Summer 2023 will finally bring DC fans Barry Allen’s first solo film with Ezra Miller The lightning, which will tackle some unique stories from across the DC Multiverse. This includes introducing two different versions of Batman, played by the DCEU’s Ben Affleck and ’80s star Michael Keaton.
Affleck’s inclusion in the film was a big surprise, especially with the actor stating that his time playing Batman was largely over after the fiasco behind the 2017 play. Justice League. And while it is not clear who exactly his role will be The lightningDC helped give fans some clues about what story beats to expect in the new film.
This especially comes through the use of prequel comics, one of which just revealed a new villain that Barry Allen will have to face at some point in his history.
Now, a new comic story touches on Affleck’s Batman, confirming how he fueled Barry Allen’s evolution as a superhero.
Ben Affleck’s Batman in The Flash Prequel Comic
Bleeding Cool shared a page from the recently released The Flash: The Fastest Man Alive #1 comic, which is next year’s prequel The lightning movie from the DC Extended Universe.
On this page, Barry Allen is holding the classic Flash ring he wears in the comics, with history confirming that Bruce Wayne and Alfred developed it in the DCEU. As Barry asks what it is, Batman tells him that it is “A little gift from me and Alfred” to usher in a new era of superheroes.
How does Bruce Wayne finance Barry Allen?
Fans have seen comic book movie universes use this story before, with the MCU having Tom Holland’s Spider-Man further his own story thanks to some financial and technological help from Tony Stark/Iron Man. And while that relationship between Bruce Wayne and Barry Allen was only teased in both Justice League issues, this comic confirms that the DC billionaire is using his resources to help the Scarlet Speedster grow.
In the comics and other media, the Flash ring helps Barry keep his suit on easily when in civilian form and allows for a quick change if he needs to deal with his super alter-ego. Considering how skilled Bruce Wayne is with technology in the DCEU, it’s no surprise that he gave Barry this upgrade, although it remains to be seen how much more of that Bruce did to develop the Flash’s suit and technology.
Even more of a mystery is how much Affleck’s character will actually factor into the rest of the film, especially with Michael Keaton’s 1989 Batman set to play a leading role in the DCEU as well.
The lightning will open in theaters on June 23, 2023.
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