How are Barry Allen and Turtle connected in The Flash No. 73?

The Flash took a bullet in the chest in the previous issue. As he recovers, an old enemy resurfaces with new plans to take over Central City.

When we left Barry Allen last, he had accidentally been shot by Yorkin, a murderer who had not taken kindly to Iris West’s line of questioning. As Barry lies dying in The Flash No. 73, he has very little time to figure out how to save himself. Cloistered in his apartment, Barry decides the only way forward is to phase his hand into his chest to remove the bullet but, so far, Barry has not succeeded with this aspect of his power.

Barry and Iris in The Flash No. 73 (Credit: DC Comics)

Just when incentive is needed, it arrives in the form of Iris West, knocking on Barry’s door to tell him how her actions led to people being put in danger. The entire Yorkin incident has placed Barry in a favorable light, and Iris is keen to give their relationship a shot. With these words ringing in his ears, Barry is able to successfully phase the bullet out and act as a shoulder for Iris to lean on.

This near-death experience reminds Barry that he has bigger fish to fry. He still needs to clear his father’s name after Henry Allen was accused of killing his wife, but what’s the point of freeing his father if there is no future for them to enjoy? As seen in The Flash No. 71, the future of Central City is bleak – ruled by the iron-shell of Turtle. Barry easily defeated the villain in the previous issue, but did he do enough?

In The Flash No. 73, Barry interrogates an incarcerated Turtle to find out more about his past, present and his future.