The Reverse-Flash Was Just Rebooted in DC's Universe
Warning: spoilers ahead for The Flash #762!
Over the last few years, the Reverse-Flash has become not only one of the most dangerous speedsters in The Flash, but also one of the most powerful super villains of all time in DC Comics. "All Time" are the perfect words to use, as changes to the timeline have had no effect on the Reverse-Flash for a while now, due to his existence being paradoxical in nature. His constant abuses of his speed to time-travel make him impervious to any and all changes that have occurred, and he remembers everything, granting him advantages over the Flash and his family. Until now. In Flash #762, The Flash comes up with a way to effectively "reboot" Eobard Thawne.
Barry Allen and Eobard Thawne have long been trapped in vicious cycle. Thawne will do something in the Flash's past, present, or future to cause him and his family torment. Flash will then become angry and full of hate, and there have even been times where Thawne has died as a result. Even so, the Reverse-Flash's existence as a paradox guarantees that he'll always bounce back, even from death in a different point in time, finding new ways to cause turmoil and tragedy for the Fastest Man Alive.
However, in Flash #762 (writer Joshua Williamson's final issue), Barry Allen determines to break the cycle. Despite Thawne's best efforts to get Barry to hate him and kill Thawne once more, Barry refuses. He stops running and stands still. Amazingly, after everything Reverse-Flash has done to him over the years, the Flash decides to let go of his hate and anger and forgive Thawne. This makes Reverse-Flash furious, and he charges at Barry, but Barry vibrates his body so Thawne phases right through him. In doing so, Barry gives Thawne some of his Speed Force, an act which could have damaged his connection to the Speed Force permanently. However, in Barry's mind, it was worth the risk. Thawne is in shock, as he has now been anchored to the timeline thanks to the Flash.
After this huge moment, fans see Eobard Thawne at the beginning of his life in his original time of the 25th century. There, he's working as a curator in the Flash Museum, sharing with visitors about the heroics of the Flash Family, of whom Barry Allen is his favorite. While the exploits of the Reverse-Flash are on display, little is known about the true identity of the Reverse-Flash, as Thawne has yet to become him and has no memory of what he'll do in his future (The Flash's past.)
Essentially, what the Flash has done by anchoring Thawne with some of his Speed Force is take the paradox that was Thawne and turn his existence into a closed loop. Now, Thawne's life will happen exactly as it has, but nothing further. Thawne will still become the Reverse-Flash after feeling rejected by the Flash, will still kill Barry's mother and bring about Flashpoint. He'll still cause all the pain and suffering he's already wrought in the history of DC continuity, manipulating the Flash Family towards tragedy. He'll also still die by the hand of Doctor Manhattan in Rebirth, and come back later to create his Legion of Zoom, only to be anchored once more by the Flash and start the loop again. However, he'll no longer be able to do any more harm and damage beyond this, so long as The Flash is able to forgive Reverse-Flash for all of it and doesn't try to alter the past. It's an incredible move on Barry's part, and truly puts his heroic nature on display, forgiving his greatest enemy for the greater good of all.
The Flash #762 by Joshua Williamson and Howard Porter is available now.