Editing Reverse-Flash

{{short description|Rivals of the Flash}}

The '''Reverse-Flash''' is a name used by several <!--Do not add "fictional" as it is tautological; supervillains (and characters in general) are by definition implied to be fictionalized to some extent.-->[[supervillain]]s appearing in [[American comic books|American]] [[comic book]]s published by [[DC Comics]]. Each iteration of the character serves as a foil and an enemy of [[Flash (DC Comics character)|the Flash]].

=={{anchor|Fictional character biography}}Characters==

=== Edward Clariss ===
{{Infobox comics character <!--Wikipedia:WikiProject Comics-->
|image= Rival Clariss.png
|caption= The Rival, the proto-Reverse-Flash, by Stephen Sadowski (penciller), Michael Bair (inker), and John Kalisz (colorist)
|character_name= Edward Clariss
|full_name= 
|publisher=[[DC Comics]]
|debut= ''[[Flash Comics]]'' #104 (February 1949) 
|creators= [[John Broome (writer)|John Broome]]<br/>[[Joe Kubert]]
|alliances= [[Injustice Society]]
|aliases= Rival
|powers= [[Flash (Barry Allen)#Powers and abilities|Flash]] 
}}

'''Edward Clariss''' (also known as '''the Rival'''<ref name="Rival">{{cite web |title=The Flash's 10 Fastest Villains, Ranked |url=https://www.cbr.com/flash-fastest-villains-ranked/ |website=CBR |access-date=1 May 2019 |date=22 April 2019 |archive-date=30 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430211843/https://www.cbr.com/flash-fastest-villains-ranked/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and '''the Rival Flash''') first appeared in ''[[Flash Comics]]'' #104 (February 1949), and was created by [[John Broome (writer)|John Broome]] and [[Joe Kubert]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Cowsill |first1=Alan |last2=Irvine |first2=Alex |last3=Korte |first3=Steve |last4=Manning |first4=Matt |last5=Wiacek |first5=Win |last6=Wilson |first6=Sven |title=The DC Comics Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Characters of the DC Universe |date=2016 |publisher=DK Publishing |isbn=978-1-4654-5357-0 |page=248}}</ref>

====Publication history====
Edward Clariss first appeared in [[Flash (Jay Garrick)|Jay Garrick]]'s final appearance in ''[[Flash Comics]]'' #104 (February 1949), and was created by [[John Broome (writer)|John Broome]] and [[Joe Kubert]] as an [[Evil twin|evil counterpart]] of Garrick during the [[Golden Age of Comic Books]]. He would be revived by [[Geoff Johns]] and [[David Goyer]] in a story called "Injustice Be Done" from the [[Justice Society of America]] comic books through the [[Modern Age of Comic Books]].<ref name="rival"/>

====Fictional character biography====
Although not called the Reverse-Flash, Dr. Edward Clariss was a professor at the [[university]] attended by the [[Golden Age of Comic Books|Golden Age]] Flash, and had recreated the formula which was behind [[Flash (Jay Garrick)|Jay Garrick]]'s speed. He hears Joan Williams (Garrick's girlfriend) talking about how the Flash's own speed was given to another student, which helped him develop the formula. Bitter at the scientific community's rejection of his claims, Clariss becomes a criminal. A darker version of the Flash with a mask over his head, he gives the formula to other criminals. The Rival's version of the formula is temporary, and he is captured and jailed (later stories have indicated a possible link between the Clariss formula and the Velocity 9 created by [[Vandal Savage]], but thus far no such link has been conclusively proven).<ref name="rival">{{cite web |title=The Flash Season 3: Who is The Rival? |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/us/books-comics/the-flash/258963/the-flash-season-3-who-is-the-rival |website=Den of Geek |access-date=1 May 2019 |language=en |archive-date=1 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501190849/https://www.denofgeek.com/us/books-comics/the-flash/258963/the-flash-season-3-who-is-the-rival |url-status=dead }}</ref>

