Flash’s New Superpower Turns Pure Body Horror, as DC Confirms a Terrifying Cost
A vision with consequences
At the start of Ryan North’s run on The Flash, Wally gains a Speed Force ability he calls Flashes of Insight. It lets him glimpse the future, initially for only a few seconds, with the visions growing stronger over time.
Wally uses a recent vision to arrest three people he believes will destroy bridges in Metropolis, Star City and Central City. The bombs still go off while the suspects are in jail, leading to deaths and injuries and suggesting his powers are not working as expected.
The Speed Force’s physical toll
Oliver Queen had warned Wally that acting against people before they committed crimes was dangerously close to fascism. After the bridge attacks, Oliver calls another Justice League meeting to address the Flash’s actions, and Wally arrives before the group can decide what to do.
Red Tornado asks how often Wally uses the Speed Force. Wally says he uses it around the clock; Red Tornado explains that overuse can create wormholes, which are growing in the non-nociceptive tissue of Wally’s body—the area associated with pain receptors.
A troubling change in Wally
Wally appears ready to stop using the power, but Oliver says the Justice League could defeat him. Oliver then brings out an arrow designed to remove Wally’s powers and orders the League to take him down.
Wally responds with a cold voice and an evil-looking smile, seeming eager to fight his friends rather than brushing off Oliver’s remarks. The story presents his denial, continued use and hostility toward those trying to help as signs of a serious problem.
A character under pressure
The story frames Wally’s behavior as resembling problems associated with substance abuse: he believes he can handle the situation, does not think he has a problem and is willing to attack people who want to help him. His powers are also affecting his body and, according to the story, his brain.
Ryan North’s run changes Wally’s usual behavior to put him through a crisis. The story suggests that breaking him down is part of a later effort to rebuild him.
Key points
- Wally’s future visions grow more powerful as he uses the Speed Force constantly.
- Three people are jailed before the bridge attacks, but the bombs still explode.
- Red Tornado says wormholes are growing in Wally’s pain-sensitive tissue.
- Wally’s response to Oliver’s challenge raises concern among his Justice League friends.