Warning: SPOILERS for The Flash #791Despite the universe-shattering consequences of the the Flash Barry Allen nearly repeated the same mistake that caused Flashpoint in the first place. Barry once again wants to go back in time to stop a loved one's death, and the only thing that's stopping him is the Speed Force itself.
Speedsters being able to go back in time is far from a new concept; the complete reset that was the New 52.
Even the memory of Flashpoint and its universal resets doesn't stop Barry from nearly making the same mistake in The Flash #791 by Jeremy Adams, Roger Cruz, Wellington Dias, Luis Guerrero, and Rob Leigh. This issue follows up on the events of the previous, which launched the One Minute War Flash event: a mysterious invasive force that appears to be connected to the Speed Force has crash-landed on Earth, freezing everyone who isn't also connected to the Speed Force. In the aftermath of the crash, which has caused widespread devastation, Barry discovers his long-time girlfriend (and once-wife in pre-Flashpoint continuity), Iris West, in the rubble, apparently dead. When the current Flash, Wally West, discovers Barry holding his aunt's body, Barry tells him: "I'd go back in time if I could, but something is "
Barry Allen Not Learning His Flashpoint Lesson Is Perfectly in Character
Barry clearly wants to go back in time to save Iris from death, once again changing the timeline. The only thing stopping him is the invading force, which appears to be using too much of the Speed Force's power for such a timeline-changing feat. From this one confession to Wally—who, it must be said, was erased from continuity as a result of Flashpoint—it's clear that Barry is once again ignoring the consequences of his actions and selfishly trying to change time to protect his loved ones. While saving Iris, who is connected to almost everyone in the extended Flash Family, is a noble cause, Barry clearly hasn't learned anything from his massive Flashpoint mistake.
But, really, this repeated Flashpoint mistake also means he is making the same choices time and time again—in other words, Barry wanting to change time to save Iris is completely consistent with his character. Coming issues of the One Minute War event will likely address the aftermath of Iris West's death, but the rest of the Flash Family should keep their eye on Barry. Who knows what catastrophic choices he'll make in the name of love.
Check out The Flash #791, available now from DC Comics!
