Not Even The Flash Can Save Everyone | Screen Rant - Screen Rant

Not even superheroes can save the day all the time. They can make mistakes, fail, and even deliberately do the wrong thing. This lack of perfection is part of what makes them relatable, but it doesn't lessen the tragedy when they fail to save the day - something Wally West, aka the Flash, had to learn the hard way.

Taking over as the Flash after the apparent death of Barry Allen, Wally West was known for his bright, positive attitude and co-operative nature. While later stories explored the potential disillusionment of Wally West, it was in JLA #102 that this version of the Flash was confronted with a hard truth that shook him to his core.

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In JLA #102, Wally is doing his usual routine as the Flash: saving several people from being engulfed in the flames of a burning building. However, on one of his last runs into the building, he is shocked and horrified to find two young children already dead from excessive smoke inhalation. After the rest of the building is cleared, Wally is clearly shaken, and one of the fire captains speaks to him, surprised that this is the first time Wally has encountered bodies in his superhero career. He tells Wally that he's lucky, though the Flash feels anything but. Upset and determined, Wally rushes to the nearest store he can find.

After buying as many smoke detectors as he can, Wally speeds all over the city, installing them in people's homes, many of whom don't even see him or notice as he's moving so fast. However, there are some families that do see the Flash installing a detector in their home, due to the Flash berating them for not having an active one installed. One family's parents in particular try to make excuses, saying that they've been busy, but Flash is having none of it, yelling at the father to install it so he can keep his children safe. After this angry encounter, the Flash just runs and runs and runs, but is still unable to find the escape he's looking for. He keeps running until he come face to face with Superman, Wonder Woman, Martian Manhunter, and Green Lantern. Wonder Woman embraces the Flash, and he tells her that he can't run fast enough to get the image of the children out of his head.

Thankfully, the Justice League is able to provide some small amount of counsel and guidance to the Scarlet Speedster. Wally asks Superman how he's supposed to live with what he saw, and his failure to save the two kids. Superman replies with the honest answer that he can't. He has to move on by accepting that the image of them will always be there. Sometimes it will be more in focus and he'll feel responsible, but other days it will be better. Such is the burden of a hero and their job. Unfortunately, they can't save everyone. Failings and mistakes are a part of life for a superhero, just like they are for anyone in real life. The trick is finding the courage to accept them and keep on running, just like the Flash learns to do.

Next: Wally West is The Key To Saving The DC Universe

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About The Author

Kevin Erdmann (359 Articles Published)

Kevin Erdmann is one of Screen Rant's staff writers. With a major in Cinema Studies and a minor in Comics and Cartoon Studies from the UofO, Kevin is pretty sure he's writing for the right site. While Kevin is a huge Marvel fan, he also loves Batman because he's Batman and is a firm believer that Han shot first. Disney also shares a big part of his fan patronage. Previously, Kevin was a writer for ComicsVerse.com. Kevin lives in Oregon with his wonderful wife and sinister cat who is no doubt currently plotting his demise.

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Not Even The Flash Can Save Everyone | Screen Rant - Screen Rant

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