Warning: this article contains preview images and spoilers for The Flash #782!
In DC Comics, those with superpowers, like the Flash, usually don a costume and embrace their newfound identity as a superhero—or supervillain. When a civilian gains superhuman abilities, they're often prone to using them for selfish reasons. So, what happens when some of the Flash's speed rubs off on his wife, Linda Park? The opening pages of Flash #782 hint that this could be the beginning of a fierce rivalry between Linda and one of the world's most prolific writers, Stephen King.
Linda Park is the wife of Wally West, the current Flash. While they butted heads at first, Linda's shrewdness and determination won Wally's heart, and she couldn't help but eventually fall for the impulsive speedster. A former investigative reporter, Linda now lives a suburban life with her and Wally's super-powered twins, Jai and Irey. Being part of the Flash Family has been a rollercoaster for Linda over the years, but she's never failed to support Wally and their kids. In Flash #779, Linda discovers that she's gained her husband's super-speed after panicking over the disappearance of the twins. Wally soon returns, kids in tow, and her fears are alleviated. However, Linda decides it's best that she keeps her abilities hidden to avoid adding to Wally's growing list of concerns as a full-time superhero.
In a preview for The Flash #782, Linda Park is seen working on her novel, which Irey jokingly refers to as her mother's "smoochy book". In a sudden burst of speed, Linda pumps out a chapter in 10 seconds. She snarkily comments, "Eat your heart out Stephen King..." as she realizes she could become a bestselling novelist in no time. Jai and Irey burst into the room a second later and Linda's defenses shoot up. Should the twins discover her abilities, Wally would know in an instant—quite literally, knowing their powers. While it may not seem as sinister as the acts of some supervillains, Linda's speed-writing is still a morally questionable use of her power. The Flash #782 is written by Jeremy Adams, with art by Matt Ryan, Fernando Pasarin, colors by Jeromy Cox and Peter Pantazis, and letters by Rob Leigh.
If Linda lets these newfound abilities get to her head, there could be disastrous results. The mention of Stephen King in the DC Universe also opens up the possibility of other famous writers from the real world co-existing with characters like the Flash and Superman. With 64 novels under his belt, some of them being over 1,000 pages long, King is by no means a slow writer. But a whole chapter in 10 seconds? Not even King could achieve that feat.
While Stephen King may exist in the DC Universe, he doesn't appear to possess any metahuman abilities other than his skillful penmanship. With Linda Park making her debut in the writing world, the King of Horror just might have his competition in DC's up-and-coming Queen of Romance. Should the Flash choose to settle down into an artistic career, his wife is sure to have a few pointers for him.
The Flash #782 will be available from DC Comics on May 17th, 2022.