Barry Allen Should Have Stayed Dead (and Wally West Proves It)

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The Flash, a cherished DC Comics series that debuted in 1940, boasts a rich history. Jay Garrick, the inaugural Flash and arguably one of the greatest to ever wear the suit, laid the groundwork for some of the most exceptional characters in comics. Although Jay initiated the Flash legacy, it was Barry Allen who truly popularized the role. Barry made his debut in 1956’s Showcase #4, marking the onset of what is known as the Silver Age for The Flash. This comic became incredibly popular, and Barry quickly found a place in fans’ hearts. However, Barry, being a product of his time, started losing favor with readers as the 1980s approached. Tragically, Barry met his end in Crisis on Infinite Earths #8 to save the universe in 1985. But, true to comic book fashion, he returned nearly two decades later in Final Crisis #2 of 2008.

The comeback of Allen as The Flash in the ’00s was a key aspect of DC’s strategy to revive the original DC Multiverse prior to the Crisis. At the time, it was quite thrilling, however, Allen’s return unfortunately overshadowed Wally West, who had previously assumed the Flash mantle and breathed new life into the character. While Barry Allen is a remarkable figure, many fans believe that Wally West was more compelling. Regrettably, Barry’s comeback resulted in some exceptional Flash tales, but considering his posthumous history, it seems long overdue to acknowledge that perhaps Barry should have never returned from the dead.

Barry Allen’s Death Is More Important to DC History than Anything He Did After His Return

The storyline “Crisis on Infinite Earths” significantly impacts DC comics’ history, and Barry Allen’s death in the comic is one of its most significant events. Sacrificing himself to destroy the Anti-Monitor’s anti-matter cannon, Allen was hailed as a saint among superheroes for his selfless act, saving the remaining universes. He became an inspiration for heroism within the metahuman community, leading Wally West to step up and take over as the Flash.

To put it frankly, Barry Allen was a character that struggled to adapt with the times, making his demise a necessary choice. This allowed Wally to emerge as the hero he should have been all along. The pressure to emulate Barry set Wally on a journey towards becoming the finest Flash ever.

It’s worth noting that Wally surpassed Barry in many ways. While Barry remained a somewhat conventional hero, always giving his best, Wally transformed beyond his role as sidekick. One fascinating aspect of Barry’s resurrection is that comic creators drew inspiration from Wally’s character development and merged it with Barry’s personality. The result was a less stodgy, more dynamic Barry, who mirrored the wit and charm that Wally had exhibited as the Flash. Even DC’s creators recognized why Wally resonated with readers where Barry did not, leveraging Wally’s example to breathe new life into Barry’s character for modern audiences.

Between 2008 and 2021, when Wally resumed his role as the Flash, it’s hard to find significant reasons that justify his return from the dead. The actions of Barry Allen as a reborn hero did not hold the same importance as his death. Major events in Barry’s post-resurrection life included the “Flashpoint” incident, but this storyline was primarily used for altering the DC Universe rather than focusing on Barry’s personal exploits. It appears that DC Comics tried to reestablish Barry Allen’s significance by making him the embodiment of the Speed Force, though it didn’t have the desired impact. The stories featuring Barry were reminiscent of Wally West-style Flash tales, and aside from the return of the Reverse Flash, they lacked the intrigue found in years of Wally’s storylines that fans had grown to love. Post-resurrection, Barry Allen became the least captivating character to don the lightning bolt, causing fans to long for Wally so much that his return in “DC Rebirth” #1 became a significant conversation topic within a book filled with notable discussions. While Barry Allen is an engaging character, his death and subsequent transition of power to Wally have a greater significance than anything he achieved afterward.

Barry Is a Second-Rate Flash Compared to Wally West

In simpler terms, Barry Allen significantly contributed to the comic world, particularly during the Silver and Bronze eras, playing a pivotal role in DC’s history. He is recognized as the originator of the DC Multiverse and introduced numerous notable villains. Through his Flash Facts, he made science engaging for children. However, it’s interesting to note that Wally West’s tenure as The Flash surpassed Barry’s in terms of greatness. Wally improved every aspect of The Flash, even making the villains more appealing than they were during Barry’s time.

Previously mentioned, yet it bears repeating: Barry Allen’s demise symbolically marked the end of the Silver/Bronze Age in DC Comics. His passing served as a conclusion to entire epochs of DC history, elevating him to legendary status following years spent in relative obscurity. There was no requirement for his return; his death carried more weight than any subsequent actions due to its symbolic significance. Compared to Wally West, Wally outshone Barry as the Flash significantly. The resurrection of Barry took away one of the most pivotal deaths in comic book history. Though Barry embodies the role of the Flash, Wally West is indisputably the quintessential Flash.

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2025-09-07 19:14