''JSA'' #16 (November 2000) contains a flashback to a battle between the Rival and the Flash several months after the former's first appearance. Now that he has inexplicably regained super-speed, Clariss reaches light speed during the fight and vanishes into the [[Speed Force]]. After the [[Justice Society of America]]'s reformation 50 years later, [[Johnny Sorrow]] retrieves Clariss from the Speed Force and invites him to join the [[Injustice Society]]. Driven insane in the Speed Force, the Rival races across the country on a killing spree. The Flash realizes that the Rival's path across the country spells out Clariss's name and the final murder victim will be Joan; Jay absorbs the Rival's speed before he can kill Joan.<ref name="rival"/>

The Rival returns in ''Impulse'' #88 (September 2002), posing as Joan's doctor. Now pure speed energy, he possesses fellow Golden Age speedster [[Max Mercury]]. After battling Jay and [[Bart Allen|Impulse]], Max time-travels to an unknown destination. In ''[[The Flash: Rebirth]]'' #4, Max escapes from the Speed Force and is rejuvenated by Wally West's energy; this allows him to return to Earth in a new body. Another Golden Age Reverse-Flash is a robot whose only appearance was in one panel of ''[[The Flash (comic book)|The Flash]]'' #134 (February 1998), where he is defeated by Garrick.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Shiach |first1=Kieran |title=Dark Reflections: The History Of Zoom And The Reverse Flash |url=https://comicsalliance.com/history-zoom-reverse-flash/ |website=ComicsAlliance |date=26 April 2016 |access-date=2 May 2019 |language=en |archive-date=2 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502142527/https://comicsalliance.com/history-zoom-reverse-flash/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

====Return====
After the events of ''[[Doomsday Clock (comics)|Doomsday Clock]]'', Clariss returned to continuity, having faced Garrick in the 40s.<ref>''The Flash'' #750</ref>

===Eobard Thawne===
{{main|Eobard Thawne}}
Professor Eobard Thawne (commonly known as Professor Zoom) first appeared in ''The Flash'' #139 (September 1963). The [[archenemy]] of [[Barry Allen]], he is the first supervillain to be called the Reverse-Flash.<ref>{{cite book |last=Wells |first=John |title=American Comic Book Chronicles: 1960-64 |date=2015 |publisher=TwoMorrows Publishing |isbn=978-1605490458 |page=125}}</ref> While other speedsters cannot change the past without dramatic consequences, his ability to travel and manipulate time is able to drastically alter history and completely erase people from existence is due to having corrupted the Speed Force which created a negative version.

===Wally West===
{{main|Wally West}}
Wally West briefly impersonated Professor Zoom aka the Reverse-Flash.<ref>''The Flash'' vol. 2 #157-158</ref>

===Hunter Zolomon===
{{main|Hunter Zolomon}}
Hunter Zolomon (also known as Zoom) first appeared in ''The Flash: Secret Files & Origins'' #3 (November 2001). The archenemy of [[Wally West]], he is the second supervillain to be called the Reverse-Flash. Unlike all other speedsters, he did not gain his superspeed from the Speed Force but due to an accident with the Cosmic Treadmill where he was essentially "derailed" from the time line which allowed him to control the rate at which he moves in time and make him faster than any speedster.

===Thaddeus Thawne===
<!-- Commented out until [[WP:FUR]] is added for use in this article [[File:Inertia.png|deletable image-caption|thumb|right|Inertia, in art from ''Flash: The Fastest Man Alive'' #5, by [[Ron Adrian]]]] -->
'''Thaddeus Thawne''' (a.k.a. '''Inertia''' and later '''Kid Zoom''') first appeared in ''Impulse'' #51 (August 1999), and was created by [[Todd DeZago]] and [[Mike Wieringo]]. Another character called the Reverse-Flash, he is a [[Molecular cloning|clone]] of [[Bart Allen]]. Inertia first fought Impulse. When Bart aged five years after ''Infinite Crisis'' and became the Flash, Inertia fought his genetic template again. Inertia was responsible for Allen's death; Wally West returned, taking revenge by paralyzing Inertia and imprisoning him in the [[Flash Museum]]. In ''[[Final Crisis: Rogues' Revenge]]'', he is used by [[Libra (DC Comics)|Libra]] and Zoom to try to get the Rogues to join the [[Secret Society of Super Villains|Secret Society]]. Inertia steals Zoom's powers, calls himself Kid Zoom, and is killed by the Rogues, who blamed him for making them kill Bart.

