The depiction of Black Flash has changed throughout DC Comics' history. However, the character is linked to the Speed Force, and it is often associated with death. The character has made its impact felt both on the page and on the screen, appearing as an adaptation on The Flash CW TV show. But Black Flash is also a lesser-known DC speedster.
The person beneath the Black Flash mask has also changed, which is integral to the character's role in the comics. A grim reaper of sorts, there's still a lot more that DC Comics could do with this fascinating and shadowy character. But for now, there's a lot for newcomers and classic Flash fans to know about the spectral speedster.
10 Eobard Thawne Was A Black Flash
The name Black Flash refers to a couple different characters. The Blackest Night event featured some of the darkest Flash comics with deceased characters rising from their graves. A version of Eobard Thawne was one such foe who returned.
The former Reverse Flash was a part of the Black Lantern Corps and his reanimated corpse became Black Flash in name. It was an interesting twist on the character that took advantage of both the lore of Green Lantern and Flash. Naturally, Thawne's first thoughts were to hunt down Flash.
9 Barry Allen Was Transformed Into Black Flash
Eobard Thawne isn't the only character who has masqueraded as the Black Flash in their career. It might be a surprise to learn that Barry Allen himself was briefly transformed into Black Flash. Even his costume changed, taking on the darker tones of the specter and causing havoc for other speedsters.
The culprit for Barry's transformation into this beastly speedster was Professor Zoom. Max Mercury attempted to reassure Flash that the change in persona wasn't his fault. But the notion that Barry Allen could have been gifted with the powers of Black Flash is an unnerving thought considering how experienced and knowledgeable he already is as a speedster.
8 Death For Speedsters
Black Flash is the personification of Death for speedsters. Readers will already know that the character's imagery is very much based on the Grim Reaper itself. Although there are debates around DC lore and how entranced Black Flash is in the hierarchy of the afterlife, this is still a figure that no speedster wants to witness.
Black Flash essentially collects speedsters and returns their energy and power to the Speed Force. In many ways, it's a natural part of the universe and is integral in balancing all things. This iteration of Death has been equipped with super speed to chase down anyone attempting to cheat their fate.
7 Witnessed In Tragic Moments
Black Flash has witnessed many tragic moments because of the nature of its role. It is always lurking when a speedster is about to die. Max Mercury has almost died so many times that seeing Black Flash has become a common event. Supposedly other characters saw Black Flash at the deaths of Barry Allen and Johnny Quick.
Regardless of the impressive achievements from their Flash careers, many DC speedsters are snuffed out in an instant thanks to Black Flash's arrival. Bart Allen is another prime example, with the character seeing Black Flash before the Rogues killed him. Black Flash might see many tragic moments, but if the speedsters see it, it's a warning sign of what's to come.
6 Freezing Time
Black Flash is the Flash's fastest villain considering its immense power. Although the character replicates many of the abilities that other speedsters have, it also has a few other tricks up its sleeves specifically designed for hunting down its prey.
The Black Flash shows off some of its gifts when attempting to take Wally West. The character freezes time, with those connected to the Speed Force able to run through its trap. But, this makes life a little simpler for Black Flash. Its targets stand out among a still background. It also makes for an easier explanation of why most people cannot see the ghostly figure.
5 Speedsters Can Outrun Black Flash
Despite Black Flash's speed, ability to slow down time, and immense power, the character can still be outrun. The idea that Death can be thwarted simply by staying out of its reach would be an incredible feat for anyone. Lucky for Wally West, he was the man to cheat the afterlife.
The Black Flash hunted Wally West. But Wally wasn't going down without a fight. He ran, racing Black Flash to the end of time and beyond. Black Flash couldn't keep up and fell away after Wally reached a point in the cosmos where Death no longer had any power. It's a unique way to defeat Black Flash although one not many others would be able to try.
4 Hunting The Forces
Black Flash's role in the universe is incredibly complex and occasionally the character hunts down other beings that aren't speedsters that gained their powers from the Speed Force. When other forces in the DC Universe were unleashed, Black Flash was responsible for collecting the avatars.
The Still Force, Strength Force, and Sage Force are just some examples of these cosmic entities that readers know about. That put characters like Fuerza and Steadfast straight in Black Flash's sights. But the character is thwarted before he could complete his mission. This does raise further questions about what other purposes Black Flash can be used for.
3 Jesse Quick Is Black Flash
In the multiverse, there are countless other iterations of Black Flash. But many readers might not know that the speedster Jesse Quick is one of the characters that take on the moniker. Ame-Comi is a unique take on the DC Universe, which is inspired by anime and collectible figures.
The comic series that are involved with Ame-Comi present alternate versions of many of DC's most famous female characters. With Jesse Quick briefly using a Black Lantern ring during a battle with Sinestro, her transformation into Black Flash mirrored Eorbard Thawne's evolution.
2 The CW's Black Flash
The Arrowverse underutilized many comic characters, including speedsters like Wally West, but Black Flash isn't one of them. The role the character plays in The Flash TV show and beyond replicates what fans might be familiar with on the page albeit with a twist. Many don't know about Black Flash's origins on screen.
In a change in lore, the Arrowverse depicts Black Flash as a version of Hunter Zolomon. In the past, he was Zoom but after being dragged into the Speed Force by Time Wraiths he is converted into a creature of Flash's nightmares. This Black Flash no longer thinks in the way that Zoloman does and has hunted down anyone attempting to change the natural order of time.
1 Video Game Appearances
DC fans may forget that Black Flash has actually appeared in multiple video games throughout the comic company's history. The creature is referenced in the Injustice universe, with a Black Flash variant costume featured as a skin for the Flash.
Black Flash also has a small role to play in games like Justice League Heroes: The Flash and DC Legends. Although the character's time on screen is limited, it's always fascinating to see how Black Flash's links to death are involved in the mechanics of the game. Players can pick up Injustice right now and control this deadly racer.