The Wally West was drastically reinvented during a dream that changed his origin story. No longer just another member of the Flash family, Wally basically became a new superhero.
Throughout comic book history, a handful of superheroes have been radically recreated. From Jay Garrick’s Flash evolving into Barry Allen’s Flash, and Alan Scott’s Green Lantern turning into Hal Jordan’s Green Lantern, among many others, such reinventions keep the characters fresh. Wally West has been considered the next step in the Flash’s evolution, as he takes on the mantle from his uncle. However, even Wally’s backstory has been reimagined, as seen in JLA #9, written by Grant Morrison with art by Oscar Jimenez, Chip Wallace, Hanibal Rodriguez, and Pat Garrahy.
When the Key subjects Wally West to a dream state, the Flash’s origin is changed, with his powers originating from a ring. Similar to Green Lantern, Wally’s speed is given to him by the New God, Fastbak. Still referring to the source of his powers as “the Speed Force,” just about everything else is different. The Flash’s new costume resembles Jay Garrick’s uniform, which was initially inspired by Mercury. Wearing his suit made of quicksilver, Wally West is practically an all-new edition of the Flash. Originally given the ring by the dying Fastbak, his backstory homages how Abin Sur bestowed Hal Jordan with his Green Lantern ring.
Grant Morrison’s bold take on an alternate Wally West is a cool mashup of Green Lantern and the New God. He’s basically a remixed superhero, retrofit for a new age in comics. Even though the alternate life was set in a dream, the Elseworlds Flash has the potential to carry his own stories. As the suit forms like nanotech around Wally, he is able to speed off and save the day. He doesn’t feel like just another Flash as he grows into his own with a destiny that combines the best of both Hal Jordan and Jay Garrick.
Although the Speed Lantern’s origin clearly tributes past heroes, it doesn’t take away from the concept of such a hero. Morrison has resurrected many alternate versions of characters through the years, making the alternate Wally’s future in comics seem plausible. For now, the cool Elseworlds Flash only exists within the Key’s imposed dream state over the Justice League.
