DC Comics Brings a Fan-Favorite Hero Back to Life (And It’s Going to Change Everything)

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It’s surprising, but a DC hero previously believed to be dead has somehow returned! While comic book characters often come back to life, DC sometimes lets its heroes stay gone for good. Especially in the darker ‘Absolute’ universe, anything is possible. This world, created by Darkseid, is designed to push DC’s heroes to their limits, taking away their strengths – or even their closest friends.

I’ve always been fascinated by the Absolute Universe, and its twists and turns never cease to amaze me. Take Wally West, for example. While he’s usually known as the third Flash, in this universe, he was the very first! The first issue of Absolute Flash showed me how he got his powers – a tragic accident during one of Barry Allen’s experiments. It was heartbreaking, because the accident cost Barry his life. But that’s the thing about the Absolute Universe – even death isn’t necessarily the end, as we’ll soon find out!

Barry Allen Returns Just as Absolute Flash Needs Him Most

The stakes are rising in Absolute Flash #10 from Jeff Lemire and Nick Robles. Elenore Thawne, who’s in charge of Project Olympus, is focused on completing her grandfather Eobard’s plans and reaching a place called the Still Point. Since only Wally and his abilities can enter this dimension, Elenore is relying on Trickster to bring her the Flash. Meanwhile, Flash and his unlikely team, the Rogues, are trying to find a way into Fort Fox when they’re suddenly attacked by Heat Wave, another one of Thawne’s followers.

During the confusion, both Flash and the Trickster escape. She pursues Wally to Fort Fox and relentlessly follows him. As Wally enters, he starts experiencing vivid flashbacks, becoming increasingly disoriented. The Trickster seizes the opportunity, trying to guide him back to the lab where he originally received his powers. She succeeds, and being near Barry’s old equipment triggers a portal filled with glowing red energy. A mysterious voice calls out to Wally from within the portal, and a hand reaches out to him.

Okay, so things just got seriously intense! That hand and voice we saw? It’s Eobard Thawne, Reverse-Flash, but not as we know him. He’s become this massive energy creature, and he basically tells Wally West there can only be one Flash. Then, he just shoves Wally into this weird portal, which vanishes, leaving him stranded in the Still Point with no way back. But thankfully, Wally isn’t totally alone. He’s met by someone who looks exactly like Barry Allen – like a perfect copy – and this ‘Barry’ welcomes him ‘home.’ It’s super unsettling, and I’m already on the edge of my seat!

Mark My Words, This is the Beginning of the Absolute Flash Family

The first volume of Absolute Flash really grabbed my attention by starting with Barry Allen’s death. It powerfully showed Wally West would have to navigate this universe on his own, a fitting challenge within the Absolute Universe. However, I always suspected Barry wouldn’t stay gone forever. While his body is still deceased, the fact that his spirit exists where Wally received his powers suggests the story is building towards an expanded Absolute Flash Family.

Need more evidence? In Absolute Flash #6, we learn that Jay Garrick also entered the Still Point back in 1944, around the same time as Thawne. If Thawne has been able to survive and gain powers, there’s no reason to think Jay or Barry couldn’t as well. I’m not saying we’ll see this happen right away, though. We still don’t know if Jay made it out, and it’s unclear what’s happened to Barry since he entered the Still Point.

Okay, so finding out Wally wasn’t the only survivor of the Still Point experiment? Huge news! As a Flash fan, this unlocks a part of the mythos I honestly thought we’d never see in this darker, “Absolute” universe. The Flash Family is just the best – a truly inspiring team – and let’s face it, this world desperately needs some heroes who can offer a little hope. It’s gonna take time, but Barry Allen’s return feels like a fantastic first step for Absolute Flash. I’m genuinely excited to see where this goes!

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2025-12-21 01:40