The Reverse-Flash’s Greatest Rival in the Arrowverse Isn’t Barry Allen

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In the world of superheroes, it’s the rivalries that keep things interesting. Take Batman and The Joker or Superman and Lex Luthor for example. Unfortunately, not every DC series can boast such legendary adversaries. The Arrowverse, in this case, relies on its existing characters to build its franchise, ones that may not grace the cover of every comic book. However, there’s a silver lining: The CW’s shows get to craft unique rivalries that wouldn’t be found elsewhere. For instance, Oliver Queen, after being mentored by Slade Wilson, ends up having to confront him when he reappears as Deathstroke. The Flash, on the other hand, has it particularly tough.

In Barry Allen’s adolescent years, long before high school, he encounters a formidable adversary. A secretive speedster intrudes into his home and tragically takes his mother’s life. For more than a decade, Barry immerses himself in unraveling the mysteries of that fateful night. It eventually transpires that Harrison Wells, known as Eobard Thawne, orchestrated the entire event. The Flash discovers his future nemesis, the Reverse-Flash, but another hero from the Arrowverse causes more trouble for him, constantly serving as a persistent nuisance to the villain.

Ray Palmer Gets the Better of Reverse-Flash Before They Even Meet

In the first season of The Flash, as Barry starts to believe that Wells is the “Yellow Suit Man”, he shares his suspicions with his team. Joe West supports him immediately, while Cisco Ramon and Caitlin Snow are hesitant due to their long-standing relationship with Wells. When the evidence against Wells becomes overwhelming, Team Flash starts planning to tackle Reverse-Flash. Recognizing that his power stems from his friends, Barry enlists the aid of two powerful allies. When the antagonist appears outside S.T.A.R. Labs, The Flash steps out to face him accompanied by Firestorm and the Arrow. Although the Arrow’s bow isn’t much use against a speedster, he has a secret move in store.

When a fight ensues, Oliver shoots Reverse-Flash with an arrow containing nanites, a gift from Ray Palmer. These miniature devices, implanted into Reverse-Flash’s bloodstream, hinder his speed abilities. Seizing the moment, Oliver manages to strike him several times, although he doesn’t completely defeat Reverse-Flash in this encounter. However, it becomes apparent that Reverse-Flash isn’t invincible. Unfortunately for Thawne, he fails to learn from this experience and once again underestimates Ray Palmer in their subsequent encounters on Legends of Tomorrow.

The Legion of Doom Can’t Put Ray Palmer Down for Good

Incorporating the Legends community gives Palmer an opportunity to realize his ambition of improving the world. Subsequently, the group faces off against the League of Villainy, composed of Thawne, Damien Darhk, and Malcolm Merlyn, who seek the Spear of Destiny for some malicious purpose. Thawne aims to safeguard his position in time as he is being pursued by the Black Flash, an entity aware that the speedster doesn’t belong there. Their pursuit leads them to the moon, where a fragment of the Spear lies hidden. In his Atom suit, Palmer shrinks down to challenge Thawne, but they end up trapped in a shuttle together and must devise a way to return to Earth. By pooling their intellectual resources, both characters manage to find a solution, with Thawne even offering some praise as they collaborate.

Regrettably, Palmer’s optimistic demeanor doesn’t last indefinitely due to a past confrontation where Thawne removes Palmer’s heart, causing shock among his companions. Time travel complications surface once more, enabling Palmer to live and the Black Flash to pursue its target. Unlike Barry, who constantly battles his adversary, Palmer eliminates Reverse-Flash without superhuman abilities. In the Arrowverse, it’s likely that Thawne won’t acknowledge it, but The Atom poses a greater danger to his survival rather than The Flash and his associates interfering.

The Arrowverse shows, including The Flash and Legends of Tomorrow, are streaming on Netflix.

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2025-09-12 21:42