DCAU’s Wally West was my Childhood Hero

[@frogmouth2]

I feel like the reason Wally died in Justice lords was because the writers didn’t think Wally could be evil in any universe. If only comic writers were as smart as tim and co…

[@Madara8989]

That's not "smart writing" if that was their excuse; no human is devoid of the capacity for evil and making your hero completely incapable of it soils the value of their heroics - because it stops being about how they chose to use their powers for good instead of evil due to the implication that it was never a choice to begin with, that the character is always good no matter what (even in a "dark universe" where characters like BATMAN and SUPERMAN, the two biggest symbols for incorruptible justice, can go rogue).

[@frogmouth2]

@@Madara8989 you took that first part too literally and that second part too seriously. The second part was just a dig at how comic writers basically completely wrecked wally’s character. If you want an explanation on that, *\/ read bellow \/* With basically no for-thought or reason or even buildup, he decided to massacre everyone aside from Harley Quinn and booster gold in sanctuary. And then in future state he’s stolen the speed force from all other speedsters and now poses as the main threat of the flash future state book. All of this is handled piss poor and became a character assassination on a fan favourite interpretation of the character who held the title for a long period of time.

[@fragile4408]

@@frogmouth2 I thought it was an accident? I don’t remember him taking everyone out with malicious intent.

[@mangodango1733]

@@fragile4408 it was an accident people just want to feel some type of way because it was a messy story but idk I get it Dude had a breakdown because his kids were gone and possibly never to be returned to the timeline The only bad thing Wally inherently did was cover up what Happened to try and fix it which he couldn't

[@edcaous]

@@fragile4408 The killing itself was an accident. The things he did to cover it up was not. In Heroes in Crisis all the corpses were tampered with, like forcing a pair of dentures into Steel's neck. Wally being revealed as the culprit means he did all those things. It doesn't even make any sense-they died by electrocution but Batman couldn't figure that out from the autopsy?

[@wwCs49]

We grew up with a flash that was genuinely kind-hearted and selfless, with an overt soft spot for children and making people feel good...now we have Ezra Miller lmfaoooo

[@edcaous]

He still has a soft spot for children if you know what I mean

[@itsbritneybyotch7471]

@@edcaous 💀

[@SeptimusNavyaHoran]

@@edcaous a hard spot*

[@chrischriskidnicky6088]

@@SeptimusNavyaHoran JFC

[@chrischriskidnicky6088]

@@edcaous OMG

[@firesnakex8]

This version of Wally was so good that they decided to have Barry steal his personality in nearly every other iteration moving forward whether it was the comics, the movies, and tv shows.

[@pforgottonsoul]

not necessarily a bad thing.

[@firesnakex8]

@@pforgottonsoul it is as it robs wally of his uniqueness and it means he shows up less and less

[@solblackguy]

Kind of ironic that Ezra Miller was just playing Wally with black hair but turned out to be Eobard Thawne in real life

[@jaeloc1217]

@@solblackguy Ezra was playing Barry

[@solblackguy]

@@jaeloc1217 Except WB/DC don't know how to write Barry, so they just give him Wally's personality since he's the better Flash

[@bertimusprime7900]

That scene with Trickster breaks me every time. He doesn’t beat him up and take him back to Arkham, he talks to him, treats him like a person, he knows him. “Got me again, Flash!”😢

[@1gunnerShock]

Even let him finish his beer

[@TrueBuddhaCat]

In the end, showing that even though he’s a villain he’s still human and he wasn’t doing anything and showed him respect and in the end he was shown the same thing with that “You got me again, Flash” with a smile on his face and able to finish his beer off

[@solblackguy]

I'm still conflicted if I like Flash's interaction with Trickster or Ultra Humanite during the Christmas episode more. Ultra Humanite never returned after the special, implying he finally reformed.

[@ManiacClear]

@@solblackguythis is good analysis!

[@macrochipped]

" The bad guys went down and nobody got hurt. You know what I call that? A really good day." That quote right there really sums up why he's so great.

[@Ricki_47]

Even batman smiled at it

[@yells-of-the-not-so-danged]

i love that in the delivery of that line he gives a short pause so that if someone wants to answer they can.

[@StevenJones851]

Nice one

[@AzA609]

I loved his fight against the overpowered Lex Luthor. The League was struggling to win the fight and then Flash uses his speed powers to their max. Everyone stops when the funny guy gets serious.

[@peternotpeter4201]

When the comic relief throws hands

[@anonymousjoe3105]

When the spider-man stops talking

[@q00u]

"I feel kinda ... funny..."

[@Cowkill]

This part still is one of the most epic scene in any superheroe movie/serie. Even the music is godly.

[@madden7732]

Fr I was about to cry when he disappeared man. He is a fucking sunshine but a badass one lmao

[@rhylin26]

“Cause I’m evil.” 😈 Such a great episode! “I have no idea who this is.” 🤣🤣🤣

[@Madara8989]

Those two jokes may be the best joke/punchline combos in any superhero adaptation ever, though it may be mostly on the delivery of the lines by the actors. The "cause I'm evil" just makes everyone, including the character he's talking to, just go "wut?" in sheer disbelief at the absurdity of the response, while you can audibly hear the disappointment and frustration in "Lex's" voice when he realizes that The Flash is some nobody who has been so far under his radar that he doesn't recognize the hero's face. The only joke from a superhero story I like more is from a Marvel comic where Spider-Man questions Doctor Doom about blowing a hole through a wall (which instigated an unwanted fight between Doom and the heroes present), to which Doom replies "that's how Doom enters a room, how do you?" prompting Spider-Man to say "A door... and sometimes a window, but that's different" (which happened to be next to the hole Doom made) and Doom snaps back "A door? Like a peasant?!" The implication that only peasants use doors instead of blowing up walls is hilarious to me for whatever reason.

