Gone in a Flash

In this scene from Flash #221, we see who Flash’s friends were in 1973. The reconditioned continuity of the New 52, caused by Barry’s reaction to Professor Zoom’s crimes of continuity, reshapes Flash’s supporting cast. Barry’s mother was murdered, and his father was found guilty for the crime. Ralph & Sue Dibny, killed in 52 and Identity Crisis respectively, were not reintroduced in the retcon; instead, unlike much that was overturned, their death seems to have remained canonical. Dexter Myles & Prof West’s unexplained absences remain a mystery. Also present in this picture and absent in the New 52 is Al Desmond & his wife, which is really like uninviting four from the group, as Al Desmond also brings Mr. Element and Dr. Alchemy, his supervillain personae, to the party. Perhaps Manapul & Buccellato are saving the Al Desmond trinity for later and planning on a redo of that rich character arc, consisting of Flash’s rehabilitation of Desmond and his alter egos. And then there is the elephant in the room, Wally West. Perhaps there is a reason DC is so adamant about Wally West’s absence, such as being held in reserve for a future Flash- related crossover event.

Professor Zoom scored an epic victory of villainy by separating all of these friends and family members from Barry after Flashpoint. Were it not for being later stabbed in the back by Thomas Wayne, Zoom’s redaction of Barry Allen’s life might actually be the biggest supervillain win ever in DC comics history. Not that that injury could have set him back. Zoom is a paradoxical entity whose existence is inextricably linked to that of the Flash, as both of their origins depend on and are founded in the full circle of the Speed Force, and it is doubtful whether Profeesor Zoom can even be killed. And this time Zoom’s participation in past events erases most of the Kodak moments of Flash’s life.

Barry’s detachment from his revised life–“poignant dissonance,” to coin a phrase–is an important part of Manapul & Buccellato’s work. Professor Zoom rewrote Barry’s life, which gives them a great freedom to invent new characters, while other players like Darryl Frye step up to remind Barry and us of the characters that disappeared. Not that Flash’s life is entirely bleak or desolate, but there is a conspicuous absence of supporting characters from his pre and post Crisis life and a sense of disconnection from the key players in his life now. Even with Patty Spivot, his new flame, there is not the sense of involvement that there was with Iris. Barry’s new life is more fragmented, so that it would be hard to take a new Flash family picture for another 40 year time capsule. Many of his friends are more like frienemies – Manuel Lago & Dr. Elias come to mind. With Barry’s paternity cast in doubt by Captain Frye, even his family life is out of focus.

For another essay on The Flash, Professor Zoom & Al Desmond, follow this link.

Related posts: