In 2011, the DC Universe was rebooted with the events of Flashpoint. In an attempt to save his mother from death, Flash ended creating an alternate timeline changing from New Earth to Prime Earth. The multiverse became an important aspect with Prime Earth at its center.

The new DC Universe resulted in the rebooting of the many popular series in DC such as ‘Action Comics,’ the end of the Superman-Lois marriage and the budding relationship between Superman and Wonder Woman, the loss of the traditional families and legacy in DC since Wally West was absent, the shake-up in the founding of the Justice League and in general the loss of heart and hope in story-telling.

The premise of ‘DC Universe: Rebirth’ #1, is the dramatic re-appearance of hope, under the form of Wally West. The one-shot argues that the characters are not themselves and it is up to Flash to help them remember who they are. The plot of the comic is Wally West, the Flash, trapped into the Speed Force and attempting to contact someone in order to return Prime Earth otherwise he will vanish forever.

Flash first attempts to contact Batman but Batman fails to recognize him. Then, Flash attempts to contact John Thunder and asks him to contact the Justice Society. Wally West tries to contact Linda Park and return to the DC Universe. However, his attempt fails and he vanishes further. Finally, Wally reaches out to Barry Allen to say goodbye. However, Barry remembers him and pulls him out of the Speed Force before he vanishes forever. Hope has returned to the DC Universe!

Wally West serves as the character that corrects the Post-Flashpoint DC Universe. Barry and Wally exchange a hug and Barry laments the fact he had forgotten Wally. Then Barry remembers Wally’s life and becoming the Flash. Wally tells Barry about Flashpoint. He tells Barry Flashpoint was not Barry’s fault.

Wally mentions a mysterious force that took ten years of their lives, changing families, legacies. The new battle is between “hope and despair” with a force even more powerful than Darkseid. The storyline thread continues in the “Watchmen” sequel called ‘Doomsday Clock’. The sequel reveals Doctor Manhattan as its villain.