Flash brought out one of his best costumes to throw off his mentor

Flash is one of DC Comics' most iconic works, and few heroes have honored that legacy as well as Wally West himself. Having proven himself to be the true fastest man in the world, Wally spent most of his career as the Scarlet Speedster racing in the footsteps of his mentor, Barry Allen. But when one misfortune completely changes Wally, he gets a brand new Flash uniform that leaves his mentor's uniform in the dust.

Continuing the plot of “Divided We Fall”, JLA #52 by Mark Waid, Bryan Hitch, Paul Neary, Ken Lopez and Laura Depuy catches up with the league after a mysterious phenomenon separated their human and superhuman natures into two separate beings.

Reflecting this change, the entity now operates as Wally West puts on his own new uniformupdating its iconic scarlet and gold with a new logo and mask. When Aquaman questions the wardrobe change, Flash replies dismissively, “Outstanding. I once emerged from Barry Allen's shadow.“

The Flash's updated costume sheds his past

The fastest man in the world never looked back

This new look won't be repeated once Wally West and Flash are reunited, but that doesn't mean it lacks style. On the contrary, the almost entirely paneled appearance of the red uniform indicates a more practical level of protection is no different than what Flash fans have seen from the Scarlet Speedster's portrayal in the DCEU. With the addition of built-in goggles and a stylish new Flash emblem, the new uniform is uniquely Wally – or at least Wally without the humanity that makes him a hero.

A major aspect of Wally West's journey as the Flash is his respect for Barry Allen and the other speedsters who came before him. When he first took up the mantle, Wally even wore the exact same uniform as Barry, only modifying it with his own glow as he became more comfortable with the opportunity to surpass his old mentor. At last, West actually surpassed Barry in both speed and statusbut their shared uniform, even with Wally's modifications, always brought them together. But without his human respect for Barry Allen, it was fully realized that Flash had to stand out on his own.

The Flash legacy is always moving forward

Wally West still honors what came before

Both as Flash and Kid Flash, Wally West wore several different uniforms in his long run for justice. Typically, the third hero, who calls himself the Scarlet Speedster, respectfully follows the lead of those who came before him, donning the scarlet and gold in his own unique way. However, without caring about the legacy that defines him, Wally West was able to grow his business on his own – even if Flash the persona became unrecognizable in the process.

JLA #52 is available now from DC Comics.

Flash

The Flash is the superhero name given to a DC Comics character who uses unparalleled speed associated with a dimensional power called the “speed force” to overwhelm an opponent. The premiere took place in 1939. The original Flash appeared as Jay Garrick. Still, he would be replaced by Barry Allen in terms of popularity and status, but Flash is a character who has met many of his alternate selves. The character is typically seen as part of the Justice League in almost all incarnations.

Created by

Gardner Fox, Harry Lampert and Carmine Infantino

First appearance

Flash comics

Alias

Jay Garrick, Barry Allen, Wally West, Bart Allen, Avery Ho

Covenant

Justice Society of America, Justice League, Teen Titans

Race

Man

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