Reverse-Flash's Ultimate Form Introduces Nightmare-Fuel Form of Flash's Nemesis

Summary The Reverse-Flash's new form is taking over Flash's body, leading to chaos in the DC Universe.

Flash faces upgraded enemies with dangerous powers, including the Crown of Thawnes.

Unless Flash gets help to escape the Crown's control, he could become a threat to himself and the world.

Warning! Spoilers ahead for The Flash #8!The Reverse-Flash is back in the Flash's life and his new form is making his nemesis' life a living hell. Several of the Flash's Rogues have united under the direction of a mysterious benefactor and they're planning destruction on a universal scale. Integral to this plan is the Reverse-Flash's creepy new 'Crown of Thawnes' form.

In The Flash #8 by Simon Spurrier, Ramón Pérez, and Vasco Georgiev, all hell is breaking loose across the DC Universe as reality destabilizes. Barry Allen tries to coordinate the Flash Family's response, but the effort is nearly too much for him to bear.

Flash is later confronted by a cabal of his enemies, all of whom have been upgraded with dangerous powers and weapons. The team's cloaked leader implants the Crown of Thawnes in Flash's head and the Reverse-Flash's voice gleefully mocks Barry as he worms his way into the Scarlet Speedster's psyche.

The Reverse-Flash's Creepy New Form is Taking Over Flash's Body

The Flash's world has grown considerably worse ever since he ran through an atomic mirror and gained his new 'side-stepping' superpower. Wally West became able to see hidden layers of reality, home to numerous strange creatures and entities. Things only got worse as more and more of Flash's enemies returned with new upgrades. Meanwhile, Barry was suffering from headaches that got steadily worse. During a mission together, Barry became briefly possessed and attacked Wally, leaving the Flash trapped in a realm known as the Gallery of Moments. Elsewhere, the cabal of Flash rogues plotted universal destruction with the Crown of Thawnes.

It's hard to say what the Crown of Thawnes really is, but it appears to be some kind of parasitic psychic entity modeled after the Reverse-Flash. It could be Eobard Thawne's actual personality or several personas mashed together (it does mention alternate worlds when taking over Barry). Whatever the Crown of Thawnes is, for someone like Barry, this is his worst nightmare come true. Reverse-Flash has always had a sick obsession with Barry, desiring to take over his life as the one true Flash. Now Thawne's greatest wish is coming true as Reverse-Flash's consciousness takes over Flash's mind.

Can Flash Escape the Crown of Thawnes' Control?

The Flash suffered for months the last time he was the Crown of Thawnes' host. Whatever the entity really is, Barry probably isn't going to be able to get it out of his head without some outside help. Flash's allies may want to act fast because the last time the Crown of Thawnes took control of Barry's body, it made Barry try to kill Wally. Unless someone helps purge the toxic influence of the Reverse-Flash from Flash's mind, the Scarlet Speedster is a threat to both himself and the world around him.

The Flash #8 is available now from DC Comics.