5 Ways Flash War Changed The DCU Forever

The world of The Flash is surely a fascinating one. Through the years, the Scarlet Speedster has faced off against a myriad of unique threats, including telepathic gorillas, time traveling speedsters, and alternate timelines.

Despite this, Barry Allen has been able to persevere, due to support from his Flash Family. As speedsters, there is no obstacle the combined might of Wally West, Wallace West, and Barry Allen can't tackle.

That is, until they are turned on one another...

Taking place between issues #47-50 of The Flash, writer Joshua Williamson gives us an epic tale of tragedy, betrayal and redemption called The Flash War. The War sees the family at odds with one another but more specifically Wally and Barry - both of whom shared considerable time as The Flash.

The tale sees Wally West desperately wanting to save his family, who had been erased from history due to the effects of Flashpoint. Determined to get his life back, his path leads him in opposition against Barry Allen, who believes his tactics to be reckless.

The story deals with events from DC's past, as well as setting the stage for its future, especially as pertaining to The Flash and his continuity, meaning it may have just changed the DCU forever.

When it comes to Wally West, there is no villain more tied to the speedster than Hunter Zolomon aka Zoom. While most villains commit crime for financial gain, political power, or social influence, Zoom only ever had one goal. He wants to make Wally West the best Flash there ever was, and is convinced the only way to achieve this is to constantly torment the red-headed hero.

Seemingly turning over a new leaf, it is Hunter who informs Wally of his past life, including his wife and children, and insists they are trapped in the speed force.

Furious at the revelation, this news serves as the catalyst for the Flash War, as Wally vows to break the speed force and save his family, whether Barry Allen likes it or not. Taking Zoom at his word, Wally breaks the force barrier, but doesn’t find his family on the other side.

Instead, Zoom reveals his true intention to be the ONLY Flash the world needs, by accessing previously unseen forces trapped behind the recently destroyed force barrier. He is defeated by The Flashes but escapes without a trace, meaning the sadistic villain is on the loose. The story ends with an exasperated Wally in search of his foe, reminding the reader that until Hunter is found, no one is safe.