When asked who created Inertia, [[Ethan van Sciver]] wrote that he could only accept five percent of the credit; the remaining credit belonged to [[Mike Wieringo]] (20 percent), [[Grant Morrison]] (25 percent) and [[Todd DeZago]] (50 percent). According to van Sciver, Inertia's appearance is an inverted depiction of Impulse.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comicbloc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31402&page=4|title=Inertia . . . ! - Page 4 - The Comic Bloc Forums|publisher=Comicbloc.com|access-date=2011-04-25|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718114953/http://www.comicbloc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31402&page=4|archive-date=2011-07-18}}</ref>

Inertia initially appeared in ''Impulse'' #50: "First Fool's" (July 1999), followed by #51: "It's All Relative" (August 1999). His greatest [[Character advancement|character development]] was in #53: "Threats" (October 1999). Inertia was not featured again until ''Impulse'' #62 and #66: "Mercury Falling" (July, November 2000), and again for another five years.

He then began making regular appearances, primarily due to Bart being the Flash. Inertia appeared in ''The Flash: The Fastest Man Alive'' #5: "Lightning in a Bottle, Part 5" (December 2006). In addition to his ''Flash'' appearances, he appeared in ''[[Teen Titans]]'' (vol. 3) as part of [[Titans East]], an enemy team, beginning in ''Teen Titans'' (vol. 3) #43 (January 2007). The storyline concluded with (vol. 3) #46 (April 2007). Gathering the Rogues, he attempted to drain Bart's powers for himself; the plan backfired when Wally returned and Inertia's equipment drained the Speed Force, making the Rogues accidentally beat Bart to death. As Inertia tried to escape, he was captured by Wally who steals his speed, leaving him immobile.

Inertia is primarily a [[Speedster (comics)|speedster]], remaining disconnected from the Speed Force after ''[[Infinite Crisis]]'' and injecting himself with Velocity 9. Although Velocity 9 has been unstable, [[Deathstroke]]'s new variety seems to have no negative [[Adverse effect|side effects]]. Inertia briefly shares his powers before his death with Zoom, who lends him his speed to pressure him into becoming a new Kid Flash. As the maddened Kid Zoom, he masters human time streams and reverts Zoom to the powerless Hunter Zolomon before he is killed by the Rogues.<ref>''Final Crisis: Rogues' Revenge'' #3</ref>

Inertia was later resurrected and trapped in the Speed Force. Inertia tries to stop Barry Allen, Max Mercury, and Jesse Quick from escaping the Speed Force, revealing that Eobard Thawne promised to release him and let him take over Bart Allen's body once the former succeeded in his plans. After Barry tries to appeal and talk sense into him, Inertia stops his attacks and runs off.<ref>''The Flash'' #760</ref>

===Daniel West===
{{Main|Daniel West (character)}}
Daniel "Danny" West first appeared in ''[[The Flash (comic book)|The Flash]]'' #0 (November 2012). The most recent individual to be called the Reverse-Flash, he is younger brother of [[Iris West]], the biological father of [[Wallace West (DC Comics)|Wallace West]], and an enemy of Barry Allen.

==Other versions==
===Tangent Comics===
[[Image:ReverseFlashTangent.jpg|alt=Female villain|220px|thumb|Reverse-Flash / '''Lia Nelson''' in Tangent Comics]]
An original incarnation of the Reverse-Flash appears in ''[[Tangent Comics]]: The Flash'' #1 (December 1997). This version is an evil, negative ionic energy-based duplicate of her Earth's Flash, [[Flash (DC Comics character)#Lia Nelson|Lia Nelson]], who was created by an evil government agency to disperse Nelson's [[photon]]-based form. However, Nelson destroys the Reverse-Flash.

