Warning: This article contains spoilers for The Flash #763
When someone thinks of security systems, they tend to think of alarms, lights, and cameras. In the case of The Flash, however, the “security system” around the Scarlet Speedster’s iconic ring is less ADT and more Macaulay Culkin swinging a paint can straight at Joe Pesci’s face in Home Alone.
The Flash, like so many of DC’s heroes, has his own rogues gallery of villains, including the Trickster, Axel Walker. This particular version of the deadly practical joker has been plaguing the Flash since he was first introduced in The Flash #183. Now, once again attempting to take down Barry, Trickster has focused his attention on the Scarlet Speedster's notorious ring. Famous in the comics, the ring is revealed to be made from the molten remains of Barry Allen’s parents’ wedding rings. giving it great sentimental value while also pulling double-duty as a carrying case for the Flash’s compressed super-suit.
In The Flash #763, the ring is stolen by the Trickster. Trapped in a virtual reality program, the Flash can do nothing to stop Axel. Though he does make sure to tell the Trickster that the ring has a special connection to the Speed Force. Under the mistaken belief that the Flash’s ring is the source of all of his powers, the Trickster attempts to open the it. When he finally manages to trigger the ring to open, however, he’s hit not with all the powers of the speedy Flash, but with the full force of his super-suit springing out of it’s compressed space at super speed.
The compressed suit is described as coming out of the ring with the force of “nine airbags.” What exactly that means is hard to say, but the effect is immediate - hitting Trickster square in the face and sending him straight into unconsciousness. What would likely be easily avoidable for a speedster like Barry Allen is like taking a fast ball to the head for anyone moving at a regular rate.
Appearing in the comics for decades, the ring was also a running gag in CW’s The Flash TV show for some time, with characters remaining befuddled as to how the Reverse-Flash got his suit in his ring. While the ring has been bequeathed to different incarnations of the Flash throughout the years, the tender backstory connecting it to Barry's parents is a nice touch and makes Trickster’s attempts to steal the ring just a smidge more wicked.
The ring may not contain the Flash’s powers, or truly be connected to the Speed Force, but without a speedster to open it, the built-in security system that is the famous super-suit becomes its own dangerous weapon. The Flash #763, by Kevin Shinick, Clayton Henry, Marcelo Maiolo and Steve Wands is available now.