[@RaptorJesus]

@@Madara8989 That is easily the best Doctor Doom quote ever. If someone asked me to sum the character up with a short dialogue exchange, that is exactly what I would use, because it's just so perfectly Doom.

[@Madara8989]

@@RaptorJesus It really is the perfect Doom quote and if he never utters it on screen I will die sad lol

[@SplitSniper7]

And the fact that Wally's version of Lex was more liked by some members of the Legion was just icing on the cake🤣

[@monsemaniaa]

What happened to Wally after Justice League Unlimited?

[@HubPie3]

I think DCAU Wally West is what started my liking towards speedster characters. Barry Allen, Sonic the Hedgehog, you name it. But I like Wally the most because his DCAU counterpart is so chill and always had banger jokes. "Your donuts are stale" is a non-sequitor I love saying from time to time.

[@spider59er35]

I can literally say the same my friend!

[@shadowmahesh9876]

Gotta agree

[@l.p.antaree8216]

Due to Justice League: TAS and Young Justice, Wally West is always my favorite flash, and my third favorite superhero, behind #2 Batman, and #1 Nightwing.

[@vullord666]

Same. And I instantly loved Wally in Young Justice as well. It was seeing him grow into the Hero DCAU Wally's flash that I loved. The episode of him sacrificing what he thought was his birthday wish to deliver a heart and learning how to balance fighting a crime and helping people that need it.

[@sebastienvondoom8615]

@@l.p.antaree8216 For me it's #1Spider-Man(Peter Parker) #2Batman(Bruce Wayne) and #3Flash (Wally West).

[@1wayroad935]

The dynamic I loved the most was Shayera and Wally being practically siblings in the way they treat and care about each other. The episode where she tries to give him dating advice was fantastic.

[@TreFKennedy]

Facts

[@partyelixir1265]

Shayera was a based

[@Tigerheiress]

the red hair 💓😊

[@yashbalaji3262]

What episode was this? I don’t remember

[@danielbueno8474]

@@yashbalaji3262 iirc it's the one in which Flash tries to get on with Fire (the green haired woman with the fire powers) during a mission the two of them and Shayera take part of. Fire is actually kinda into him, iirc. I can't remember the name of the episode.

[@ConnerFilms]

Wally West to me is the Flash, he embodies everything a hero should be.

[@danielcesar664]

It was me Barry i Made them cast erza Miller so everyone would think of the flash as a jerk

[@muhibaqeel9709]

@@danielcesar664 (gasps) YOU MONSTER. HOW COULD YOU?

[@ridgefrost]

To me barry is the flash, dcau flash(wally) modeled his entire personality and life in honor of barry and took up the mantle of the flash after his death and this is even more apparent after the reboot cuz when barry comes back and its discovered that he didn't die and that he was actually in the speed force, wally ended up being written different, he nolonger had to honor barry cuz barry wasn't dead so he became his own person but that didnt turn out so great cuz he started doing sh*t like killing titans, nearly destroying the world fighting barry, going on a power trip etc, for some reason the writers made him hateable which i don't understand honestly cuz most people grew up with wally west and we all loved him but his new self? not so much

[@107Pedro]

​@Ridge dude wat? Barry is Wally mentor but they're nothing alike, in fact wally replaced barry since he was more popular thanks to the titans and barry came to be known as a bland character, when Barry returned they put A LOT of wally in Barry, in fact most of Barry portrayals outside of comics are Wally West with blond hair

[@cumincalamity9867]

"Wonder Woman represents truth." Right, makes sense! "Superman represents justice." Yeah... I can see that. "Batman represents the American way." Wait, hold on a second. I'm not so sure.... ... Actually that might be more true than I'm willing to admit.

[@coreycaesarvt]

Lol, Patriot Act

[@PlagueDocling]

i think that superman and batman are swapped but it makes it funnier lol

[@myself2noone]

I always find the dunking on that last line a bit silly. Superman came about in and around WW2. "The American Way" was liberal democracy. It's not dated he just won.

[@snorpenbass4196]

@@myself2noone Thing is, originally he just stood for "Truth & Justice". "The American Way" was tacked on during the ultra-nationalist 50's, under the whole communist scare.

[@jonbrewer297]

Wonder Woman is truth. Batman is justice. Deathstroke is the American way: Doing anything for 💰

[@jaygandra]

Haven't gotten the chance to watch the full video yet. But this feels like a good time to admit that it was the character of Wally West, not batman/superman or any of the avengers, but Wally as kid flash and the flash that got me to fall in love with superheroes. He just had so much heart and was so wonderfully idealistic and steadfast in his morals that i just didn't have a choice but to adore him. Even when he was making stupid mistakes out of a sense of duty, like my man is so bad at politics it hurts but i love him for it.

[@ianyoder2537]

Same, that scene of him defeating Lex/Braniack will forever be in my top 10 list of all time greatest superhero moments.

[@just_jakey]

Avengers???

[@kidflashb0390]

Bro you took the words right out of my mouth. Wally from JL/JLU and YJ took me hook line and sinker. And KF from Teen Titans was a nice touch too.

