Summary
The DCU continues to expand in exciting and unpredictable ways under James Gunn’s leadership. One of the most intriguing revelations comes from Episode 4 ofCreature Commandos, where showrunner Dean Lorey confirmed a beloved Justice League hero is officially part of the the heroes shown to be deceased in a scene that depicts a vision of the feature fromCreature Commandosvillain, Circe.
The news has sparked widespread speculation among fans about what the appearance of The Flash, but a very specific version of the Flash’s presence means for the future of the DCU. Could this be the start of a legacy-driven approach that embraces new iterations of classic heroes? Or is it a narrative setup for broader connections across the DCU’s film and television projects? These questions make Wally West’s inclusion one of the most talked-about developments in theJames Gunn’s ongoing evolutionof his cinematic universe.
How Wally West Differs From Barry Allen
Wally West and Barry Allen, both iterations of the Flash, are distinct characters in the DC Universe, each offering unique qualities that make them stand out. While Barry Allen is often portrayed as the archetypal hero, responsible and scientific, Wally West brings a more human, relatable dimension to the mantle of the Scarlet Speedster.
Barry’s origin story is steeped in tragedy, with his mother’s murder and father’s wrongful imprisonment serving as akey motivator for his pursuit of justice. Conversely, Wally’s journey begins as the protégé of Barry, starting as Kid Flash. His story focuses on growth, mentorship, and ultimately stepping out of Barry’s shadow to define his own identity.
Personality-wise,Wally is often more lighthearted, witty, and personable compared to Barry’s calm and measured demeanor. This contrast reflects in their approach to heroism: Barry is meticulous and methodical, whereas Wally operates with an emotional depth and spontaneity that connects with fans on a different level.
Additionally, Wally’s powers have evolved beyond those of Barry’s in many iterations. He is sometimesdepicted as faster than Barry, with unique abilities like creating constructs from Speed Force energy or traveling to other dimensions without external tools. These elements highlight Wally as a fresh take on the Flash, offering possibilities for stories that diverge from Barry’s narrative.
With Barry Allen being the DCEU’s version of The Flash, it would make sense that Gunn might lean away from that iteration. After all,The Flashwas one of the last projectsof the DCEU and it was far from beloved.
Creature Commandos Tie In To Teen Titans?
The confirmation of Wally West’s inclusion inEpisode 4 ofCreature Commandosraises intriguing questions about the show’s broader connections within the DCU. The scene depicting a collection of fallen heroes is already a rich narrative device, but the addition of Wally hints at a deeper web of interrelated stories that might tie to other DC properties, including the Teen Titans.
Wally West has long been associated with the Teen Titans in the comics. As Kid Flash, he was a founding member of the original team and maintained strong relationships with iconic characters likeDick Grayson (Robin/Nightwing), Donna Troy (Wonder Girl), and others. This connection could serve as a bridge betweenCreature Commandosand a potential Titans storyline within the DCU.
Is Wally West A Course Correct From The DCEU Disaster?
The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) faced heavy criticism for its portrayal of key characters, including Ezra Miller’s Flash. While Miller’s Barry Allen had moments of charm and humor, many fans felt the character lacked depth, consistency, and the hopeful essence central to the Flash’s identity. Enter Wally West, a hero whose very nature could serve as a remedy to these perceived shortcomings.
Enter Wally West, a hero whose very nature could serve as a remedy to these perceived shortcomings.
The decision to highlight Wally inCreature Commandoscould be a deliberate effort to distance the DCU from the baggage of the DCEU. By focusing on Wally, the DCU can reintroduce the Flash and putEzra Miller’s shenanigans behind thementirely.
Wally also represents a legacy hero, someone who inherits the mantle and makes it his own. This idea aligns with James Gunn’s vision for a DCU that respects its history while paving the way for fresh stories. Wally’s character arc often emphasizes teamwork, mentorship, and the importance of community, themes that resonate with the broader appeal Gunn is known to favor in his storytelling.
Ultimately, the inclusion of Wally West is more than just a character choice; it’s a statement of intent. It’s about learning from past missteps and crafting a DCU that celebrates the diversity and richness of its characters while delivering the hopeful, inspiring stories fans crave. Of course, James Gunn has made it clear that when the Flash does get introduced in the DCU, it won’t be for a little while. He’s talked about problems with the project that had sidelined the speedster for the foreseeable future. That could eventually mean that either Wally or Barry or both are introduced at some point in the future.
