The Flash, celebrated as one of DC’s iconic heroes alongside legends such as Superman and Wonder Woman, conceals a darker aspect that often goes unnoticed. Despite his light-hearted demeanor, beneath the surface lies an intense, simmering rage. When this fury surfaces, he can adopt a surprisingly sinister demeanor, putting him on par with some of his most nefarious adversaries.
Throughout DC’s vast narrative tapestry, several individuals have donned the mantle of the Flash, each experiencing moments of inner darkness. Whether it’s during an intense battle against a foe or a heated disagreement with a teammate that escalates, the Fastest Man Alive can surprisingly pivot into morally questionable territory. This reality is a reminder that the Justice League should be thankful to have him on their side, at least for now. Here are 10 unforgettable moments that illustrate just how twisted the Scarlet Speedster can be, even amidst his heroic exploits.
10
“I’m that fast. Fast enough to go back and erase all this from happening. Erase you.”
Justice League #42 by Robert Venditti and Aaron Lopresti
This striking line is delivered during an intense battle with the Eradicator, where Barry must lure this formidable adversary into Madame Xanadu’s magical portal. As he readies himself, he declares his ability to erase the Eradicator from existence. This statement is no mere boast; Barry Allen has previously altered the fabric of the DC universe through Flashpoint, proving that he possesses the power to redefine reality. His use of this formidable capability hints at manipulative tendencies, raising questions about the thin line between heroism and villainy.
9
“You know what happens when I vibrate my hand through things, McCulloch? They explode.”
The Flash #167 by Geoff Johns and Angel Unzueta
The Flash prides himself on his moral superiority over criminals. However, there are times when his methods eerily mimic those of his enemies, creating a moral grey area. This is starkly evident when Wally West, suspecting Mirror Master has harmed his wife, Linda Park-West, vibrates his fist threateningly near his adversary’s head. His menacing rhetoric echoes the lethal tactics of Reverse-Flash, revealing a darker side lurking within.
8
“You’re roadkill!”
Infinite Crisis #7 by Geoff Johns, George Pérez, Ivan Reis, Joe Bennett, and Phil Jimenez
Bart Allen, known as Impulse, may not have held the title of Flash for long, but he made a significant impact during his time. In the climactic battles of Infinite Crisis, his fury against Superboy-Prime is palpable as he angrily deems him “roadkill.”This violent outburst underscores the potential collateral damage inherent in the Flash’s immense speed, suggesting that in the heat of battle, anyone in his path could easily become a victim.
7
If you don’t run with me now, I will make sure you never run again!
The Flash #48 by Joshua Williamson and Howard Porter
The Flash’s darker side emerges not only against enemies but even towards his allies. During the Flash War storyline, Wally West, misled by Zoom, threatens Barry Allen with stripping him of his speed unless he helps recover his children. This grim ultimatum highlights a selfishness that reveals an alarming willingness to forsake their bond for personal gain.
6
“Some people need to die.”
The Flash #219 by Geoff Johns and Justiniano
The Flash is often characterized by his empathy, striving for redemption even for his most notorious adversaries. However, there are moments when he concedes that not every villain deserves a second chance. This troubling admission to Wonder Woman undermines his heroic image and suggests that even heroes can harbor lethal ideologies.
5
“I could hit you a hundred times before you could throw one punch.”
The Flash #65 by Joshua Williamson and Rafa Sandoval
Generally composed, Barry Allen is not prone to violent outbursts; however, even his patience has limits. When provoked by Batman’s taunts about forgetting about Wally, a sore subject due to recent tragedies, Barry rises to an unsettling challenge. His threat to unleash a barrage of punches epitomizes the latent potential for violence within the Flash, serving as a stark reminder of his power.
4
“All I want to hear from you is a scream and the sound of breaking bones.”
The Flash #243 by Tom Peyer and Freddie E. Williams II
Every iteration of the Flash embodies the ethos that when family is threatened, all bets are off. Wally West’s confrontation with Gorilla Grodd demonstrates this principle when he witnesses the tragic fate of his daughter. His aggression escalates to a ferocity that emphasizes the lengths to which he will go when provoked, showcasing a brutal side that emerges only in extreme circumstances.
3
“You think you know what I’m capable of? You have no idea.”
Knight Terrors: The Flash #2 by Alex Paknadel, Tom Derenick, and Daniel Bayliss
In a haunting psychological confrontation, Barry Allen encounters his own monstrous persona in the Knight Terrors series. Overwhelmed with grief and loss, he enacts his vengeance on Reverse-Flash in a stunning display of brutality. Though set within a dream, this moment raises an unsettling notion about Barry’s capacity for violence, suggesting an ever-looming threat if he were to channel his extreme emotions into actions.
2
“I immobilized him. Permanently.”
All Flash #1 by Mark Waid, Joe Bennett, Ian Churchill, Manuel Garcia, Karl Kerschl, and Daniel Acuña
The Flash typically exudes restraint, but the line is crossed when provoked. When Wally West discovers that Inertia orchestrated Bart’s death, his wrath unveils a dark, vindictive side. Rather than deliver a lethal blow, he condemns Inertia to eternal immobility, forcing him to face the consequences of his actions against his former ally. Such a punishment reveals a cruel side of the Flash that is rarely seen, suggesting a capacity for vengeance that can rival that of a villain.
1
“I want you to know. You touched me because I let you touch me.”
The Flash #217 by Geoff Johns and Howard Porter
The Flash’s powers provide him an undeniable advantage over non-superpowered heroes like Batman, creating a dynamic where he can easily control encounters. By asserting that Batman’s contact was permitted, he underscores the vast discrepancy in their abilities, hinting at his dominance over the Justice League. This moment serves as a stark reminder of the power imbalance and the potential consequences should he decide to harness his darker impulses.
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