[@dennisconnors2178]

I honestly liked Wally being a conservative in the earlier comics, definitely wasn't saying Wally was on the correct side just that that was his beliefs and that we should welcome different political and personal views without glorifying any. Man old DC comcis really slapped. (Maybe not silver age tho)

[@Causeimtheflash]

Yes I agree! I was always kind of sort of a casual enjoyer of superheroes until I discovered Wally West’s character in this show and Young Justice, to this day he’s my favorite superhero character.

[@BannedOnMain]

The DCAU Justice League felt like a family. Watching the show made me feel like they were my family, and the Flash felt like an older brother or cousin who I looked up to. Not because he was the smartest or the strongest, but because he treated everyone with kindness and compassion.

[@empchampion40k]

You definitely see it in the Justice Lords episode how it has affected them. Keep in mind they’ve all become edgy knight Templar dictators here -Green Lantern is still sad, commenting to Hawkgirl that he still expects him to be zipping in with some pun any moment. -Batman tries to calm Flash down and explain away his treatment of him. When it looks like Flash is having a cardiac arrest, he panics and tries to save him and throw caution to the wind. -Superman shows he’s too far gone. Flash tells him he won’t kill him because it’s one last reminder of what he lost. Unfortunately, Lord Supes just shrugs and says it’ll be one more line to cross in a long parade of lines he’s crossed.

[@isaacorozco6625]

what's amazing to me is how subtle it always was, like, most of the show feels pretty action packed, but they sneak in a short 3 seconds of dialogue or something that tell you so much about the relationship between characters

[@catbatrat1760]

@@isaacorozco6625 THIS!!!!! The ratio of action to heart is definitely one of the things I adore most about it. Like, there's so much action and intensity, making it exciting to watch, but the heroes are the furthest thing from just "punchy-punch" all the time.

[@juliiju0484]

I think a very interesting aspect that you didn't mention in the video is in the episode where they fight Dr. Destiny, the villain who can trap you in your dreams (or nightmares). In this episode, Flash's biggest fear is being too fast, so fast that he sees everyone frozen in time. Which tells us that Flash's power isn't being the fastest in the world (hell, maybe he's not even in the DCAU), but his connection to people and his kindness. And it's those same people (the justice league) that end up saving him from his nightmare, proving that if you're good to people, that will come back to you.

[@moisesinfantes2797]

Basically the flash from kingdom come. Who is litrally the speed force itself.

[@Gabe600]

he is definitely the fastest

[@aerystargaryenii2565]

this is the best Flash break down I've ever read.

[@djkleb7645]

He is the fastest in the DCAU

[@gelusvenn5063]

I adored that episode because both the Flash and Superman's greatest fear was derived from their own power. Which goes to show their intrinsic humanity, the Flash being terrified of being disconnected from people and having to exist alone, ineffectual and isolated until he dies having accomplished nothing of importance. And Superman terrified that his perpetually-growing power will one day be beyond his ability to control, tearing apart the normal life he cherishes and hurting innocent people simply by the fact of him existing. Both of them are people who define themselves based on what they can do to help others, so the idea that they couldn't do that, or worse that they would somehow harm people instead, is basically the exact opposite of not just who they want to be, but who they are as people.

[@angelothompson186]

I love how he genuinely cares for his villains and actually prevents fights and was basically the greatest hero in the DCAU yet the team still thinks he's annoying and don't really care about him. Except Batman and a couple others.

[@IkeOkerekeNews]

Lol only Orion thinks that.

[@q00u]

I was sad that almost nobody came to the Flash Museum opening. He was so excited about it

[@madden7732]

Founding members learnt to bare with his jokes and love him as a brother. They're basically a family and know how great of a hero he really is. I can't remember which hero said exactly that and Batman stood up for him.

[@lordskeletor4558]

Of course you give batman the spotlight the majority of all the members like him can't think of too many instances when they are annoyed aside from the first few episodes where they're all annoyed B each other

[@theposhdinosaur7276]

@@q00u To be fair, another JSLU episode implied that the league is actually often stretched so thin that they only have a dozen or so people off duty at a time. With that in mind, it's unsurprising that they couldn't find the time.

[@philtkaswahl2124]

Batman's visible pride at how Flash gently handled the Trickster is still among my top favorite DCAU scenes.

[@ilovecody7514]

Justice League needed more Wally centered episodes, because surprisingly, there aren't as many of them as you would think. Or at least I remembered there being a lot more. But that could be my childhood memory playing tricks on me again.

[@SilvrSavior]

The 2 most memorable episodes of JLU for me are "The Greatest Story Never Told" & "Flash and Substance"

[@makeytgreatagain6256]

There was 2 with GL in season 1 lol

[@ilovecody7514]

@@makeytgreatagain6256 I think you're missing or glossing over a very important word in my comment. That would be the word "MORE" episodes Wally centered episodes. Not none.

[@makeytgreatagain6256]

@@ilovecody7514 no i didn’t make a mistake I’m saying there were quite a few Wally episodes they just featured other members usually GL as those two are the best pairing for missions like Batman and superman or hawk girl and MM.

[@ilovecody7514]

@@makeytgreatagain6256 You did make a mistake because how do you know if I counted those episodes or not. All I said was that we needed MORE Wally focused episodes specifically. You're just being overly semantic for no reason.

