post-reboot, post-multiverse era.

This episode isn’t about reading release lists or explaining every tie-in. It’s about understanding the direction, the intent, and the big picture—so whether you’re a lapsed reader, a returning fan, or someone who’s heard the buzz but doesn’t know where to jump in, you’ll walk away grounded and caught up.

If DC’s recent history has felt confusing, fragmented, or overwhelming, this episode is your map.

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Welcome to the very first episode of Understanding Comics.

This episode sets the foundation for what this podcast is and what it isn’t. Rather than recaps or hot takes, Understanding Comics exists to explore comic books as living mythology—stories shaped by decades of creators, cultural shifts, editorial decisions, and evolving audiences.

In this introduction, we talk about why comics can feel overwhelming, why continuity is both fascinating and frustrating, and how characters grow, change, and sometimes contradict themselves over time. We explore what it means to truly understand a character or a story beyond a single run, movie, or moment, and why context matters when talking about lore, canon, and legacy.

This episode also lays out the approach of the show: long-form conversations that focus on characters, history, themes, and storytelling across publishers and eras. Whether you’re a lifelong reader, someone who fell in through movies or TV, or someone who’s always wanted to get into comics but didn’t know where to start, this podcast is designed to meet you where you are.

If you love comics and want to understand how they work, why they matter, and why these stories endure, this is where the journey begins.

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