Brief Analysis: DC Universe #19 and Reverse Flash

I want to take a moment to discuss the upcoming issue of DC Universe Presents #19, hitting the shelves on April 19^th for $2.99.

Written By: Tony Bedard

Art By: Jesus Saiz

Cover By: Jesus Merino

So far, DC has given is a preview of the cover and a description. Both are below. 

“In this final issue, what time displaced-hero has arrived on our world—and is the destruction he brings the herald to a great disaster?”

This cover is striking. At the center, we see the Flash (Barry Allen), impaled from behind with a sword coming out of his abdomen, laying in what remains of city. Is it Central City? Metropolis? It could even be Keystone City. Behind him, we clearly see Superman, crushed by car. 

Irony?

Back to DC Presents. In the bottom right hand corner of the cover, we see a pair of battered green legs. I believe those legs belong to Aquaman. 

Right above horrified civilians is either a destroyed cape (Batman?) or burning debris. Either way, this cover hints at possible Justice League involvement with the rise of the New 52's "Reverse Flash."

It has already been revealed by Flash's creative team that "Reverse Flash" will make his/her appearance in Flash #17 this February  That story arc begin running in issue #20, when the other half of Flash's creative team, Francis Manapul, returns from his brief break. 

"I'm Back!" ---Sorta.

Given the description provided by DC, there is very little room to doubt an incarnation of "Reverse Flash" is appearing in this issue. The question is who is the Reverse-Flash?

Brian and Francis made it clear in an interview that while this character is returning, it'll be different than any previous version. Gateway to the Interview

The creative team discusses the costume changes to "Reverse Flash", it is evident that we probably won't be seeing much of this yellow costume any more. 

Buccellato also drops the hint that the new "Reverse Flash" could also be a female. A. Female. Reverse. Flash. That would be simply bad ass. The potential there cannot be ignored. 

But there's even more else where. 

At the start of the New Year, Dan Didio hinted at the possible return of Wally West via Twitter. Did You Miss it?

Imagine, the beloved Wally West as the new "Reverse Flash".

Most fans of Wally will hate this idea. This is not how they want their favorite hero to return. Personally, I'm torn between my love for the character of Wally and the idea of this new direction for him. There's a lot of emotion tied up there. The effect of all this emotion is exactly why this idea will be such a phenomenal one. Emotions make the story real. It would also be a beautiful way to juxtapose Wally against Barry. If the story line goes this way, I'll be heart-broken, but in a good way. 

---Sushi