[@TylorHuebner]

The two main standouts for when I think about Justice League Unlimited are when Batman sits on the swings with Ace and when Flash just sits and talks to The Trickster. Both are two just incredible moments of compassion and understanding. Something I think we could stand to have a little more of in our media.

[@solblackguy]

There's also the Christmas episode where Superman invites Martian Manhunter to stay with parents and Flash tries to get a popular toy for some orphans. The latter is my favorite Flash story because at the end he comforts The Ultra Humanite by giving him a Christmas tree. It's the last time you see Ultra Humanite, implying that Flash got him to reform

[@Peapeapeapa]

I love how Batman and Wally are such opposites, yet exactly the same in ways. Batman has conflicts and differences with the different members of the team, but I like to think he never does with Flash because he's the hero Batman wants to be, and respects the most

[@blueelectro5218]

I know Barry’s the OG and he was the Flash who made the Flash a staple (and yes I know Jay Garrick and all that believe me I know he’s amazing too) But it was the DCAU that made me see Wally as the definitive Flash. He just has that attitude that fits perfectly with the League in terms of chemistry and how he, to me, exemplifies what a speedster hero should be. I know this is a weird comment, but that’s just how much I love Wally West as Flash that much lol.

[@blueelectro5218]

@TFoxRNG …damn bro you good? I just made a comment talking about how I like Wally? lol Of course I know Jay Garrick’s the OG Flash but my main point was that I like DCAU Wally is all lol. Chill my dude

[@stevenwoods5787]

wally was the kid brother on the team. while everyone else was so serious all the time, especially GL, flash was the one to lighten everything up

[@cunnyman]

Let’s be real, most of us weren’t alive when Barry made Flash popular in the 50s. Wally is the one that made Flash what it is today and everything about Flash concepts is made during his era. Barry just came back and stole his glory.

[@blueelectro5218]

@@cunnyman Thank you that’s how I feel about Barry! Especially in the comics where once Barry came back Wally was tossed away by DC 😢

[@poggerz6567]

@@cunnyman nah don't disrespect Barry like that. Even if that's the case, I'm still a Barry Allen fanboy at heart and consider him to be the definitive flash

[@HoTSh0t24]

I grew up in the 90s so Wally West is my favorite Flash. He’s always had a sense of humor. I hate when they try to make Barry seem like Wally in justice league movies for comedic purposes. I think they need to kill off Ezra’s Barry Allen in the movies and bring in Wally ⚡️

[@stevenwoods5787]

ezra millers flash is just a hot ass mess, and thats without including what a fucking dumpster fire of a person he is in real life

[@Causeimtheflash]

Yes I agree 100%! Hated his character in the live action justice league movie, I really hope they fire Ezra asap

[@madden7732]

@@Causeimtheflash apparently they won't, sadly. Because he apologized and that was one of the options WBD had about The Flash, so he'll probably is again being the DCEU's official Speedster. I would have prefered them choosing Grant Gustin tbh

[@Causeimtheflash]

@@madden7732 yes same here, the flash tv show is extremely cheesy but I enjoy Grant Gustin as an actor and he’s written WAY better Ezra

[@madden7732]

@@Causeimtheflash yeah like only the first season caught my attention tbh, I watched it and loved it. Just saw 2 episodes of the 2nd season but left it there. That was enough for me to know Grant is the superior Flash live action, I liked Ezra a bit too but didnt really felt him as Barry or a very promising Flash. But whatever, just hope Warner does the character the justice it deserves

[@Tucker619]

Doesn’t matter how old I become, the stupid “no, because I’m evil.” Will always make me laugh

[@Blub31]

Wally is a wonderful character, he always makes moments a bit easier in the story.

[@ianyoder2537]

The fact no matter how bad things got he still tried to crack jokes and see the best in people without coming off as cheesy is a testament to how amazing he was as a character. As well as the fact that he was never nothing more than the comic relief and regularly came in clutch. The best example is the episode with that Conan the barbarian-esque cursed gem possessed the entire league and he saved every one. He was out numbered, out gunned, betrayed, cornered, and wounded, but he still found the strengths to save the day and keep his golden smile.

[@muhibaqeel9709]

He and spiderman would become great buddies if they ever met

[@solblackguy]

​@@muhibaqeel9709 I think he would try to comfort Spider-Man. Peter's worse enemies are his writers

[@Crimson28]

Wally running at lightspeed to defeat Luthor/Brainiac was so epic the first time I saw that. Not only was it the first time the speed force was used, but Wally finally cut loose and showed everyone how powerful he really is.

[@WadzanaiMufunde]

I just finished rewatching JL and JLU and omg that fight with Brainiac was a sight to behold. The way it took the whole of the founding members of the league to bring him back was soo touching 😭

[@KingOfMadCows]

One of the best elements of the DCAU is the compassion heroes have for people, including the villains. They're always trying to help villains overcome their failings and reform. And even though most of those villains never stop being villains, it's especially heartwarming when they do show villains who are able to redeem themselves.

[@AndreNitroX]

This version of flash was so amazing, i ended up liking wally west more than barry allen. Also i just met micheal Roseaunbam last year at a CON, and i told him he was my favorite flash.

[@catbatrat1760]

🥺 How did he react?

