Flash's Most Important Ally Gets Hilarious New Superman-Themed Nickname

Summary Iris West, Flash's most important ally, owns her nickname "corn-belt Lois Lane" with pride in The Flash #8.

Iris West has proven time and again that she is a world-class journalist and essential to the Flash Family.

Iris and Lois Lane are the solid foundations for Flash and Superman, hence Iris' nickname.

Warning: contains spoilers for The Flash #8!

One of the Flash’s most important allies just got a cool, Superman-themed code name that may seem derogatory at first, but actually speaks volumes to their character. In The Flash #8, Iris West, Barry Allen’s long-time lover, comes to his–and the entire Flash Family’s defense on a radio show. There, Iris’ nickname is revealed, and it is a hilarious shoutout to a Superman supporting character.

The Flash #8 is written by Simon Spurrier and drawn by Ramon Perez and Vasco Georgiev. Earth is experiencing weird, time-based phenomena, and Amanda Waller is trying to pin the blame on the Flash. Iris, appearing on a pro-hero radio show, defends her lover and his allies. The host introduces Iris, and she cuts in, jokingly calling herself “corn-belt Lois Lane.”

Iris reveals she highly respects Lois Lane, but still cannot resist taking another jab.

Finally, Waller’s forces storm the studio, and she sarcastically also calls Iris “corn-belt Lois Lane.”

Iris West's Nickname May Seem Derogatory on the Surface

Iris West is In the Same League as Lois Lane

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Iris leans into the nickname “corn-belt Lois Lane,” and it is one that she has earned. A world-class journalist just like Lois Lane, Iris West is also one of the Flash Family’s staunchest allies. Although she lacks Barry and her nephew Wally’s super-speed, Iris has been a rock for the Flash Family. Iris’ love for Barry is pure, and has survived several continuity reboots. Iris was described as Barry’s “lightning rod,” and it is an apt name.

Iris West first appeared alongside Barry Allen in Showcase #4.

On the surface, Iris’ nickname may seem derogatory. “Corn belt” is slang for the American Midwest. Central City, home to Iris, Barry, Wally and the rest of the Flash Family, is located in the Midwest–hence the nickname. People from the Midwest are often stereotyped as being uneducated and backwards. Calling Iris a “corn-belt Lois Lane” can then be seen as an insult, as if she is somehow second to Lois in respectability. This is far from the truth, as Iris has won awards for her journalism as well. Iris commands respect wherever she goes.

Related DC Revealed The Real Reason Superman Will Never Outrace Flash Superman and the Flash are two of the fastest characters in DC Comics history, but there is one solid reason Superman can never outrace Flash.

Ignoring Her Haters, Iris West Embraces Her Nickname

Iris West and Lois Lane Are the Rocks For Flash and Superman

Iris West is one of the best reporters in the DC Universe. She is well-aware of her worth, and has seemingly embraced the “corn-belt Lois Lane” nickname. It may have been given to Iris by a mean-spirited person, but she made the name her own. Far from being an insult, Iris’ nickname speaks volumes. Iris has stood by the Flash through thick and thin, just as Lois has been a constant presence in Superman’s life. They are the Flash and Superman grounded, more down-to-Earth counterparts, and Iris’ new nickname recognizes this.

The Flash #8 is on sale now from DC Comics!