The Depths of Evil: Why Reverse Flash Wants to Kill the Flash

Reverse Flash is one of the most iconic villains in the DC Comics universe, particularly in the post-Infinite Crisis era. His journey from a young speedster obsessed with the Flash to a feared villain who wants to obliterate Barry Allen is a tale of obsession, manipulation, and ultimate betrayal. Let's delve into the depths of his twisted motivations.

A Descent into Obsession

In the aftermath of Infinite Crisis, Eobard Thawne, also known as Reverse Flash, grows up in the 25th century with a profound and unwavering love for the Flash, Barry Allen. Despite his love, Thawne is also filled with admiration and curiosity, leading to a sense of endless fascination with the Speed Force—the source of the Flash’s immense speed.

Thawne’s childhood was marked by a seminal event: his parents’ decision to bring him a brother. While this was intended to help him learn social skills, the arrangement ultimately made him feel trapped and held back. This sense of longing and frustration fueled his academic pursuits, which led to his attempts to study the origins of the Speed Force.

Timeline Manipulation and Revelation

With the advent of Flashpoint and subsequent storylines, Thawne found a way to alter his own timeline through the manipulation of the Speed Force. By erasing his brother, Thawne gained precious time to study the Speed Force in secrecy. This time eventually led him to secure a job at the Flash Museum, where his research on the Speed Force netted him the nickname 'Professor Zoom.'

However, Reverse Flash's obsession with the Speed Force proved to be his downfall. When his colleague managed to make the crucial discovery first, Reverse Flash felt defeated and sought redemption through erasing his rival from existence. From that moment on, he rose to become the head scientist at the museum, gaining both power and notoriety as a result of his breakthrough research.

The True Purpose: Becoming Flash’s Greatest Villain

Despite his new advancements, Reverse Flash’s obsession with the Speed Force continued to grow. His goal was no longer just to understand but to master it. As he delved deeper into the Speed Force, he began to realize that his greatest love—his obsession with the Flash—would eventually lead to his bitterest enemy. Understanding this, Reverse Flash became determined to prevent this future from unfolding. In his quest for power, he sought to destroy the Barry Allen of the 21st century, seeing him as a threat to his future plans and the very fabric of the Speed Force.

Using a time capsule left by the Flash, Reverse Flash harnessed the Speed Force, becoming the Fastest Man alive in the 25th century. This power, however, only fueled his madness, further believing that the Flash must be eliminated to preserve his own existence and his research. His actions led to a series of tragedies, as he orchestrated events to ensure that Barry Allen would no longer be a threat.

Ultimately, Reverse Flash’s journey is a testament to the idea that love and obsession can be destructive forces. His relentless pursuit of the Speed Force and his love for the Flash paradoxically led to his greatest act of villainy: the desire to destroy the very person he loved and revered. In the end, it is this hatred and the fear of losing his future that drive his relentless pursuit to eliminate the Flash.

Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts

Reverse Flash's journey from a young speedster to a formidable villain is a fascinating and complex tale. His actions are driven by a combination of obsession, fear, and a desire for control. This narrative underscores the inherent dangers of becoming obsessed with a concept or person to the point of losing sight of one's humanity. As readers, we are left to ponder the consequences of such unchecked ambition and the devastating effects it can have on both the individual and the greater timeline.