One of DC’s Most Iconic Costumes Is A Lie: The Hidden Truth Explained

3 days ago 3

Published Jan 31, 2026, 9:52 PM EST

Andrew Dyce is the Deputy Editor for ScreenRant's coverage of Marvel, DC, and all other comics. Whether superheroes, sci-fi, fantasy, or any other genre, Andrew's decade in the industry and countless hours of analysis on podcasts like the Screen Rant Underground, Total Geekall, The Rings of Power Podcast, Batman v Superman: By The Minute, and more has left its mark.

With over a decade spent at GameRant and ScreenRant, Andrew has made himself known as an outspoken fan and critic of film, television, video games, comics, and more.

There are only a handful of superhero symbols which have truly transcended the medium into universally-recognized logos of a specific character. And while comic fans may debate the true meaning of the Superman 'S' or compare versions of each new Batman symbol, it turns out the most enigmatic insignia has been hiding in plain sight. If you thought you knew what The Flash carries on his chest, Barry Allen has a surprise.

The Flash Logo Is About The Circle, Not The Lightning Bolt

Barry Allen Sets The Record Straight in The Flash #21 (2025)

All things considered, it would seem that the symbol worn on the chest (and ring) of past and present members of The Flash Family is fairly obvious. Arguably even uninspired, considering how complex or symbolic many of his Justice League teammates have gotten with their own unique 'branding.' They are super speedsters who move like lightning, or generate lightning as they pass, so apply a simple lightning bolt and call it a day. But if you Flash fans never thought to look any deeper, then Barry Allen has revealed one of the best new pieces of lore in DC history.

As is revealed in the pages of The Flash #21 by Simon Spurrier, Vasco Georgiev, and Matt Herms, even Barry's own former sidekick Wally West isn't aware of the true meaning behind his Flash logo. As Barry explains, the insignia is meant to act as a reminder to himself, personally. Not to look at the lightning bolt, but the circle which surrounds and repeats, driving home the point that "Nothing ever ends."

The Flash Symbol Has Been Hiding Barry Allen's Story This Whole Time

Maybe DC's Best-Kept Secret When It Comes To Famous Logos

Like all the best 'secret meanings,' it makes perfect sense after the fact. And for those who already know DC's original plot for Barry Allen from origin to his 'death' in Crisis on Infinite Earths, the symbol is paid off like few others. Having unlocked his superpowers after being doused by chemicals and struck by lightning in his lab, Barry began his mission as a speedster. When he pushed himself to literally outrun time in Crisis, he was absorbed into the Speed Force and became lightning... traveling back in time to strike his younger self.

It was beautifully poetic at the time, but add in the new realization that his symbol was telling that story all along, and the logo of The Flash is suddenly in the running for DC's best.