The Titans are back in full swing in the latest issue of DC Comics as they step up to fill the void left by the Justice League. However, their highly anticipated new series takes a dark turn right from the start as the heartbreaking demise of one of their beloved members unfolds. Brace yourself as “Titans” #1 kicks off with the stunning loss of The Flash, Wally West.
After the cataclysmic events of “Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths,” the Justice League crumbled, leaving a void in the realm of superhero protection. Recognizing the need for a fresh approach, Batman entrusted Nightwing and the Titans with the daunting task of safeguarding the universe. Dick Grayson, embracing the responsibility, rallied the Titans back together. Raven, Cyborg, Beast Boy, Wonder Girl, Starfire, and The Flash united their powers to fill the void left by the disbanded Justice League.
Despite their valiant efforts in combating the rising dangers that threaten Earth and beyond, the Titans have been shaken to their core by the shocking and enigmatic demise of The Flash. As they strive to adapt to their new role as the foremost superteam in the DC Universe, this unexpected loss has left the team reeling and grappling with the profound impact it has on their mission.
The Titans begin their duties as DC’s #1 Team
In “Titans” #1, crafted by the talented team of Tom Taylor, Nicola Scott, Anette Kwok, and Wes Abbott, the Titans find themselves navigating their newfound status as the premier heroes in the DC Universe. The team is led by Nightwing and is determined to expand their ranks and approaches former Teen Titans member Tempest, also known as Garth. Nightwing and Donna Troy present Garth with an enticing opportunity to join their ranks, a role they had envisioned since their youth. However, to their surprise, Garth respectfully declines, revealing that he is already aligned with another partner.
In the following events, the Titans are on the verge of settling into their new headquarters, Titans Tower, in Bludhaven. However, their plans are interrupted when Oracle urgently notifies them about Titano, a colossal ape, wreaking havoc at a nuclear power plant. The team understands the grave consequences if the plant were to explode and swiftly mobilizes to confront the threat. As they engage Titano, they are unexpectedly joined by Peacemaker, an antihero who advocates for a more aggressive approach to defeat the villain. Despite Peacemaker’s insistence, the Titans successfully subdue the superpowered adversary. To their surprise, Peacemaker then reprimands Nightwing and his team, expressing his belief that someone manipulated Titano for nefarious purposes.
Despite Peacemaker’s initial hostility towards the Titans and his desire to disband the team, he surprises them by relaying a message from the President. The President offers the Titans an opportunity to work for the U.S. government. However, Nightwing swiftly declines the offer, emphasizing that the Titans prioritize the greater good of the world, transcending national boundaries. He firmly states that nationalism and superpowers should not be intertwined. With the conversation becoming increasingly tense, the Titans choose to exit the situation. Meanwhile, Peacemaker contacts Amanda Waller, who is determined to eradicate all metahumans in the DC Universe. He informs her that the Titans will pose a significant challenge to their plans.
What happens to Wally West’s Flash?
“Titans” #1 begins and concludes with the tragic death of Wally West. The opening page unveils a shocking truth: Wally, The Flash, was mercilessly shot from behind at close range, leaving him unable to phase through the bullet aimed at his heart. Despite the fatal injury, Wally musters his remaining strength to express his love for his wife Linda and their children before embarking on a desperate race against time. Knowing that his only hope lies in altering destiny, Wally races on the Cosmic Treadmill, determined to change his fate even as his lifeblood drains away.
After their intense battle against Titano, the Titans make their way back to Titans Tower, only to stumble upon a haunting sight: a trail of Wally’s bloodied footprints leading them to his lifeless body. Tapping into her supernatural abilities, Raven senses that Wally has passed away, and Nightwing immediately takes charge, urging everyone to freeze and treating the scene as an active crime investigation. As the issue concludes, the Titans are confronted with a chilling message displayed across their computer screens: “Solve it.” Mysterious and malevolent forces are challenging the team to uncover the truth behind Wally’s tragic fate.
The identity of Wally’s killer remains a mystery for now. However, given the Titans’ recent refusal to align with Peacemaker and Amanda Waller’s agenda to eliminate superpowered heroes, it raises suspicions that these peace-oriented characters may have some involvement. Amanda Waller’s new mission to eradicate metahumans further adds to the intrigue. Additionally, the issue hints at the potential return of Brother Blood, a longstanding adversary of the Titans, who could also have a role to play in The Flash’s demise.
Wally West’s untimely demise delivers a devastating impact on both the DC Universe and his closest allies. His death serves as a stark reminder that even someone as powerful as the speedster is not invincible. The Titans, who have recently reunited, are now on high alert, recognizing the vulnerability that exists within their ranks and the potential danger that awaits them.
What does this mean for Wally West?
Fans who have been following Wally West’s journey in the comics over the past decade have witnessed the character being placed in increasingly peculiar situations by DC, From being portrayed as a killer in “Heroes in Crisis” to experiencing a tumultuous journey involving Dr. Manhattan’s powers in “Flash Forward,” Wally’s position in the DC Universe has undergone constant reevaluation. However, Jeremy Adams’ ongoing “The Flash” series, accompanied by a talented team of artists including Will Conrad and Fernando Pasarin, brought Wally back to his roots, allowing him to reclaim his role as a hero while reuniting with his wife Linda and their children.
As “The Flash” prepares for its relaunch this Summer, helmed by Si Spurrier and Mike Deodato Jr., the series is set to delve into the realm of cosmic horror, potentially shedding light on the mysterious circumstances surrounding Wally West’s demise in “Titans.” For a glimpse into what awaits readers in “The Flash” #1, take a look at the accompanying description.
“Wally West, in his most empowered and fulfilled state, finds himself facing an unsettling dissonance. Despite the loving support of his family, an unexplained sense of unease lingers. His expanding mastery over his super-speed abilities leads Wally down uncharted paths of sci-fi exploration, heightening his awareness of peculiar concepts. Whispers beckon to him from the depths of the enigmatic vibrations beyond the Speed Force. As Wally ventures into uncharted territories, experimenting with innovative approaches to his powers, he crosses paths with unexplored dimensions, enigmatic allies, and mind-shattering horrors.”
Wally West’s demise is unlikely to be permanent. As a vital figure in the DC Universe, he has a multitude of untold tales awaiting him. His supposed “death” is bound to be undone, whether through the enigmatic Speed Force, time-bending journeys, or other cosmic phenomena. Nonetheless, The Flash currently rests in eternal slumber, leaving the Titans with the arduous task of unraveling the truth behind their comrade’s fate.
You can find “Titans” #1, brought to you by Tom Taylor, Nicola Scott, Anette Kwok, and Wes Abbott, available for purchase at your local comic book stores.
