Warning: Spoilers for Batman / Santa Claus: Silent Knight Returns #3
The Flash may be hailed as the Fastest Man Alive in DC lore, but even he can't outrun death forever. In a shocking moment, Wally West appears to have run his final race, as a dark foe kills him with ease and deprives the DC Universe of its beloved speedster. Moreover, the Flash's horrific fate reflects his original death in a poignant full-circle moment.
The preview for Batman / Santa Claus: Silent Knight Returns #3 by Jeff Parker, Lukas Ketner, Michele Bandini, Marcelo Maiolo, and Pat Brosseau features the next chapter in the Justice League's team-up with Santa Claus. The Silent Knight has arrived, and Robin calls in the Flash as back-up to help take him down. However, things quickly go south once the Scarlet Speedster catches up to this sinister enemy.
The Silent Knight drains the Flash's powers and reduces his body to a lifeless skeleton, presumed dead by the remaining heroes. This already devastating moment is made all the more tragic by its allusion to Barry Allen's iconic death in Crisis on Infinite Earths.
The Flash's Horrific Fate Mirrors His Original Death in DC's First Crisis
Wally West Follows In Barry Allen's Footsteps by Dying the Same Way
The Flash's first - and most famous - defeat took place in Crisis on Infinite Earths #8 by Marv Wolfman and George Pérez. During DC's groundbreaking crisis, Barry Allen faced off against the Anti-Monitor and succeeded in stopping his antimatter cannon by moving at an astounding velocity. Unfortunately, this victory was short-lived for the Flash, as his body couldn't sustain the speed he was running at. Barry's body quickly deteriorated, and the nightmare-fuel visual of his skeleton bears an uncanny resemblance to the state Wally is left in at the hands of the Silent Knight.
Related
Flash's New Duplicate Power Explained - Why He Can Now Become Two People
The Flash unlocks a new ability that allows him to split into two separate heroes, and the explanation proves it's his most impressive power yet.
Similarly, the Flash's fate here is related to him having his strength sapped from his body by his opponent. Unlike Barry, though, Wally doesn't die on his own terms. While Barry's final words were a message to the rest of the hero community, allowing him to maintain his dignity to the bitter end, Wally's parting word is a gut-punch that makes his death much more painful. As his life force is consumed, Wally ekes out the name "Thunderheart", referring to his daughter Irey. The Flash isn't ready for death this time around, and instead wants nothing more than to reunite with his family.
The Flash May Be Dead, But He Won't Be Gone Forever
Like Barry Allen, Wally West Has a Chance at Resurrection
The Flash's death comes as a major surprise, especially since Wally West has only just returned as DC's main Flash. Luckily, his death can still be reversed. Zatanna encases his body in amber to preserve it, hinting at his eventual revival. After all, Barry returned to the land of the living years after his demise in Grant Morrison and J.G. Jones' Final Crisis, and he's far from the only DC hero who's been revived after death. The Flash won't be dead for long, and once he returns, he'll be ready to exact revenge against the Silent Knight for taking him from his loved ones.
Batman / Santa Claus: Silent Knight Returns #3 is available December 11th, 2024 from DC Comics.
Your changes have been saved
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.
English (US) ·