[@AndreNitroX]

@@catbatrat1760 he was really cool about it, and said he loved his time playing the flash

[@aoteren]

"We don't do that to our enemies". "Speak for yourself!" "I'm trying to speak for Superman". For me, this exchange in the episode "Hereafter, Pt. 1" hit the most powerful. We all now what happened to the Justice Lords in their dimension after they lost a teammate (the Flash) - Superman crossed a line, doing an unthinkable act, which ultimately led to them becoming literal fascist rulers. In the aforementioned exchange, the League did just appear to lose a teammate (Superman), and Wonder Woman was prepared to cross this same line and do an unthinkable act - only this time, the Flash was there to prevent it. By being sincere, speaking from his pure heart and appealing to the best that Superman represented, the Flash convinced Wonder Woman not to give in to despair and do something there will be no going back from. There are a lot more examples of the Flash being the heart of the JL, but this one is the most memorable for me.

[@duddude321]

This also has other implications. First is that he wasn't speaking for his own ideals. He doesn't think his beliefs are paramount, or that they're worthy to ease somebody's pain, but that Superman's are. He's not just demonstrating an astounding amount of humility and compassion for a supposedly cocky hotshot fool, but also tremendous respect and admiration. This becomes extremely relevant when Superlord shows that it simply wasn't true. Superman couldn't uphold those ideals, and it took the loss of Flash for him to finally give up on them. Because Flash was the one Superman looked up to when he thought of an honest and wholesome hero.

[@beegaynocrime]

I love every version of Wally. He's just a human. And it's awesome

[@camerongrow6426]

I love the scene with Trickster but I also hold a special place in my heart for all the comments Flash gives throughout the series. "Granny Flash always said the problem with an eye for an eye is everyone ends up blind," "Now all I have is his example, guess that we'll have to be enough," "I'm trying to speak for Superman," Usually, Batman has the best last lines, but I think Flash outdoes him here.

[@djmankiewicz_]

Wally West is pretty close in parallels to Peter Parker. He really tries to help not just just the team and friends but even his enemies showing them compassion and hope. I appreciate how Batman silently acknowledges this in the show. The Wally we got in this show was the best version.

[@azechase6597]

Not just dcau wally, wally west is just like this as a whole in every iteration. It's why he's not just the best flash, he *is* the flash.

[@changvasejarik62]

I love the golden age speedsters, whizzer gets a bad deal because of his name, jay garrick is an immortal staple of the justice society, and jsa golden got me to respect Johnny quick. But yeah, Wally is hands down the best in terms of power, creativity, morality, and motivation. (See Wally west vs Archie sonic to see Wally in a nutshell)

[@kohlslaw9087]

Wally West is one of the crown jewels of comic books. He's such a remarkable character and has an amazing and realistic arc. So glad to see other people recognize him for the hero he is.

[@cassiedevereaux-smith3890]

It occurs to me after watching this--- Wally's traits are everything I like in Superman in other media, and what I feel he lacked in the DCAU where I felt he was quick to anger.

[@suburbanlegend1997]

I think that’s true of Justice League and definitely true of Unlimited, but he’s a lot more level-headed in STAS. If you haven’t seen it I’d totally recommend watching!

[@cassiedevereaux-smith3890]

@@suburbanlegend1997 Oh yeah, he's arrogant in STAS, which is actually kinda true to post-CoIE pre-Waid Wally.

[@Rockmanbalboa]

It even feels he's not the same Superman from the animated series.

[@0axis771]

When a hero never forgets that he's human and appreciates how important a simple act of kindness is, then he is a true hero.

[@solblackguy]

Is this an actual quote somewhere? That's really good

[@sipioc]

Grew up with Wally in Comics, adored him in the Timmverse, broke my heart what they did to him in current comics.

[@Rixec2]

Wally has just always been amazing, the kind of guy you can still look up to yet go grab a beer with. He's just the friend everybody needs in life to help keep us grounded, which is why things like him talking with Trickster means so much. He can punch you faster than anybody, but he is willing to slow down and enjoy life and help how he can. That's what makes stories like Heroes in Crisis all the worse.

[@afflicks]

Wally is definitely my favorite too, he’s just so great and has some of the best moments in the show, comedic and serious.

[@ZekromAndYugiAndDrago123]

It's no coincidence that Flash's death was the catalyst for the Justice Lord's universe. Before the Founding of Justice League Unlimited and Green Arrow's addition to the JLU, Flash filled that spot. He kept the humble. We see this in episodes like the Christmas episode and the episode where his rouges want to ambush him at his museum opening, with Trickster. Wally's kindness extends not only only the good guys, but the bad guys as well. You can tell he genuinely wants to see them get better.

[@infernoeditzz]

This version of Wally is the reason why he always will be my favorite flash.

[@SilverHyozanryu]

Another moment I'd love to call attention too is when the league are fighting Luthor's robotic versions of the lords. While the rest of the league struggle (except batman), listening to the lords go on about their insecurities and fears, Flash basically does a "no u" and beats his counterpart instantly. I'm not even kidding lords flash calls him a clown and he rebuttals by saying he has a seat in a big conference room he's gonna paint his logo on and one shots him. It's hilarious but also highlights Wally's upbeat personality, not letting these things hold him back or deter him.

[@xilofone8166]

bro ww brushing his hair him hugging hawkgirl unprovoked any interaction he has with kids or weirdos actually makes me cry

[@mashedpotatoes77]

Man what I wouldn't give for a Flash animated series with Wally as the main character and Michael Rosenbaum voicing him. Adapting the Messner-Loebs and especially the Waid-Augustyn era of comics that are filled with amazing Flash stories that can definitely win the audience with a proper adaptation.

[@Madison-iw8ix]

It wouldn't be the same without Kevin, though (because Bats would show up at some point).

