On a related note, Bored, I was thinking...even in the FLASHPOINT timeline wherein Nora wasn't murdered: Henry still wasn't a part of Barry's childhood in that scenario. The true blue classic original Silver/Bronze Age history that had BOTH Allens alive, well, and free (even ultimately outliving Barry) really was buried improbably deep.
Buried Alien (The Fastest Post Alive!)
Buried Alien - THE FASTEST POST ALIVE!
First CBR Appearance (Historical): November, 1996
First CBR Appearance (Modern): April, 2014
While I think the murdered mom/framed dad backstory is here to stay for the foreseeable future because it's proven to be a very effective hook for new fans of the character despite the dislike older fans have for it, I think it's very likely that Barry will Flash Fact his way around it somehow in order to give his mom and dad a happy ending, perhaps in the far future to help raise the Tornado Twins, Bart Allen and XS. That'd be a nice way to put a bow on the idea so that Barry can finally move on, but still retain that part of his backstory (because he'd still have the memories of both versions of his history).
Obviously, some fans wouldn't be satisfied by this, because there's always a small segment of hardcore fans who will never be satisfied, but I think that might help bridge the gap that now exists between a lot of old and new Flash fans.
I would agree. It's a great starting point for the character that tips its hat to the original setup of Barry's happy childhood being raised by Nora & Henry, but giving it a compelling tragic sci-fi twist. However, it seems that Williamson understands that, much like Wally's subconscious desire to never surpass Barry, the tragedy of Barry Allen is holding back the character from reaching his full potential.
It should be noted that most of Wally West's best stories came after he'd overcome his fear of replacing Barry. It's entirely possible the same will be true of Barry Allen once he overcomes what Thawne did to his parents.
Buried Alien - THE FASTEST POST ALIVE!
First CBR Appearance (Historical): November, 1996
First CBR Appearance (Modern): April, 2014
Buried Alien - THE FASTEST POST ALIVE!
First CBR Appearance (Historical): November, 1996
First CBR Appearance (Modern): April, 2014
Don't worry, Barry will soon be killed off by DiDio so that Jay Garrick can be the main Flash again.
Buried Alien - THE FASTEST POST ALIVE!
First CBR Appearance (Historical): November, 1996
First CBR Appearance (Modern): April, 2014