WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for TITANS #16!The conclusion of the Amanda Waller-orchestrated crisis event,Absolute Power, has ushered in significant changes across the DC Universe, particularly for the newly reformedJustice LeagueandTitans, who are feeling the impact of these changes the most. Among the most notable shifts for the Titans is the official resignation of a core member, who has now ascended to a full-time role within the Justice League, stepping into a crucial vacancy.
Following the conclusion ofAbsolute Powerand the events of theDC ALL IN Special, John Layman and Pete Woods’Titans#16 dives straight into the major changes impacting the Titans roster. While the team will remain independent, they are now alsomembers of the Justice League.
Alongside this dual membership comes the notable addition of Roy“Arsenal”Harper to the Titans lineup, as well as a significant leadership shake-up: Nightwing steps down and passes the torch to Donna Troy. Yet, perhapsthe most disheartening development is that Flash Wally West has officially quit the team.
“I’m Not Coming Back”: Wally West Officially Quits the Titans
Wally Turns His Focus to His New Role in the Justice League
Wally’s resignation not only comes as a shock to readers but also to the Titans themselves. After Arsenal officially joins the team, he celebrates by pointing out that most of the“dream team”is back together—referring to the original Teen Titans, now reunited, with the exception of Tempest, who’s taking a break to help rebuild Atlantis. However,Wally quickly interrupts, sheepishly telling the team,“I… I’m not coming back.”The revelation stuns the team, leaving them visibly disappointed, with Dick, Wally’s BFF, asking if he’s sure about leaving for good.
Wally explains his decision, citing his desire to focus on his Justice League responsibilitiesnow that Barry has retired as a speedsterafter losing his powers when he destroyedAmanda Waller’s transmatter machine. While he tries to soften the blow, assuring them that leaving wasn’t an easy choice and that they’ll still be working together as members of the Justice League, the team’s disappointment lingers. Though they understand his reasoning, they can’t hide their reluctance to see their friend walk away from the Titans.
Barry Allen lost his powers inAbsolute Power#4 after destroying the transmatter machine that linked Earth Prime to the Multiverse.
Wally West Quitting The Titans Will Have Major Effects on Two DC Titles
It’s Time for Nightwing and Arsenal’s Relationship to Shine
Wally West’s departure from the Titans and his reasoning for resigning may offer significant clues about the future of two key DC titles—Justice League UnlimitedandTitans. Wally’s focus on his new role with the reformed Justice League signals a prominent role for him in Mark Waid and Dan Mora’s upcomingJustice League Unlimitedseries. While every Prime Earth hero is now a member of the League, the series is expected to spotlight select characters. With Wally’s strong commitment to the League and his visible presence on the cover art, fans can anticipate his central involvement.
As forTitans, Wally’s exit seems to have been strategically timed to avoid conflicts between Waid and Layman’s respective runs.It’s also possible that Layman chose not to feature Wally in his Titans run to focus on less explored relationshipsand team dynamics. Since Wally and Dick Grayson are well-known as best friends, including Wally in the series would likely make their bond a focal point. By removing Wally from the team, Layman gains the creative freedom to explore one ofNightwing’s more underrated relationships—his friendship with Arsenal—without the distraction of Wally’s presence.
2025 Is the Year of Wally West’s Flash
Wally Enters New Character-Defining Era
Wally West is about to enter one of the most defining eras of his comic history. Though he’s been the primary Flash for years, Barry Allen was always there as a safety net. Now, with Barry powerless, the full weight of the Flash legacy falls on Wally, who is also taking on the role of the Justice League’s lead speedster. This is set to be a monumental year for fans of the Scarlet Speedster, as Wally will headline two major DC titles—The FlashandJustice League Unlimited—both primed to delve deeper into his character than ever before.
Titans #16is available now from DC Comics.
The Flash
The Flash is the superhero name given to the DC Comics character who utilizes unparalleled speed tied to a dimensional power known as the “speed force” to overwhelm their opposition. Premiering in 1939, the original Flash arrived as Jay Garrick. Still, it would be superseded by Barry Allen in popularity and featured status, but the Flash is one character that has met many of their alternate selves. The character is typically seen as a part of the Justice League in nearly all incarnations.