[@tackyoptic]

I still rewatch JL and JLU from time to time, even as an adult. It's cleansing in its simplicity and sincerity. The characters are wholesome and diverse, and their interactions feel genuine. Bruce, Clark, and Wally are my favorites. Of course Batman and Superman had shows preceding them that fleshed them out more, but Flash never had that. In spite of that, he was still very fun to watch. He's just unapologetically Wally, even with the mask on. I respect that.

[@sethmachetedemeter]

Now this is a video I really like. Superheroes don’t always have to be super gritty and face constant struggles, sometimes they can simply be happy and kind and love their job. Perfect explanation of DCAU Flash.

[@JrockProject1]

I do like how he treats his enemies with decency. Showing them friendship

[@solblackguy]

You should read the comics. Wally is so respected by his rogues that they avoid causing collateral damage and taking hostages. When he died (I think during Zero Hour) all his rogues got together in solidarity to not commit any crimes for 3 nights to mourn his death.

[@alexandrefrauches132]

JLU was my introduction to the Flash (as well the DC universe overall before I read the comics) and it was the adaptation that made me a Wally West fan (alongside the Teen titans episode Lightspeed). He could easly be written as just silly comic relief but the writers were able to show that, when things get serious, he is able to be competent, smart and optimistic hero, acting as the conscience. The only thing I'm not fan is the show decision to merger his origin with Barry Allen, since Wally growth from sidekick to take his mentor's role and eventually surpass him is one the key moments of his evolution in the comics.

[@malusignatius]

You could say that the world would be better with a Superman, or a Wonder Woman, or a Batman... But if we all saw the world the way Animated Wally West does, we would never need any of them. That's why The Flash is the heart of the team. He's not doing what he does out of a sense of duty, to teach us a better way or because of past trauma. He's doing what he does because he sincerely wants the best for everyone. And that's pretty special if you ask me.

[@aaronfletcher8745]

I'm loving all the DCAU content lately, especially considering that BTAS' 30th anniversary is coming next week.

[@TreFKennedy]

Facts

[@MusicalMethuselah]

I love the simplest line from Ultra Humanite about the tree: "...we had one just like it when I was..." and just trails off there. Such poetry. It means so much.

[@ryanruttan7480]

This period of the DCAU was absolutely amazing. So well written, and.... well, heroic.

[@gamesux420]

The 2001 Justice League and Justice League Unlimited are incredible. Flash is really special imo, yeah the other League members save people and are Heroes aswell but none of them are a Hero like the Flash. Theres multiple times of him talking villains out of what they were gonna do instead of just beating them up and throwing them in jail. He also does just little things for people, seeing as he has the time to do with his super speed (like that one random line about painting an old lady's fence), he does the christmas orphan thing, he convinces super humanite to help him and talks it out with the Trickster and promises to come visit him in the mental hopsital (which he probably did too). Others get maybe a statue dedicated to them at best, flash gets a whole museum, not because he he beats up the bad guys better than everyone else, but because the community genuinely likes and knows him. Superman is some demigod that flies around sometimes and does things, the flash is quite literally your neighbour you know, thats there if you need something, anything. If your car broke down you KNOW flash is gonna stop himself from speeding on by and help you out.

[@ladybuzzkillington2072]

When i was little i was obsessed with Wally. I thought he was the coolest. When my friends and i would play justice league on the playground i would always play The Flash. As i got older i got bitter from getting hurt. And i stayed bitter and angry until about 7 years ago. When i rewatched the old DCAU shows with my spouse. And i saw Wally again and was like "Shit... I forgot how awesome he was. I wanted to be like him." And i thought about how younger me would view the bitter angry person i was. So i changed it up. Atarted being friendly just to be friendly. Telling people compliments or just striking up the conversation. The best part, is i know my life has gotten better. That same person married me almost 3 years ago now, we have 3 cats and a dog, and life is pretty great. In its own way Wally West inspired me to make myself better.

[@griffincrump5077]

I especially love his relation with his villains, he is so human in the way he deals with them, actually helping trickster because he is just as much of a victim

[@seraphim3528]

I have always loved Flash and Hawkgirl's sibling-like friendship in the show. My personal head canon is, they stick together because they're both gingers 🤣🤣

[@kruz148]

Just watched the Flash Museum episode yesterday, you took the words out of my mouth with how beautifully they depicted Flash and how humble he is. He's one of the most powerful people on the planet, but takes the time out of his day to get to know his community and even his enemies. I really appreciate content like this, thank you.

[@cogsworther1639]

I love that one line, "Hey, at least I got to be on TV. Y'all know how much I love that." It's such a quintessentially Flash moment. Superman or Wonder-Woman would've made some grand speech, Batman and Martian Man-Hunter would rebuff a museum in the first place, but good o' Flash has his own, relentlessly optimistic way of being heroic. The writers really nailed down their characters and how they acted. It's such good writing.

[@jcplays5831]

Wally West was always my favorite over Jay or Barry. He’s just the more nice and more kind flash. Plus, the red hair is really nice.

[@nosrin1988]

JLU may have created some bias in who my favorite versions of certain heroes are, but I'm okay with that. Wally West was awesome and John Stewart is the BEST green lantern.

[@razarryan2465]

Man…every single scene from the Justice League shows just continues to drive home how terrible the DCEU/Justice League movies are. Zack Snyder and WB took the best, most inspiring heroes of all time and reduced them to a bunch of stupid, murderous psychopaths. It actually hurts my soul.

