Reverse Flash's Obsession: Why Does He Hate Barry Allen?

Reverse Flash, known as Eobard Thawne, has a deep-seated hatred for Barry Allen, the Flash. This enmity is rooted in several key factors: obsession, a sense of inferiority, and a twisted desire for revenge, all of which make his rivalry one of the most compelling in the DC Comics universe.

Obsession and Inferiority

Thawne is a speedster from the 25th century who idolizes Barry Allen, the Flash. Upon discovering that he can never match Barry's greatness, his ego is consumed by jealousy and rage. This feeling of inadequacy drives him to become Barry's greatest and most relentless enemy.

Time Travel and Revenge

Thawne's hatred is also fueled by his experiences with time travel. In his timeline, Barry Allen is a celebrated hero, and Thawne feels constantly overshadowed. His desire to prove himself leads him to alter events in the past, often with significant consequences for Barry and the people he cares about.

Personal Trauma

Thawne's traumatic backstory further contributes to his enmity towards Barry. After numerous personal failures and traumas, he often blames Barry for his pain, amplifying his desire for revenge. This psychological conflict is a major driving force in his actions.

The Speed Force

Thawne's connection to the Speed Force and his attempts to manipulate it often lead to conflict with Barry. His desire to gain power and control over the Speed Force puts him at odds with Barry, who embodies its heroic ideals. Their dynamic is complex, filled with obsession, rivalry, and a twisted sense of destiny.

Thawne: The Ultimate Villain

Personally, I find Eobard Thawne to be the ultimate comic book villain. His pettiness and obsession are so pronounced that even the intense hatred between The Joker and Batman seems healthy in comparison. His vendetta is so all-encompassing that he is willing to torture several versions of Barry Allen in different dimensions and universes just to get a sense of victory.

From altering Barry's life in the 25th century to causing his pain in the new 52 timeline, and even in the Earth-Prime continuity, Thawne’s obsession is relentless. His actions have led to dire consequences, such as corrupting Wally West, separating the Titans, and impacting the lives of other heroes and villains.

The compounded stress and trauma of his existence make Thawne a deranged and evil figure. Yet, his penchant for causing chaos just to feel victorious over Barry Allen is what makes him so fascinating. He is not merely a villain but a deeply flawed character whose actions drive the narrative.

Despite the darkness and hatred, there is a sense of humor in Thawne's obsession, which makes his character so enjoyable to follow. From petty jealousies to grand conspiracies, his schemes always center around Barry Allen, making him the ultimate anti-hero with a tragic dimension to his narrative.

In conclusion, the dynamic between Reverse Flash and Barry Allen is complex, filled with obsession, rivalry, and a twisted sense of destiny. This makes their relationship one of the most compelling and memorable in the DC Comics universe.