Barry Allen's Sacrifice: The Multiversal Crisis in Arrowverse

The Crisis on Infinite Earths was one of the most significant events in the DC comics universe, and its influence on the Arrowverse books and television series has been profound. While the comic storyline saw the iconic hero, Flash, sacrificing himself to protect the multiverse, the television adaptation has taken a slightly different approach. In the Arrowverse, the multiversal crisis is a pivotal storyline that has shaped the fate of not just one, but multiple cinematic universes.

The Comic Book Version: Barry Allen's Sacrifice

In the comics, during the Crisis on Infinite Earths, Barry Allen, the fastest man alive, made the ultimate sacrifice. As he ran at incredible speeds, he managed to destroy the Anti-Monitor's antimatter cannon, effectively saving the multiverse. However, this act was a dual-edged sword, as Barry Allen himself vanished into the Speed Force following his deed. This sacrifice became a defining moment in the Flash's history and a highlight in the DC Universe.

The Arrowverse Adaptation

While the comic storyline saw Barry Allen's sacrifice, the CW adaptation of the Arrowverse has deviated from the original path. In the show, the sacrifice falls to another version of Barry Allen, played by John Wesley Shipp's Earth-90 Barry Allen, who also faces the antimatter cannon but chooses a different form of sacrifice. By running on the Anti-Monitor's treadmill, he destroys the cannon and himself in the process. This twist not only adds depth to the character but also enriches the narrative of the Arrowverse.

Return of Barry Allen: A Time Flux and an Imminent Crisis

No sooner had the CW series completed its fifth season when sources appeared indicating that Flash's journey to the Speed Force would take place sooner than anticipated. Originally, it was scheduled for Crisis on Infinite Earths (COIE) in 2024, but with the artifact Cicada's dagger destroyed, the timeline shifted, pushing the event to December 10, 2019.

The premonition became a self-fulfilling prophecy as the Flash Season 5 finale hinted at the approaching crisis. By the end-credits, the date on the newspaper had changed to 2019, setting the stage for Barry's impending fate. This signaled to fans that the tenth episode of the fifth season might be Barry's last appearance, with the rising anticipation building for the upcoming sixth season.

The Upcoming COIE Crossover and Barry's Fate

With the end of the fifth season and the onset of the Arrowverse crossover, fans are on the edge of their seats. The upcoming COIE event is scheduled for 2019, and it serves as a perfect backdrop for Barry's sacrifice. During this crossover, it is highly likely that Barry will face the same ultimate choice as his comic counterpart. If the show were to follow the continuity set by the comics, Barry would sacrifice himself, disappearing into the Speed Force to save the multiverse once again.

A spectator at the Flash Season 5 finale, which hinted at an imminent timeline shift, adds, 'All the signs point to it being 2019,' indicating a strong possibility of a significant event in the first nine episodes of the sixth season. Media reports suggest that the upcoming crossover with Arrow and Legends of Tomorrow will play a crucial role in Barry's ultimate sacrifice.

The Legacy of Barry Allen

Barry Allen's sacrifice in the Arrowverse is more than just a narrative device; it is a pivotal moment in the ongoing saga. While Arrow followers may become accustomed to the idea of Barry vanishing, there is a strong fan sentiment that his sacrifice should be as iconic as in the comics. This event is not only a critical point in the storyline but also a representation of Barry's unwavering commitment to protecting the multiverse.

Oliver Queen (Green Arrow) is indeed a beloved character, and his journey has been equally compelling. However, including Barry Allen's sacrifice in the Arrowverse narrative would resonate deeply with fans, as it would cement his legacy and roaring popularity. It would be a fitting tribute to one of the most iconic heroes DC has to offer, with the potential to leave a lasting impact on the Arrowverse landscape.

The Importance of Barry's Sacrifice

Crisis on Infinite Earths is a significant event in the DC Comics and Arrowverse history, where Barry Allen chooses the multiverse over his own personal life. The scene remains one of the most iconic in the entire DC series, and its absence from the Arrowverse would be frustrating for many fans. Therefore, it is essential for the writers to honor this critical event and provide fans with a similar emotional and narrative catharsis.

The impending Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover in the Arrowverse offers an exciting opportunity to revisit this landmark moment. The Arrowverse fans eagerly await the resolution to this decade-long saga, and a sacrifice that echoes the spirit of the original comics would be a fitting tribute to the heroes and stories that have captivated audiences worldwide.