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You probably by now have heard of Flashpoint, the class comic book story arc that was made to explain the reboot of The DC Universe. Expertly drawn by artist super-star Andy Kubert, Flashpoint quickly became the hottest thing in comics, winning over fans and critics alike with its story and art. Eventually there had to be Flashpoint movie, since every DC story that had become legendary in the past was getting the animated movie treatment. Titled Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox, the animated film did what the others have done, and made adjustments to make it a better fit for the medium.
One of the first significant changes in the Flashpoint movie was The Justice League encountering Flash’s enemy, the Reverse Flash. It is assumed that this was to introduce the villain to a new generation of fans who were not familiar with the character. His real name is Eobard Thawne, and he’s a time-traveler who had been a nemesis to the Flash for many years. With access to futuristic technology, Reverse Flash has created bombs that are about to detonate. Each Justice League member helps disable a bomb. Superman does what he does best, and simply holds the bomb in his hand and somehow contains the explosion.
Something else that was noticeably different in the movie version was Barry’s reaction to discovering that he was no longer married to Iris West. In the comic, as soon as he sees her put her arms around another man’s neck, his eyes widen in shock. Artist Andy Kubert drew his reaction perfectly, as we see the horror in his face from up close. In the movie, his reaction is of confusion and disappointment. The reason for this change seems strange, since seeing someone else with your wife would surely give a strong reaction.
A similar thing happened when Barry talks to the new Batman, who was Thomas Wayne. In the comics, when Barry calls him Bruce, Thomas’ reaction shows that he is wildly interested in the name “Bruce”, since his death had overcome him to the point of obsession. In the animated Flashpoint movie, there was no visible reaction on his face at all.
If there is one thing that these animated DC movies have in common, it is that the action scenes have been extended when compared to the comic book source. This is understandable, since action scenes in movies are a big deal, and a one-page fight scene in a comic book is not going to be as effective as one in a movie. It also lengthens the scenes and draws out the story. In the case of the Flashpoint movie, Deathstroke, or Slade Wilson, has been given more screen time than he had in the comics, where the scene is quick and to the point.
Other differences include The Shazam Kids having a smaller role, and Barry’s mom (when young) being way hotter in the comics than she is in the movie. There’s no way around reading the source material if you are a true fan of the Flashpoint movie. Finding it is a cinch (Affiliate Link), since the story is so popular. But to be fair, I guess The Flash has a shortage of classic stories, and the competition wasn’t exactly overwhelming.
Well, if the Flashpoint movie taught us anything, it’s that changing source material always leads to a better outcome. Who needs a well-established storyline with developed characters and themes when you can just swap out reactions and story arcs with no explanation? And don’t worry about consistency, that’s overrated anyway. But hey, at least we got to see Deathstroke do cool things, right?