[@SpaceMonkeyUX]

I couldnt agree with you more. JL animated versions of the DC characters are my definitive version of them.

[@TreFKennedy]

Facts

[@madden7732]

Hope we can see a redeemable version of the DCEU soon.

[@MigattenoBlakae]

“But it’s more matuuure!!“🥺🥺

[@mc_zittrer8793]

Just goes to show how well these animated gems aged, though. Justice League Unlimited in particular set the bar so freaking high, I honestly don't expect WB to reacquaint itself with that level of greatness within my lifetime. Hollyweird might have hope, however. If Henry Cavil takes a page from Tom Cruise's book and executive produces all his future roles, we might see committee group-think being weeded out of cinema and witness a proper return to form for WB.

[@subjectnivleis7572]

3:19 i'm glad you bring this up as i HATE when they do this the only way these work is to have the characters written completely out of character

[@Double_D__]

DCAU Flash is my favorite interpretation of any DC character; he's more pure and clear-eyed about morality than even *Superman and Batman,* and he is who I would want to be if I were a superhero: someone who knows and cares about everyone in his home town, even his supposed enemies, whom, I might add, he respects enough where the museum dedicated to him has exhibits to them! For crying out loud, when he needs information from Trickster, he just casually chats with him and appeals to his humanity when Orion and Batman probably would have clapped him and folded him like a pretzel. Flash is the beating and some times bleeding heart of the Justice League, and he's all the better for it.

[@bbrules8646]

This flash is what made me fall in love with the character. One of my favorite parts is when he owns Luthor, and when he earns Orion's respect.

[@Windona]

Wally was my favorite too. I love superheroes who enjoy being heroes, and love how he's kind and cares about people without it being some big burden or statement.

[@bentencho]

Wally West is relatable because he's at a stage most guys were in at one point.... just finally living out, at a bachelor pad, with just the "essentials" (TV, games, etc), hoping to get lucky with the ladies, and so on. Whereas other heroes view their own struggles as some epic struggle between good and evil.... the Flash just seems like a guy who just tries to bring some good to the world, whether it's stopping a supervillain, or just helping a child to get a lost pet back. Good deeds passes on to more good deeds.

[@rukawakaede6573]

When I was a kid, I adored Batman from TAS. I loved how strong and intimidating he was, how he was fearless and used his mind and will to compete in a world full of gods. His kindness and sympathy towards his enemies, his strong moral code, and his dark aesthetic. However, as I grew up, and I dealt with the hardships of life, I found myself becoming more and more pessimistic and depressed. Growing up to realize how difficult life is, losing my father, and realizing how hard it is to accomplish one's dreams. I appreciate characters like the DCAUs Flash, how positive he is in a messed up world, and how kind he is towards everyone around him despite being viewed as a fool. It's a quality that I wish I had now. As much as I am inspired by Batman, he's a character that has a miserable life, his relationships are strained, he never married, and spent most of his time alone. I wanna be like the Wally West version of Flash, someone who can run through life and be happy.

[@DaMoniable]

I used to be upset that they had flash as the comic relief, effectively replacing plastic man entirely and stealing away any chance of putting him into the limelight. But after i rewatched JL and JLU again a couple years back, i quickly found that this version of Wally was most definitely my favorite. I do love a serious Flash, like through the animated flashpoint series, but Wally was just something else. The best qualities of the entire team really. And dare i say, my favorite character by far.

[@ashleytuchin7693]

This is a great video, the DCAU Wally is the best and a great example of why not all heroes need to be dark. Between him and Smallville's Lex, Michael Rosenbaum really deserves more recognition as an actor.

[@104wyatt]

In terms of superhero’s spiderman has always been my guy but man this video really made me appreciate dcau flash more, it makes me hope that whenever they get round to doing the flash again in the movies I hope they base him off dcau wally

[@syedkazmanabbas9678]

i can't believe someone made this video, he was my childhood heroo too, he is the reason i am still a DC fan to this day even when its hard to be a DC fan. i don't think anything superhero animated can ever come close to this animated show except for maybe dc's own animated movies. thanks for making this video, its made me realize why i'll always be a DC fan

[@psgamer-0199]

Wally West has always been my favorite Flash and one of my favorite heroes period. He is simply the best.

[@christopherauzenne5023]

5:17 I really love the genuine smile batman gives in response to that line, he just looks so happy. also I would love to see you do an analysis on the dcau/batman tas bruce wayne, because in my mind I feel that's the ideal version of the bruce wayne/batman dynamic. I kinda dislike how so many writers make it that the real bruce wayne is this cold, unfeeling, almost sociopathic emotionless robot and I enjoy that the dcau is willing to show he can express genuine joy and have friendly relationships with people

[@catbatrat1760]

" 5:17 I really love the genuine smile batman gives in response to that line, he just looks so happy." This! Joker is borderline obsessed with making Batman laugh at his sick jokes, but it's sweet sincerity like this that actually gets him to crack a smile.

[@christopherauzenne5023]

@@catbatrat1760 yeah, along with the one time he laughed in front of the joker was when a random civilian was able to make him scared out of his mind

[@RG-zt4ox]

I’ve spent my life trying to be like Wally, he always tries to help and is always upbeat, he has gone through lots of struggles and hardships yet he never stops or slows down, his life is trying to help and that’s what I’ve always tried to be

[@jake_1255]

What's better about the Flash Appreciation Episode in Unlimited, is that he pulls that Joker character aside at the bar and asks him if he's been taking his meds. Flash even cares about his villians cause they're ppl too, such a great episode

[@Carlos-xz3vi]

Wally is back! Check out Jeremy Adams current flash run. He is writing Wally West beautifully!

