The recent developments in the new series have unveiled a shocking twist regarding Barry Allen’s involvement in Wally West’s origin story, presenting it as a tragic turn of events. Fans now understand the harrowing circumstances surrounding the beginning of Wally’s journey as a speedster, and the revelations are disturbingly dark.
In a chilling preview of Absolute Flash #3—crafted by the talented team of Jeff Lemire, Nick Robles, Adriano Lucas, and Tom Napolitano—Wally recounts the night his powers emerged. Following an ill-fated experiment, he found himself on the run from an unidentified threat. In a heart-wrenching twist, this ‘threat’ is revealed to be Barry Allen himself, who is tragically dragged miles in Wally’s super-speed wake, enduring a horrific fate as Wally unknowingly tears the flesh from his bones.
In the conventional DC narrative, Barry plays a mentorship role, guiding Wally as he grows into the Flash and even supporting him through various battles. However, in this darker iteration of the tale, Wally is not just Barry’s protégé—he is unwittingly positioned as his killer.
The Absolute Universe diverges significantly from the main DC continuity. Here, death carries a finality rarely seen in other storylines, leaving fans to confront the grim reality of Barry Allen’s demise.
Wally West’s Flash Origin: A Tragic Turn Leading to Barry Allen’s Death
An Unveiling: Wally West’s Path to Villainy
Introduced in 2024, DC’s Absolute Universe is a reality twisted by the influence of Darkseid, where malevolence supersedes justice. In this dystopian backdrop, beloved heroes find themselves at a significant disadvantage, stripped of allies and hope. Notably, Absolute Flash has positioned Wally West at its center, a hero who took years to evolve into the Flash within mainstream timelines. From its inception, fans have speculated about Barry Allen’s fate in this bleak universe.
The first issue, Absolute Flash #1, portrays Wally as an army brat grappling with personal strife, particularly concerning his father. His budding friendship with Barry Allen—a warm and supportive figure—takes a tragic turn as Wally unwittingly causes Barry’s death during an experimental accident. As a result, Wally is relentlessly pursued, now marked as a target by a reimagined team of adversaries known as the Rogues, transformed into a special ops unit.
This innovative lore deepens Wally West’s character, transforming him from an adored sidekick into a traumatized fugitive struggling to cope with his actions. In a twist of fate, the second issue presents two diverging futures: one where Wally upholds his heroic legacy and another where he succumbs to villainy. The tragic fate of Barry Allen sets the stage for how Wally might veer into darkness, having unintentionally taken a life due to his newfound powers.
With the release of Absolute Flash #3 scheduled for May 21, 2025, the story promises to explore the depths of loss, power, and the consequences of unforeseen actions.