JL: Episode 3 - The Scarlet Speedster (Flash)

Flash is my 3rd favorite superhero of all time right next to Batman and Superman. His alter ego is Barry Allen, a forensic scientist who meets with a crazy accident and develops powers of extreme speed, healing and the capacity to run back in time because of his ability to tap into the speed force.

My first introduction to the character was through Justice League Unlimited, where Wally West is the Flash instead of Barry Allen. He's given a lot of importance, and on a few occasions, he single-handedly saves the entire league. His best superpower, in my opinion, is his awesome sense of humor. He tries to flirt with Wonder Woman and Hawkgirl on a few occasions and is overall a very fun and lovable character. 

His interactions with the League are awesome too. Green Lantern is his best friend, their bond is really fun and so are the gay jokes that accompany them. Flash and Superman are also a great pair. I am reminded of a race between Superman and Flash in the animated series. Flash has no problems in admitting that Superman is the reason why they win most of the battles and I'm really hyped about what Flash feels about Superman's sacrifice in the DCEU. Flash and Batman are somewhat like student and mentor. But in certain adaptations where they're the same age, the both of them have a lot of respect for each other. The way he calls Batman 'sir' in Justice League War is really hilarious and the ending of the Flashpoint paradox has an extremely emotional scene between Bruce and Barry which is probably my favorite scene starring the two of them.

Flash has had several iterations right from the 1990 TV series to the Grant Gustin series. He has also played major roles in the other animated movies like Justice league war, Doom and the globally acclaimed Flashpoint Paradox. His cameo in Batman V Superman is another overly discussed topic worldwide for the possibility of a future 'Injustice' story for the DCEU. He also had a cameo to play in the not so impressive Suicide Squad. But among all of these iterations, my favorite is still the animated version of Wally West in Justice League.

The Injustice Gods Among Us game series had a pretty interesting take on Flash as well. Minor spoilers ahead, now that you've been warned, let's get on with it. In the first part, Barry joins the regime and goes against Batman. I felt like it was completely out of character. Throughout the game, we see him regret his choice but his fear for Superman stops him from getting back to the good guy team. Shazam's death goes beyond his threshold and Barry finally joins Batman again. Firstly, Barry can challenge Superman to a fist fight. Unlike Batman who has to rely on his tools to defeat Clark, Barry can literally give Superman a 'run' for his money. I felt like the Injustice series failed to do justice to his character in their journey to completely destroy Superman's character while trying to once again prove that Batman is the best of them all when clearly he's not. Interesting take, but unnecessary in my opinion, Barry should have been able to make the right decision.

Flash has a huge fan base all over the world, he's probably the third most famous superhero in DC comics, closely followed by Wonder Woman, but he's not someone who can just run fast. His scientific knowledge about his powers, his ability to use the speed force in a particular way, and running back in time are what makes him special and different from any other random person who could also get hit by lightning. His fanboy character, sense of humor, honesty, and innocence makes him very relatable for fans all over the world. Flash represents a nerd turned into a superhero and isn't that the ultimate dream for all comic book fans? 

In many instances, Flash is portrayed as the most powerful superhero among the Justice League. His villains include Mirror Master, Reverse Flash, Captain Cold, many of whom came into the limelight because of the animated movies and the Grant Gustin TV show. I'm excited to see the DCEU's take on Barry in Justice League. I'd like to see him learn and grow as a character. From what I've seen in the Justice League trailers so far, it looks like DC has nailed him by choosing Ezra Miller, but only time will tell. 

I have mixed feelings about the first Flash movie, which is yet to get a director but I don't understand why DC wants to go with the Flashpoint storyline right at the beginning, its something that should have been saved for a third Flash movie or a future Justice League movie, hopefully, they do it right. It makes no sense to start off with such a confusing storyline when you can do something like what Marvel did with Spiderman homecoming, DC really should try to keep things as simple as possible for now.  It would be nice to see a proper trilogy instead of seeing a bunch of invaluable comic book property go waste because of a careless director and hopefully that's not the case.

Barry Allen represents speed, power, and innocence but more importantly, I look up to him to keep myself focused in my track and to keep moving as fast as possible no matter what the consequences are. Every second is valuable and time moves on no matter what happens and maybe that's something we must all learn from time, to keep moving on all the time. In many circumstances, Barry fails but his spirit, his energy, his insane speed, his connection with the speed force, all make him such a lovable character and a symbol of so much positivity and I will always look up to him when things don't go my way and to keep myself in my track without any deviation from my goals.

Favourite adaptation: Justice League Unlimited series, Justice League Flashpoint Paradox

Favourite Quote: My name is Barry Allen and I'm the fastest man alive, just kidding.

"Life doesn't give us purpose, we give life purpose"