Wally West's Flash finally debuts in The New 52 DC Universe this April

Fans of DC Comics will be seeing a familiar face come April, as the publisher finally ushers in a storyline that reintroduces one of the long lost characters that have been missing since The New 52 DC Universe began: Wally West, otherwise known as the scarlet speedster and the fastest man alive, “The Flash”.

 

In a story released by USA Today, DC Comics confirms that the third man to carry the name of  “The Flash” will finally be returning to the pages of DC Comics since the entire continuity was rebooted in 2011. Set to appear in a new storyline starting in “The Flash Annual #3” this April, the duo writers of Robert Venditti  and Van Jansen and illustrator Brett Booth prepare to reintroduce Wally West into the mainstream. West last appeared in the pages of The Flash as a supporting character and hero, following the resurrection of his uncle Barry and return of his predecessor to the title role. While Wally was also featured as The Flash in the Justice League animated series and as Kid Flash in “Young Justice/ Young Justice Invasion”.

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As one of the most popular and recognizable heroes in the Modern DC Age, Wally West is the nephew of the Silver Age Flash, Barry Allen. Gaining similar abilities and powers to his uncle by marriage thanks to a nearly identical accident that saw the kid dosed with chemicals and electricity, Wally soon fought crime alongside his hero and became Kid Flash, and even teamed up together with other teen heroes like Robin and Wonder Girl as a founding member of The Teen Titans. After the cataclysmic and comic changing event in the 80’s known as “Crisis of Infinite Earths” took place, Wally West soon found himself carrying the legacy of his uncle, adopting the mantle of The Flash after Barry Allen gave his life to save the universe. 

 

Soon after becoming the new Flash, Wally literally carved up his own reputation and became the Scarlet Speedster for a generation of readers. While he initially wore a copy of the same costume his late uncle wore, later adventures saw the hero don a new out fit with a new mask and lenses, which was partially inspired by the appearance of John Wesley Ship in The Flash TV series of the 90’s. Wally even surpassed his uncle in many ways, and is literally the first Flash to introduce the concept of the “Speed Force” into DC Continuity, where most speedsters draw their energy and powers. 

 

After Barry Allen made his return during the events of Final Crisis, Wally was regulated to the sidelines. Now in 2014, the character is ready to run back into the spotlight, and join his fellow DC superheroes in The New 52. — TJD, GMA News