Say Flash it’s a big movie understatement. This is not only the Scarlet Speedster’s film debut, but also the intersection of time and space as Barry Allen (Ezra Miller) rushes to fix the alternate timeline he created. Said timeline shows a world without metahumans and at the mercy of General Zod (Michael Shannon), forcing Barry to recruit Batman (specifically, Michael KeatonBatman) and Kara Zor-El (Sasha Calle), a.k.a. Supergirl. You won’t get much more than that!
The film is largely based on Flash point mini-series Geoff Johns And Andy Kubert, which also involved racing Flash to change the timeline it created. And while the similarities remain the same, there are many changes to the story mentioned. One of the biggest changes has to do with Supergirl’s role in the story, especially since that role was meant for her cousin Superman. And it’s arguably one of the darkest Superman stories ever to make it into the pages of a comic book.
Enter Project: Superman
Anyone under the sun can tell you about Superman’s origins: Kal-El, flown to Earth from the doomed planet Krypton, lands in Smallville and is adopted by Jonathan and Martha Kent. He then uses his powers to protect the innocent as Superman, inspired by the values his adoptive parents instilled in him. Other alternate universe stories feature what would have happened if Kal-El’s rocket had landed somewhere else. Superman: Red Son transfers landing to communist Russia, and JLA: Nail Lives up to its name when a nail punches through the tires of Kent’s truck and they miss the rocket for several minutes.
Flash point takes this to the extreme, as changing Barry’s timeline results in a completely different world. Abin Sur is still a Green Lantern and Hal Jordan is a regular fighter pilot. Thomas Wayne survived the Crime Alley robbery, but the death of his son Bruce causes him to become a more ruthless version of Batman. And the Kal-El missile was discovered by the US government. While trying to find the other members of the Justice League, Barry discovers that Superman has been locked up in a bunker by the government. Cut off from the sun and starving for human contact, this Superman isn’t so much an inspiring figure as a frightened child.
Supergirl from Krypton
It looks like Supergirl will be taking her cousin’s place in the Flashpoint story, as brief glimpses show her locked in a cell with the Flash approaching her. Superman’s fate remains unknown, but the Man of Steel does not seem to survive in this reality. But unlike Flash point, she appears to be in control of her powers - saving Barry and Batman from being killed by Zod’s forces. And it’s clear that she has no love for the general as she joins Barry in his quest to fix the world.
That Supergirl replaced Superman is also a clever update to the story. Unlike her cousin, Kara grew up on Krypton and feels better there than ever on Earth. This, combined with God knows how many years of isolation, could lead to various interactions with the people of Earth. It could also serve as inspiration for the upcoming Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow a movie from DC Studios that should also feature a more jaded Kara. Just like Flash point storyline rocked the DC Universe, Flash aims to shake up the momentum that DC heroes have been holding.
Flash releases in theaters June 16, 2023.
Source: Collider
I have worked as a journalist for over 7 years and have written for many different publications. I currently work as an author at Daily News Hack, where I mostly cover entertainment news. I have a great deal of experience in the industry and am always looking to learn more. I am a highly motivated individual who is always looking to improve my skills. I am also a very friendly and personable person, which makes me easy to work with.
