In Flash #780, one of the Scarlet Speedster’s villains proves that she might have what it takes to be Central City’s most unlikely hero.
WARNING: The following contains spoilers for The Flash #780, now on sale from DC Comics.
As the central setting of the Flash mythos, Central City has always had a strong relationship with its resident hero. While other cities in the DC universe have honored their heroes with the occasional monument or building dedication, the people of Central City have created an entire museum to honor and immortalize the history of the Scarlet Speedster, highlighting the unique relationship the city has with the hero.
However, in the wake of Infinite Frontier, many within Central City fear that the Flash won’t be able to protect them from the many threats that the Omniverse has unleashed upon the world. Willing to do whatever it takes to protect the people of his city, Gregory Wolfe, the ruthless warden of Iron Heights Penitentiary, released the villain Blacksmith in Flash #780 (by Jeremy Adam, Will Conrad, Jeromy Cox, Matt Herm, Pete Pantazis, and Rob Leigh) and enlisted her aid. Although Blacksmith is somewhat obscure, she has proven herself to be one of the deadliest and most competent members of Flash’s rogues’ gallery, and those same skills could make her a vital ally in the upcoming battle against the Great Darkness.
Blacksmith, aka Amunet Black, made her first appearance in Flash: Iron Heights (by Geoff Johns, Ethan Van Sciver, Prentis Rollins, Chris Chuckry, and John Costanza). As the ex-wife of the Flash villain Kith Kenyon, aka Goldface, Blacksmith served as the leader of the black market arms dealing ring known as “the Network,” which boasted a strong presence in Central City.
Already a dangerous figure through her many connections o the criminal underworld, Blacksmith became even more dangerous when she drank the same mystical elixir that gave her ex-husband powers, allowing her to fuse organic and inorganic matter. Wishing to take complete control over both Central City and Keystone City, Blacksmith enacted a diabolical scheme that targeted almost every member of the Flash Family. After forming a new team of Rogues, Blacksmith kidnapped many of Wally’s friends and loved ones before isolating Central City and Keystone City in forcefields, forcing him to battle some of his greatest enemies on his own. Thankfully, Wally received unexpected help from the reformed Goldface, who helped Wally defeat Blacksmith and the Rogues.
In her selfish quest for absolute power, Blacksmith did unprecedented damage to Central City, making Wolfe’s decision to release her all the more surprising. However, the villain’s unique abilities are sure to make her an invaluable ally in whatever the warden is planning. While the exact details of the plan has not been revealed, Wolfe mentioned that he would need a vast amount of money in order to achieve his goals. As the figurehead of a vast criminal empire, Blacksmith made many connections in the underworld, and her experience with organizing trade networks and moving large amounts of untraceable funds could help Wolfe amass the fortune he needs. Blacksmith’s ruthlessness also makes her a fitting ally to Wolfe, who’s always been willing to use unethical and underhanded methods to protect Central City from the prisoners of Iron Heights.
While it’s likely that Blacksmith will use her newfound freedom to resume her criminal activities and exact revenge on the Flash, the threat that the DC universe currently faces might justify Wolfe’s decision to free her. Following Infinite Frontier, attacks from villains and hostile beings from other universes have become a common occurrence, and the fear of these incursions has inspired many of DC’s more morally ambiguous authority figures to resort to more questionable means to protect the Earth. With Wally’s recent activities taking him further and further away from Central City and his relationship with the amoral Wolfe already strained, it makes sense that the warden would turn to a villain like Blacksmith if he believes it’s the only way to protect his city.
While Blacksmith’s release is sure to earn Wolfe the ire of the Flash Family, her expertise may be just what Central City needs to survive the upcoming “Dark Crisis”. Regardless of her past actions, Blacksmith’s willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve her goal may make her Central City’s unlikeliest hero.
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