===Impulse===
A 31st century incarnation of Thaddeus Thawne who became president appears in ''Impulse'' #25.<ref>''Impulse'' #25</ref>

==In other media==
{{see also|Eobard Thawne#In other media|Hunter Zolomon#In other media}}

===Television===
* Three variations of individuals who have used the Reverse-Flash moniker in the comics and one original incarnation appear in ''[[The Flash (2014 TV series)|The Flash]]'' (2014).
** [[Eobard Thawne (Arrowverse)|Eobard Thawne / Reverse-Flash]] primarily appears in the [[The Flash (season 1)|first season]] and sporadically throughout subsequent seasons, portrayed by [[Tom Cavanagh]] and [[Matt Letscher]].<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://ew.com/tv/the-flash-tom-cavanagh-returns-reverse-flash-series-finale/ |title='The Flash' showrunner reveals how Tom Cavanagh returns in series finale |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |access-date=2023-10-10 |archive-date=2023-05-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230508181605/https://ew.com/tv/the-flash-tom-cavanagh-returns-reverse-flash-series-finale/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
** [[Hunter Zolomon (Arrowverse)|Hunter Zolomon / Zoom]] primarily appears in the [[The Flash (season 2)|second season]], portrayed by [[Teddy Sears]] and voiced by [[Tony Todd]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://comicbook.com/2015/07/12/zoom-confirmed-as-flash-season-twos-villain/|title=Zoom Confirmed As Flash Season Two's Villain|website=ComicBook.com|date=July 12, 2015|access-date=August 24, 2015|archive-date=September 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150903032739/http://comicbook.com/2015/07/12/zoom-confirmed-as-flash-season-twos-villain|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comicbookresources.com/article/the-flash-casts-the-voice-of-zoom-for-season-2|title="The Flash" Casts the Voice of Zoom for Season 2|website=Comic Book Resources|date=August 31, 2015|last=Ching|first=Albert|access-date=August 31, 2015|archive-date=September 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150902200657/http://www.comicbookresources.com/article/the-flash-casts-the-voice-of-zoom-for-season-2|url-status=dead}}</ref>
** [[Edward Clariss (Arrowverse)|Edward Clariss / The Rival]] appears in the [[The Flash (season 3)|third season]], portrayed by [[Todd Lasance]].<ref>{{cite web|title=15 CW Speedsters Ranked From Slowest To Fastest |url=https://www.cbr.com/cw-speedsters-ranked/2/?v=6&n=f&nextArticle=start |website=CBR |access-date=2 May 2019 |date=4 January 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Young|first1=Sage|title=Clariss Is An Old-School 'Flash' Bad Guy|url=https://www.bustle.com/articles/188952-who-is-edward-clariss-on-the-flash-the-rival-seems-connected-to-doctor-alchemy|website=Bustle|date=11 October 2016 |access-date=2 May 2019|language=en|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502144715/https://www.bustle.com/articles/188952-who-is-edward-clariss-on-the-flash-the-rival-seems-connected-to-doctor-alchemy|url-status=live}}</ref> This version is a black-suited speedster and archenemy of [[Wally West (Arrowverse)|Kid Flash]] in the [[Flashpoint (comics)|Flashpoint]] timeline.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tvline.com/2016/08/23/the-flash-season-3-todd-lasance-cast-rival/ |title='Flash' Season 3 Casts Todd Lasance as The Rival, Promo Teases Savitar |last=Mitovich |first=Matt Webb |date=August 23, 2016 |website=TVLine |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160824170855/http://tvline.com/2016/08/23/the-flash-season-3-todd-lasance-cast-rival/ |archive-date=August 24, 2016 |access-date=August 24, 2016}}</ref> After the [[Barry Allen (Arrowverse)|Flash]] restores the original timeline, "[[Julian Albert|Alchemy]]" restores Clariss' powers. The latter subsequently tries to kill the Flash, only to be defeated by him and later murdered by [[Savitar (Arrowverse)|Savitar]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cbr.com/the-rival-original-dark-flash/ |title=The Rival: Who Was the ORIGINAL Dark Flash? |date=18 September 2020 |access-date=2023-10-10 |archive-date=2020-12-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209102747/https://www.cbr.com/the-rival-original-dark-flash/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
** '''[[Barry Allen (Arrowverse)|Barry Allen]]''' temporarily assumes the Reverse-Flash identity due to the "Reverse-Flashpoint" timeline in the [[The Flash (season 8)|eighth season]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cbr.com/armageddon-gives-reverse-flash-his-flashpoint/ |title=Armageddon Gives the Reverse-Flash His Own &#91;Spoiler&#93; |date=9 December 2021 |access-date=2023-10-10 |archive-date=2023-03-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328011920/https://www.cbr.com/armageddon-gives-reverse-flash-his-flashpoint/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
* The Eobard Thawne incarnation of the Reverse-Flash makes non-speaking cameo appearances in ''[[Harley Quinn (TV series)|Harley Quinn]]''.

