The Flash is one of DC Comics’ most iconic superheroes, known for his super-speed powers and red costume. However, The Flash also has a lesser-known twin brother in the comics named Malcolm Thawne. Malcolm has similar powers to The Flash and an intertwined history, though he is not as well known to more casual fans. Exploring their relationship sheds light on The Flash’s backstory and some key events in the DC universe.
The Flash’s Origins
Before getting into Malcolm Thawne’s history, it’s important to understand The Flash’s origins. The Flash is the superhero identity used by multiple characters in DC Comics, all of whom have gained super-speed powers.
The first and most well-known Flash is Jay Garrick, who first appeared in 1940. He gained his powers by inhaling heavy water vapors after falling asleep in his laboratory where he had been working.
Later, in 1956, Barry Allen became the second Flash. Allen was a police scientist who gained his powers when he was struck by lightning while working in his lab with chemicals affected by a particle accelerator explosion. This accident gave him superhuman speed abilities.
After Barry Allen’s death in the 1985 comic book Crisis on Infinite Earths, his sidekick Wally West took over as the third Flash. Other characters have also taken on the mantle of Flash over the years, but Garrick, Allen, and West are the most prominent.
Introducing Malcolm Thawne
Malcolm Thawne, also known by the supervillain name Cobalt Blue, is the twin brother of Barry Allen. He was separated from Barry at birth and raised by the Thawne family, who had a long feud with the Allens.
Malcolm’s backstory was not revealed until the 1990s, nearly 40 years after Barry Allen first became the Flash. DC Comics introduced Malcolm as a mysterious villain wielding a blue flame and possessing a gemstone that could steal the Flash’s powers.
It was eventually revealed that Malcolm was Barry’s twin. On the night they were born, a doctor delivered a warning that one twin would kill the other, so their parents decided to separate them to avoid this fate.
Malcolm’s Jealousy of Barry
After being adopted by the Thawnes, Malcolm grew up feeling resentful of Barry for having the life he felt was rightfully his. The Thawnes nurtured his hatred of the Allens.
As adults, Malcolm learned that Barry had become the Flash. Obsessed with the cosmic injustice that Barry gained superpowers that were rightfully his, Malcolm dedicated his life to getting revenge.
He discovered the secrets of the blue flame that gave him similar super-speed powers and the mystical gem that could mimic the Flash’s abilities. Taking the name Cobalt Blue, he set out to destroy the Flash once and for all.
The Flash and Cobalt Blue’s Battles
Over the years, Cobalt Blue and the Flash have had many epic battles, fueled by Malcolm’s jealousy and rage. At various times, Cobalt Blue has:
– Stolen the Flash’s powers, leaving him helpless
– Framed the Flash for murder
– Attempted to kill the Flash’s wife
– Threatened to destroy Central City, the Flash’s home
However, he’s always ultimately been thwarted by the Flash and his allies in the Justice League. Malcolm has occasionally worked with the Flash’s other enemies in groups like the Rogues, but his schemes tend to be driven by his personal vendetta.
Cobalt Blue’s Powers
Cobalt Blue wields powers that mirror the Flash’s superspeed abilities in many ways:
– Superhuman speed
– Ability to throw lightning bolts
– Phasing through solid objects
– Creating vortexes
– Limited flight
However, Cobalt Blue’s powers derive from his stolen mystical gemstone, not the Speed Force like the Flash’s do. And his lightning bolts are blue rather than yellow.
The gemstone allows Cobalt Blue to steal speed from the Flash and others, leaving them temporarily powerless. He can then use the stolen speed for himself for a time before it fades.
Other Versions of Cobalt Blue
DC Comics has introduced alternate reality versions of Cobalt Blue over the years:
– On Earth-22, Cobalt Blue was a member of the Justice League before betraying them.
– On Earth-9, he was a member of the Justice Titans.
– On Earth-40, he was a heroic speedster and member of the Justice Guild.
So while main DC continuity portrays him as a villain, other timelines and dimensions have shown more nuanced takes on Malcolm Thawne. But in most stories, his core motivation remains jealousy of the Flash.
Cobalt Blue’s Legacy
Though not as well-known as some of the Flash’s iconic Rogues like Captain Cold or Gorilla Grodd, Cobalt Blue has left a lasting impact:
– As Barry Allen’s twin, he’s a constant reminder of the Flash’s mysterious origin.
– He killed Barry’s mother and framing his father for it, traumatizing Barry’s childhood.
– His actions contributed to the Flash’s first death in Crisis on Infinite Earths.
– As an evil twin, he represents a dark reflection of the Flash’s own powers turned to nefarious ends.
– His bitter rivalry with the Flash is deeply personal, fueled by their blood connection.
So while he may not be the Flash’s most powerful foe, Cobalt Blue will likely continue haunting the Flash family across DC continuity due to their intrinsically linked origins. He remains irrevocably intertwined with the Scarlet Speedster.
Conclusion
In summary, Cobalt Blue is the lesser-known twin brother of the Flash, aka Barry Allen. Separated at birth, he grew up feeling jealous of Barry’s life and superpowers. Taking the name Cobalt Blue and wielding similar speed powers from a mystical gemstone, he’s repeatedly attacked the Flash over the years seeking revenge. Their bitter rivalry is deeply personal, fueled by their origins as twin brothers raised apart. As an evil twin, Cobalt Blue reflects the dark side of the Flash’s powers and remains an impactful foe despite being obscure compared to the Flash’s iconic Rogues Gallery. Their complicated history will likely continue to haunt the Flash for years to come across new DC Comics storylines.
