The crimson speedster blazed a path into the hearts and homes of readers, DC Universe fans, and comic-book aficionados in the winter of 1940. Gardner Fox introduced Jay Garrick to the world in the released comicFlash #1. Although Garrick was the first, another would follow. The modern rebranded Flash would be introduced in 1956, and Barry Allen was his name. While a speedster, much like his predecessor, the origin of his powers was different.
Barry Allen, known as the second iteration of the Flash, proved a successful fixture inThe Silver Ageof comics. However, in 1985, DC introduced a catastrophic event entitled Crisis of Infinite Earth. According toInverse, it was one of the most monumental events in the history of DC Comics. As Inverse notes, “Worlds [would] live. Worlds [would] die. And the DC Universe [would] never be the same!” And inevitably, the crisis would have significant implications for Allen.
It has been revealed that the upcoming featureThe Flashwill have two versions of the Flash. According toThe Direct, the “other” Barry Allen will serve as the movie’s primary villain, acting as a Dark Flash antagonist to Ezra Miller’s displaced Barry Allen. The character’s appearance was also supported by Fansided, which lays claim to glimpses of the character. In speaking of the costume designs, according toFansided, “it, looks somewhat similar to The CW’s designs for speedsters Savitar (the Arrowverse’s evil Barry Allen) and The Rival onThe FlashTV series.”
So with that knowledge, one wonders why and how the possible introduction of the Dark Flash could be a great addition to the movie. And even more so, what makes the Dark Flash the perfect villain for this feature film?
An Entertaining Storyline
The addition of the Dark Flash will enhance the storyline. Not only is the Dark Flash a strong character with intriguing characterization, but he also has an enthralling story arc within the comics. However, those who know the true history of the Dark Flash understand that this character has comic ties to Wally West rather than Allen. But, of course, West takes over the mantle. Therefore, the Dark Flash may be introduced to further progress the storyline. In addition, this could be a way to set up future features for the Flash, which strongly indicates the rationale for choosing the Dark Flash character.
Who Dark Flash Is
The Dark Flash is an alternate speedsterfrom a different timeline. This alternative version of the speedster appeared in 1999. He was the character creation of Mark Waid and Paul Pelletier. And interestingly, at one point in the comic line, he replaced the actual Flash and joined the Justice League.
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In his timeline, the Dark Flash is known as Walter West, and eventually replaces Wally West, not Barry Allen. Walter is noted to be eerily similar to Wally. His life paralleled Wally almost exactly until a tragedy changed him. No one within Central City was quite aware of when the alternate Flash took Wally’s place. However, there was a noticeable difference in the character’s actions. He was more brutal in his approach and remained isolated from Wally’s usual allies. When his allies finally tracked him down, they found that the darker Flash, unmasked, still looked very much like Wally.
While the Dark Flash’s placement alongside Barry in the upcoming film may seem odd to some, there could be another rational explanation. Given the Dark Flash’s ties to the Justice League, one could deduce that is another reason for including the Dark Flash. As many know,The Flashwill feature several characters from the Justice League, including Batman, Superman, and Supergirl.
Why Would He Make a Good Villain?
When considering why the Dark Flash would make a good villain, the most straightforward answer is that he’s a perfect antagonist and perhaps one of the toughest nemeses Barry Allen could face. Why? Well, there is no greater enemy than the self. And of all the enemies Barry Allen has faced, his most formidable opponents have always been those who look like him or are alternate versions of him. And no one will deny that a good villain can get inside the protagonist’s mind. Furthermore, a good villain has the power to cripple the hero in a way that most cannot. So what better person to do this than a darker version of the hero?
How Dark Flash Could Be Included in the Larger Universe
However, even if the Dark Flashstarts as a supreme villain, it does not mean he will stay so. If the film follows the comics in any manner, it’s unlikely that the Dark Flash will remain an antagonist. And considering that there are other formidable threats in this film and few heroes to take them down initially, it’s more likely that the Dark Flash will join forces with the Flash rather than remain a nemesis.
Related:The Flash: How the Movie Will Bid Farewell to the Old DC Universe
This will be the first time the iconic speedster will have his own feature film. This film will focus on the Flashpoint event. Barry Allen acts out of a desire to change the past and alters the timeline, which has negative implications. His efforts to correct his actions lead him to cross paths with Batman and Superman, according to the synopsis.
“Barry becomes trapped in a reality in which General Zod has returned, threatening annihilation, and there are no Superheroes to turn to unless Barry can coax a very different Batman out of retirement and rescue an imprisoned Kryptonian.”
Given that synopsis, it is improbable that Allen will spend most of his time fighting himself. But theories come a dime a dozen. And all the clues that have been releasedonly tell part of the story. So as in most cases, fans will have to wait to see. Nevertheless, it is with great hope that it doesn’t disappoint.
