New Video Shows The Evolution of The Flash in Under 10 Minutes

One of DC Comics' more popular characters, The Flash has an extensive history in both comics and [...]

One of DC Comics' more popular characters, The Flash has an extensive history in both comics and on the screen. Now, a short video highlights the evolution of the Scarlet Speedster in his various incarnations from 1979 to the present.

The new video from Then & Now starts their look at the Flash with Robert Haase's take on the character for Legends of the Superheroes, the two 60-minute live-action television specials that aired on NBC in 1979. The video then showcases every film portrayal of the character. Even Ezra Miller's turn as the speedster in the upcoming Justice League gets a nod. You can check out the video above.

While the video tends to be heavier on more recent portrayals of the character, specifically those from The CW's superhero drama The Flash, one thing that is clear is that representations of the Flash have moved away from bright, campy representations -- a specific standout being Kenny Johnston's cartoon-like unemployed Barry Allen from the 1997 CBS movie Justice League of America -- and towards more serious, complex portrayals. Seeing how the costume has changed over the decades -- as well as various familiar faces such as Mark Hamill as the Trickster in the 1990 television series and John Wesley Shipp as not just one but two versions of the Flash is pretty cool as well.

It's also not just the Barry Allen versions of the speedster that are featured in the video. Smallville's take on Bart Allen gets a nod, as does the CW's various Flash speedsters, such as Jay Garrick, Hunter Zolomon, and even Wally West, are included in the retrospective to give it a comprehensive take on the speedsters.

And while this video is a great retrospective on the Flash, the character has a bright future ahead of him as well. The CW series just began its fourth season last week and in addition to Justice League out next month, Ezra Miller is slated to play the speedster in his own standalone feature, Flashpoint, in 2020.

The Flash airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on The CW.

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