When I was hit by the lightning, time slowed down and my life flashed before my eyes. But I also saw all the things I would never get to do. Solve my mother's case. Free my dad. A life unfulfilled. I told myself that if I got a second chance that I'd do everything in my power to make sure what happened to my family never happened to anyone else. That's why I try so hard to do as much as I can. 
- — The Flash
The Flash (Volume 5) #1 is an issue of the series The Flash (Volume 5) with a cover date of August, 2016. It was published on June 22, 2016.
Synopsis for "Lightning Strikes Twice, Part One: Deus Ex Machina"
Several years ago, on the night of the Storm, Barry Allen was working in his lab with August Heart, who was asking for help on his brother's murder case, sure that Billy Parks was the murderer. Barry agrees to help, and August begins to leave as Barry is struck by lightning, tapping him into the speed force.
Today, Barry runs the streets while reminiscing on the return of his friend, Wally West, while saving people in danger. He then goes to his day job, the Central City CSI. He walks in late to a crime scene, and meets August there. He then rushes late to a lunch date with Iris and The other Wally West. Wally makes a remark about how Barry and Iris are obviously flirting, but Barry has to run to stop a fire, while also hearing of an attack on a S.T.A.R. Labs transport. Barry chooses the fire, while August is on the scene of the attack. He notices that the attackers have the same symbol on their armor that was spray painted at his brother's crime scene, and demands to know what's going on. Barry rushes to save August from being shot, but is too late, or so it seems. Suddenly August is struck by lightning, and knocks out the attackers faster than Flash. August stands there in shock, questioning what's going on as his eyes crackle with lightning.
Appearing in "Lightning Strikes Twice, Part One: Deus Ex Machina"
Featured Characters:
- The Flash (Barry Allen) (Flashback and main story)
Supporting Characters:
- Central City Police Department (Flashback and main story)
- Det. August Heart (Flashback and main story)
- Director David Singh
- Kristen Kramer (First appearance)
- Iris West
- Wally West II
Antagonists:
- Black Hole (First appearance)
- Dr. Carver (First appearance)
Other Characters:
- Central City Fire Department
- S.T.A.R. Labs employees (Cameo)
- Unnamed guard (Single appearance) (Appears only as a corpse)
- Batman (Bruce Wayne) (Mentioned only)
- Billy Parks (Mentioned only)
- Central City D.A. (Unnamed) (Mentioned only)
- Eobard Thawne (Unnamed) (Mentioned only)
- Doctor Manhattan (Watchmen Universe) (Unnamed) (Mentioned only)
- Henry Allen (Mentioned only)
- Iris West's mother (Unnamed) (Mentioned only)
- Jorge Heart (Deceased) (Mentioned only)
- Nora Allen (Deceased) (Mentioned only)
- Teen Titans (Mentioned only)
- Titans (Mentioned only)
- Kid Flash (Wally West I) (Mentioned only)
Locations:
- Earth 0
- United States of America
- Central City (Flashback and main story)
- CCPD Headquarters (Flashback only)
- Jitters
- S.T.A.R. Labs (Flashback and main story)
- Keystone City
- Iron Heights (Mentioned only)
- Central City (Flashback and main story)
- United States of America
- Speed Force (Mentioned only)
Items:
- Flash's Costume Ring
- The Speed Machine (First appearance; unnamed)
Vehicles:
Concepts: