How Barry Allen Fits into Eobard Thawne’s Time Map: A DC Comics Analysis

Summary: Exploring the nuanced relationship of Barry Allen and Eobard Thawne within the DC Comics universe, specifically their timelines and the impact of time travel on their lives. This detailed analysis reveals the complexities of their interactions and the consequences of altering the timeline.

Barry Allen's Birth Year and Current Timeline

Barry Allen, known as The Flash, is typically depicted as being born in the year 1989 in the comics. As of 2024, this places Barry’s birth in the future relative to the current real-world timeline. His journey as a hero is marked by his speed, generosity, and dedication to justice.

Eobard Thawne’s Origin and Timeline

Eobard Thawne, on the other hand, hails from the 25th century. He was born approximately 136 years after Barry Allen. If we consider Barry’s birth year as 1989, Thawne’s birth year would be around 2025. Thawne idolizes Barry and becomes obsessed with him, leading to his character’s villainous path.

Timeline Interaction and Time Travel

Thawne’s involvement with Barry is as much about obsession as it is about time travel. Thawne travels back in time to meet Barry, leading to a series of complex and often tragic events. His actions in the past, such as attempts to kill Barry or alter his timeline, create significant ripple effects. For instance, Thawne’s actions can lead to changes in Barry’s future, creating alternate timelines or realities.

The Complexity of Time Travel

Both characters’ heavy involvement in time travel makes their timelines dynamic and ever-changing. Thawne’s actions can lead to shifts in Barry’s future, creating complex story arcs and alternate realities. These shifts are central to many Flash storylines, illustrating the complex and often unexpected consequences of time travel.

CW Series: Thawne’s Journey and Impact on Barry

In the CW series1, the timeline differs slightly. Thawne is born in the original timeline where Flash gets his powers in 2020, when Harrison Wells created the particle accelerator. Thawne travels back in time to kill the young Barry Allen, unintentionally killing Nora Allen instead. This action diminishes the likelihood of Barry becoming the Flash.

However, Thawne’s commitment to Barry means he still assumes the identity of Harrison Wells and creates the particle accelerator 6 years earlier than intended. This predestination eventually leads to Barry becoming the Flash. The impact of Thawne’s actions on the timeline cannot be understated given the pivotal role Barry plays in creating his own destiny.

Conclusion

Barry Allen and Eobard Thawne’s relationship is deeply tied to the complexities and consequences of time travel. Their timelines are interwoven, and their actions have profound effects on one another and the universe at large. Understanding this dynamic provides insight into the intricate narrative structure of the DC universe and the far-reaching implications of timelines.

Keywords: DC Comics, Barry Allen, Eobard Thawne, Time Travel, Flash