Wally West is actually the third person to be called the Flash and the cousin of the second Flash, Barry Allen. (The first Flash was Jay Garrick, a member of the Justice Society.) While visiting the police lab where Barry worked, a chemical explosion occurred which gave Wally super-speed. (Flash #110) Calling himself "Kid Flash", Wally helped the Flash with many cases. Wally would later team up with Robin (Batman's sidekick) and Speedy (Green Arrow's sidekick) to form the original Teen Titans. (Showcase #59) Although this super-group did not last very long, it was the basis for the New Titans, the Team Titans, and the new Teen Titans.

Over the years, the "speed-force" which gave both Flashes their powers slowly took its toll on Wally. He soon stopped his days as Kid Flash. During the "Crisis on Infinite Earths", Barry was killed saving the Earth from the Anti-Monitor. (Crisis on Infinite Earths #8) During this time, Wally was cured of his "speed-sickness". In Barry's honor, Wally took over as the new Flash. (Crisis on Infinite Earths #12)

At first, Wally would perform super-speed errands only for money. (Flash (2) #1-3) He would eventually learn to become a hero in the mold of the original Flash. In fact, Wally would help form the European division of the Justice League International.(Justice League Europe #1) When the JLI disbanded, he would also be there to help form the new JLA (with such heroes as Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman). (Justice League: A Midsummer's Nightmare) Recently, another super-speedster would enter Wally's life-Bart Allen. The future descendant of Barry & Iris Allen, Bart possesses almost the same abilities as Wally, but with much less experience. Both Bart's speed and recklessness earned him the name "Impulse". (Flash (2) #92-94)

The Flash's abilities include: super-speed movement (at nearly the speed of light) and the ability to vibrate through matter. Unlike the previous Flash, Wally has shown no signs of being able to vibrate into other dimensions.

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