===Film===
The Eobard Thawne incarnation of the Reverse-Flash appears in ''[[Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: The Flash]]'', voiced by [[Dwight Schultz]].

===Video games===
* The Eobard Thawne incarnation of the Reverse-Flash appears as a playable character in ''[[Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham]]'', voiced by [[Liam O'Brien]].
* The Eobard Thawne incarnation of the Reverse-Flash appears as a "premier skin" for the [[Barry Allen|Flash]] in ''[[Injustice 2]]'', voiced again by Liam O'Brien.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gematsu.com/2017/01/injustice-2-story-trailer-darkseid-pre-order-dlc-special-editions-announced|date=2017-01-17|access-date=2017-01-17|last=Romano|first=Sal|website=Gematsu|title=Injustice 2 story trailer, Darkseid pre-order DLC and special editions announced|archive-date=2017-01-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118014923/http://gematsu.com/2017/01/injustice-2-story-trailer-darkseid-pre-order-dlc-special-editions-announced|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/01/18/injustice-2-3-extra-dc-characters-added-as-alternate-skins-in-special-edition|date=2017-01-18|access-date=2017-01-18|last=Skrebels|first=Joe|website=[[IGN]]|title=Injustice 2: 3 Extra DC Characters Added as Alternate Skins in Special Edition|archive-date=2017-01-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118210358/http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/01/18/injustice-2-3-extra-dc-characters-added-as-alternate-skins-in-special-edition|url-status=live}}</ref>
* The Eobard Thawne incarnation of the Reverse-Flash appears in ''[[Lego DC Super-Villains]]'', voiced by C. Thomas Howell.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://comicbook.com/gaming/2018/05/30/lego-dc-super-villains-game-new-details/#5|title=Lego DC Super-Villains Screens Reveal New Details|date=31 May 2018 |access-date=2023-07-20|archive-date=2018-06-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141300/http://comicbook.com/gaming/2018/05/30/lego-dc-super-villains-game-new-details/#5|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tb_2_j_N0_k|title = - YouTube|website = [[YouTube]]|access-date = 2023-07-20|archive-date = 2018-08-23|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180823071904/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tb_2_j_N0_k|url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mailchi.mp/mi5communications/lego-dc-super-villains-reveals-darkseids-villainy-in-action-in-new-clip-890165?e=49aaf48973|title=Lego® DC Super-Villains Reveals Darkseid's Villainy in Action in New Clip|access-date=2023-07-20|archive-date=2023-07-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230708101423/https://mailchi.mp/mi5communications/lego-dc-super-villains-reveals-darkseids-villainy-in-action-in-new-clip-890165?e=49aaf48973|url-status=live}}</ref>

==See also==
* Blur, a [[White Martian]]/human hybrid who appeared in the ''[[Vulcan (DC Comics)|Son of Vulcan]]'' miniseries
* [[Johnny Quick (Crime Syndicate)|Johnny Quick]], the Flash's evil counterpart from Earth-3 and member of the [[Crime Syndicate of America]]
* [[List of Flash enemies]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Flash}}
{{Suicide Squad}}

[[Category:Villains in animated television series]]
[[Category:Characters created by Mike Wieringo]]
[[Category:Comics characters introduced in 1949]]
[[Category:Comics characters introduced in 1999]]
[[Category:DC Comics characters who can move at superhuman speeds]]
[[Category:Fictional characters with body or mind control abilities]]
[[Category:DC Comics metahumans]]
[[Category:DC Comics robots]]
[[Category:DC Comics supervillains]]
[[Category:DC Comics male supervillains]]
[[Category:Clone characters in comics]]
[[Category:Fictional murderers]]
[[Category:Flash (comics) characters]]