DC Officially Releases Reverse-Flash Design for Flash's New Appearance

6 hours ago 6

Published Mar 4, 2026, 12:12 PM EST

TJ Mills is an editor on ScreenRant's Comic team, where she combines her lifelong passion for DC with her analytical background as a former Intelligence Analyst. Since joining ScreenRant in 2023, she has specialized in covering major DC storylines, character evolutions, and industry developments.

The last decade has been one of the most exciting and volatile eras for DC’s Flash, with the character seeing unprecedented representation across media, from Grant Gustin’s portrayal in CW’s The Flash to Ezra Miller’s take in the Snyderverse, along with multiple comic book reboots. Now, the latest revival of The Flash has just revealed its twisted reimagining of the Reverse-Flash.

Over these last two years, readers have seen the debuts of Captain Cold, Trickster, Golden Glider, Captain Boomerang, Heat Wave, and Gorilla Grodd in Jeff Lemire’s Absolute Flash title, and now the Reverse-Flash joins the line-up in issue #12 with his most radical redesign of all time.

The Reverse-Flash Officially Debuts in the Absolute Universe

Comic Page Comes From Jeff Lemire’s Absolute Flash #12 (2026) - Art by Nick Roble & A.L. Kaplan

Those who have been keeping up with Lemire’s Absolute Flash will remember that Wally was recently sucked into what is essentially a pocket dimension, the same one that consumed Barry Allen and killed him. However, thanks to Wally’s powers, he was able to survive the cross-dimensional trip and even interact with the “soul” of the dead Barry Allen.

The two managed to get Wally back to his proper dimension. However, Wally didn't return alone, as the villainous Eobard Thawne, better known as the Reverse-Flash, followed him back. Whether you are a fan of the Arrowverse’s version of Thawne or a die-hard comic reader, this iteration of Thawne is unlike anything we have seen before.

Absolute Reverse-Flash Is DC’s Most Radical Take on Eobard Thawne Yet

Comic Page Comes From Jeff Lemire’s Absolute Flash #12 (2026) - Art by Nick Roble & A.L. Kaplan

Thawne is typically depicted as a very human man who wears the classic Flash costume, albeit with the red-and-yellow color scheme inverted. Absolute Flash #12 completely throws that design out the window, portraying Thawne as a monstrous, speed-infused beast whose body takes on a stone-like appearance.

However, this golem-like creature moves more like liquid mercury than stone, as lightning sparks against his skin as he races and wreaks havoc. While this iteration ditches the typical Reverse-Flash garb, his brow bones extend from his head like horns, taking on a lightning bolt design that pays tribute to the classic look.

It's Finally Here, DC Just Shared Our First Look at Its All-New Flash

DC Comics’ Absolute Universe expands as fans get their first official look of its newest Flash in a preview that shows Wally West in action.

To clarify, Eobard Thawne is not referred to as the Reverse-Flash in the issue. However, given that the name “Eobard Thawne” is used for this speed-inclined villain, it is obvious this is the Absolute Universe’s take on the iconic rogue. So when it comes to the design of this Flash villain, do you prefer the Arrowverse version, the Absolute version, or the classic comic design?

Absolute Flash #12 is available now from DC Comics!