CATALOG RECORD

Flash Comics #1

DC · Series began 1940 · January 1940

first appearance of The Flash, Hawkman, Johnny Thunder and others

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The Flash (Jay Garrick) — introduction, origin
Hawkman (Carter Hall) — introduction, origin, reincarnation of Prince Khufu
Johnny Thunder (superhero) — introduction, origin
Shiera Sanders (Hawkgirl) — introduction, reincarnation of Shiera of Egypt
Thunderbolt (Johnny Thunder's djinn) — introduction
Joan Garrick (DC character) — introduction
The Whip (Rod Gaynor) — introduction, origin
Marisa Dillon (girlfriend of Rod Gaynor (The Whip)) — introduction
Hath-Set (Hawkman villain) — villain, introduction, in flashback, reincarnated as Dr. Hastor
Prince Khufu (previous incarnation of Hawkman) — introduction, death in flashback, reincarnated as Carter Hall
Carlos (assistant of Rod Gaynor (The Whip)) — introduction
Chay-Ara (previous incarnation of Hawkgirl) — introduction, death in flashback, reincarnated as Shiera Sanders
El Castigo (Don Fernando Suarez, predecessor of The Whip) — introduction, in flashback to the 19th century
King (The Whip's horse) — The Whip's horse, introduction
Wing Tai (assistant of Rod Gaynor (The Whip)) — introduction
Mildred Thunder (mother of Johnny Thunder) — introduction
Sam Dillon (ally of The Whip) — Seguro Sentinel publisher, father of Marissa, introduction
Simon B. Thunder (father of Johnny Thunder) — introduction
Dr. Anton Hastor (Hawkman villain) — villain, introduction, reincarnation of Hath-Set, apparent death

Dates

Cover date: January 1940
On sale: November 20, 1939
Pages: 68

Editions and covers

Original edition
Source ↗

Facsimile reprints exist

Flash Comics 1 (Facsimile Edition) (2025). A facsimile reproduces this issue with a modern cover price and barcode; check before buying.

Creators

pencils: Sheldon Moldoff, Sheldon Mayer, Harry Lampert, Dennis Neville, Stan Asch, Ed Wheelan, George Storminks: Sheldon Moldoff, Sheldon Mayer, Harry Lampert, Dennis Neville, Stan Asch, Ed Wheelan, George Stormscript: Gardner Fox, John Wentworth, Ed Wheelanletters: Harry Lampert, Ed Wheelan

Stories

Origin of the Flash · 15 pages
The Scarlet Speedster must face the threat of the Faultless Four, a group of brilliant but deadly scientists who kidnap Joan Williams' father in order to get his invention: the atomic bombarder!
The Disappearing Plane · 6 pages
Cliff is on vacation from the FBI, but the Army nabs him for a special assignment in Alaska to put an end to phantom plane attacks on military aircraft.
The Origin of Hawkman · 12 pages
Young Carter Hall, wealthy collector of weapons and research scientist, discovers that he is the re-incarnation of an anicient Egyptian, Prince Khu-fu. He is further amazed that his lady love, Shiera Sanders, and his murderer, Hath-Set, have been re-incarnated too!
The Kidnapping of Johnny Thunder · 10 pages
Young Johnny Thunder is kidnapped from his home, given Badhnisian sacred rites and would become the most powerful person in the world at age 7. By a weird chance, Johnny is reunited with his parents, but is sought out once again by the Badhnesians, who are on the receiving end of a new, strange power Johnny has by saying the words "Say You" (Cei-U).
Warfare in Space, Part One · 1.85 pages
Billy's Dad has created a weapon that can be effectively used in interstellar space....and he wants to volunteer to use it against the space pirate, Ralph Farnham!
Untitled · 0.75 pages
Includes a history of Polish postage stamps, as well as classified ads from 6 stamp dealers.
The Demon Dummy, A "Flash" Picture Novel in Two Parts [Part 1] · 8 pages
Private detective Devlin, in love with Madge Devere, who in turn is loved by ventriloquist Dunstan, tries to pin a murder on Dunstan in order to get the woman he loves.
Origin of the Whip · 10 pages
Learning of a famed adventurer for justice in the past, El Castigo: The Whip, Rod Gaynor decides to assume that disguise to help the poor, who are being denied jobs and food, as well as being hit by high rents by unscrupulous vigilantes.

Characters

Jay GarrickThe FlashCarter HallHawkmanJohnny ThunderShiera SandersThunderboltJoan GarrickRod GaynorThe WhipCliff CornwallMarisa DillonHath-SetPrince KhufuCarlosEl CastigoKingChay-AraDon Fernando SuarezWing TaiSam DillonMildred ThunderSimon B. ThunderDr. Anton Hastor

Reprinted in

Famous First Edition (1974), Millennium Edition: Flash Comics No. 1 (2000), Flash Comics 1 (Facsimile Edition) (2025), Secret Origins of the Super DC Heroes (1976), Secret Origins of the Super DC Heroes (1976), The Great Comic Book Heroes (1965), The Greatest Flash Stories Ever Told (1991), The Greatest Flash Stories Ever Told (1992), Golden Age Flash Archives (1999), Golden Age Hawkman Archives (2005), The JSA All Stars Archives (2007), Flash: A Celebration of 75 Years (2015), The Flash: 80 Years of the Fastest Man Alive The Deluxe Edition (2019), DC Comics: The Golden Age (1938-1956) (2023)