Warning: Spoilers for The Flash #12Over the years, theFlashhas proven that he can overcome most obstacles thanks to his super-speed. But even the Fastest Man Alive has demons he can’t outrun - that is, until now. In just one sentence, Wally West’s biggest struggle has been resolved in a powerful scene that will bring a tear to the eye of any Flash fan.
InThe Flash#12 by Simon Spurrier, Ramón Pérez, and Vasco Georgiev, the Flash Family is engaged in an epic battle of cosmic proportions, and it’s up to Wally to stop the Crown of Thawnes before itkills time for good. Every member of the Flash Family shares their speed with Wally before fading away, until only Wally and Barry remain. In the seconds they have,Barry shares five words with Wally that change everything between them: “I’m proud of you, Wally.”
Barry telling Wally he’s proud of him is a heartwarming moment that’s been a long time coming for these two, andit finally eases Wally West’s ultimate fear: that he’s letting Barry Allen down as the Flash.
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This Touching Scene Resolves the Flash’s Deepest Insecurity
Wally West has wrestled with whether he’s worthy of carrying on the Flash legacy since he first took on the mantle after Barry’s death in 1985’sCrisis on Infinite Earthsby Marv Wolfman and George Pérez. InThe Flash#6 by Spurrier, Mike Deodato Jr., Trish Mulvihill, and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou,Wally’s feelings of inadequacyreached a breaking point when Barry, under the influence of the Crown of Thawnes' mind control, berated him for being a failed Flash.
This ill-fated conversation confirmed Wally’s fears, and it resulted inthe Flash retreating to the Galleryand shutting out his loved ones. Now, Barry has finally found the opportunity to right that wrong,assuring Wally that he isn’t the disappointmenthe believes himself to be.
After grappling with self-doubt throughout his time as the Flash, Wally’s mind is at last put at ease thanks to Barry’s words.
Despite Wally’s fears, Barry couldn’t be more proud of who Wally West has become. He’s even admitted that he isn’t sure how Wally is able to keep up withthe responsibilities of being the Flash, and thathe’s impressed by what Wally is capable of. He watched Wally grow from a sidekick to a hero in his own right and make his mark as the Flash. Wally may think he’sstill stuck in Barry’s shadow, but Barry knows that the other Flash has long since surpassed him. It’s about time Wally knew how proud Barry is of him.
The Two Flashes Have Reconciled at Last
Wally West Can Finally Let Go of His Doubts
After grappling with self-doubt throughout his time as the Flash,Wally’s mind is at last put at ease thanks to Barry’s words.Wally has finally reunited with his familyand realized that he isn’t a burden to them like the Arc Angles led him to believe. With Barry by his side, the two Flashes can work together to put a stop to the Crown of Thawnes and save the world. This time, there’s no petty competition or comparison between them. Wally West’s biggest weakness is no longer weighing him down, and he’s back and better than ever as theFlash.
THE FLASH #12 (2024)
The Flash
The Flash is the superhero name given to the DC Comics character who utilizes unparalleled speed tied to a dimensional power known as the “speed force” to overwhelm their opposition. Premiering in 1939, the original Flash arrived as Jay Garrick. Still, it would be superseded by Barry Allen in popularity and featured status, but the Flash is one character that has met many of their alternate selves. The character is typically seen as a part of the Justice League in nearly all incarnations.