[@elusariosinnombre2058]

Your enthusiasm for, and deep understanding of these characters is pretty infectious. I’ve never consumed any Flash media ever, but this video definitely made me feel like I understand Wally West. Good job!

[@Isabella-fd9tq]

I, too, always LOVED this version of the Flash/Wally West. I always felt the dcau Justice League didn't give him the credit he really deserved. He's funny, charming, and more powerful than people expected he'd be.

[@SmokeyOwOs]

The dcau flash has me understand why he's alot of people's favorite hero

[@Jeranhound]

DCAU's Flash is the reason it makes so much sense to me that all the evil, alternate versions of the universe, Flash is dead, and either his death is what causes the downfall, or he stands up against, say, Superman to fight for what's right. The man just does not have it in him to put the world in a stranglehold, and he makes everyone around him better by being an example.

[@strikermodel]

4:16 Damnit, DCAU is the only series from my childhood that can still bring a tear to my adult eye. 5:54 Then it turns around and makes me laugh my butt off at stuff like this. Still one of my favorite lines.

[@DyslexicWarewolf]

When people say they want to see a movie of the Justice League I always say this is the blueprint if you can copy this perfectly onto the big screen you will have a hit

[@William-the-Guy]

Wally West was the best Flash, even in the comics. I think it was a mistake for DC to focus back on Barry Allen. He's just not as interesting a character. I feel like Barry only gets the TV shows and movies because some exec somewhere thinks it would be confusing to explain Wally used to be a sidekick, and only later got "promoted" to being the flash. Barry is easier to explain, but Wally just somehow works better.

[@uncannydcmarvelous5732]

All because Silver Age fanboy Geoff Johns wanted to see his heroes (Barry and Hal) back on the then-modern times. Plus that unnecessary drama to Barry's origin of his mom dying and his father going to prison.

[@OmegaSpark01]

This show is the reason why Flash is still one of my favorite superheroes

[@theasianboy2008]

I still find it funny how Lex and flash swap minds and coincidentally the actor who plays flash in the DCAU also plays Lex Luther I still thinks it’s awesome

[@RiVaLx26]

Honestly, I'm legit so happy someone made a video essay on my favorite hero! Wally West's charismatic and caring personality has shaped who I am today, and I couldn't be happier. I'm studying to be a school counselor right now in the hopes of helping kids build a good mindset of just being nice to each other and to remember to enjoy the little things in life. I hope that I can pass my "good will onto others" like Wally did for me.

[@722zach]

God I felt the same way about Wally. Feels amazing

[@722zach]

Didn’t think this video would make me cry

[@dewisadino]

I'm so glad I found this video. This version of Wally West/The Flash was also my childhood hero as I honestly related to him more than any of the other characters. And to this day? He still is my childhood hero, in the number 1 spot.

[@MasalaMan]

Will never forget how he responded to Orion at the end of the museum episode.

[@charlicatori]

This is an incredibly insightful video. Wally West from the DCAU Justice League has always been a character I loved and I never really knew why. I feel like it’s easy to gravitate towards broken/dark characters, but this video taught me that you can admire strong characters who weren’t written with a desire to do good for the sake of overcoming tragedy. Solid vid-that’s a sub from me!

[@qemuel]

Wally is best Flash, 'nuff said. Solid video as always, thanks!

[@mariothane8754]

He’s charismatic, caring and even without his powers, he’s the kind of person who can be friends with all of the kids, villains and he’s always building lights in people and they help to be a light for him. I think looking to a person like him as a role model is great.

[@sgtwhisker26]

The reason why I like Justice league the animated series is because there’s interpersonal drama but there’s not so much of it that it makes the stories obnoxiously drama field like other superheroes stories are today

[@GodofLegends]

I’m not sure why but just remembering the flash made me cry. I just remember watching this show as a kid and thinking everything was so good in the world. Flash truly represented what I thought a hero was supposed to be and that I wanted to be like him.

[@maude3544]

Been loving the Dcau content but this one really touched me because he was my favorite of them in the show and has stayed my all time favorite because of this show. You perfectly put into words why I love this version of wally west flash.

[@headwyvern11]

Thank you for being so sincere and bearing your creative soul to the universe. These videos really do help a lot of people, myself included.

[@SuperLumianaire]

Polaris: Aren't you gonna wash your hands? Flash Lex: No! Cuz I'm evil. Still one of the best lines in Justice League.

[@unfire]

"I can never go that fast again...if I do...I don't think I'm coming back..." I have never in my life been so invested in a character's self sacrifice. Snyder cut really REALLY came close.

[@InvinciDon]

This show, or really this video made me realize that I actually relate a lot to Wally now that I'm an adult, it's not easy for everyone to stay upbeat and positive, but it's never hard to make the people you care for smile and be happy

[@shootingcomet082]

This is why this version of Wally will always be my favorite superhero.

[@jorgem.1564]

I was never a big DC fan but when Wally replaced the dead Barry, I loved it. The story of the sidekick replacing his mentor...then Waid's excellent run made me a Wally fan for life. Hate what has happened to him in the last decade. One of DC's best characters.

[@gabrielidusogie9189]

Wally West made sure the League weren’t sticks in the mud.