WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for Flash #9!Wally West’s unique ability to “mainline” power directly from the Speed Force has made him the fastest Flash in the Speedster family, surpassing even the iconic Barry Allen. However, while Barry may not hold the title of the Fastest Man Alive, a recent “Big Brain” feat has proven that he is undoubtedly the smartest Flash.

Si Spurrier, Ramón Pérez, and Vasco Georgiev’s The Flash #9 seamlessly picks up where the last issue left off, with the Reverse-Flash exerting semi-possession over Barry’s mind. This sets the stage for a gripping psychic battle between the two, each vying for control over Allen’s actions.

Having previously manipulated Barry into stabbing and attacking Wally with verbal vitriol in issue #8, Eobard Thawne now sets his sights on other members of the Flash family, including Iris, Linda, and Wade, ordering Barry to kill them. However, Barry soon reveals that keeping Thawne in his head was the plan all along.

Barry Allen’s Psychic War Against the Reverse-Flash Proves That He’s the Smartest Flash (Even If He Isn’t The Fastest)

In an epic twist, Barry reveals that he could have expelled Thawne from his mind when he learned his identity. Instead, he strategically decided to allow the Reverse-Flash to remain, knowing Thawne’s tendency to monologue about his nefarious schemes. Thus, Flash was already one step ahead of the Reverse-Flash, utilizing his semi-possession as an opportunity to gather crucial intelligence on Thawne’s larger plans. Through this, Barry learns from Thawne about a conspiracy of rogues manipulating data and spreading misinformation to incite distrust against speedsters, ultimately blaming the Flash-Family for reality’s unraveling.

Barry also uncovers that the rogues are preparing a weapon, which he suspects to be the MIA Wally West. Moreover, he learns that these villains have backing from beings called the Arch-Angels. Before Barry can reveal more, he is interrupted by a sticky missile launched at him and his family. Despite this gap in knowledge for the reader, it’s evident that the Flash was playing fifth-dimensional chess while others were playing checkers. This forward-thinking resulted in crucial intelligence gathering with minimal consequences (aside from Wally’s stab wound), showcasing that Barry Allen’s greatest strength lies in his intellect rather than his speed.

Barry Allen May Have Just Saved the Flash Family From Falling Apart During Their Weakest Moment in DC History

There’s no denying that Spurrier’s run has tested the Flash-Family, with various cosmic crises eroding their close bonds and casting them as enemies in the public eye. Wally’s recent disappearance has further strained the family, forcing them to confront intense personal trials as they battle forces they don’t fully comprehend. However, issue #9 proved to be a significant turning point for the Flash-Family, thanks to Barry. He made significant progress in lifting the veil from their eyes and has set them on the right track with the information he uncovered from the Reverse-Flash. Their next mission? Find Wally West’s Flash.

The Flash #9 is available now from DC Comics!