Who Defeats Deathstorm? Unpacking the Multiple Falls of a Nuclear Terror
The question of who defeats Deathstorm isn’t a simple one with a single answer. Deathstorm’s complex history, spanning different forms and motivations across the Arrowverse and comic book lore, leads to a multi-layered answer. In essence, Deathstorm is defeated multiple times by different individuals and circumstances, each encounter leading to a temporary or final end to his destructive reign. While Killer Frost is central to his ultimate demise in the Arrowverse, a deeper dive into the character reveals other instances of defeat. Let’s explore the various answers.
Killer Frost’s Sacrifice: The Ultimate End for Deathstorm in the Arrowverse
The most significant defeat of Deathstorm, at least in the context of The Flash TV series, comes at the hands of Killer Frost. During season 8, a terrifying and twisted version of Ronnie Raymond returns as Deathstorm. This iteration is driven by the need to feed on grief and misery to power up, seeking to make Caitlin Snow (Killer Frost’s alter-ego) his bride.
The climactic battle sees a newly upgraded Frost, now possessing similar powers to Deathstorm, confront him throughout Central City. In a desperate act, Frost absorbs Deathstorm completely into her own being. This action, while effectively killing Deathstorm, also leads to her demise. Killer Frost’s sacrifice is the final and most conclusive defeat for Deathstorm in the Arrowverse.
Other Defeats of Deathstorm
It’s crucial to note that while Frost’s sacrifice was the climax, Deathstorm has been defeated or disabled in other instances:
Zoom’s Sneak Attack
In another timeline, Earth-2 Ronnie, a cold-blooded killer with nuclear powers, is also known as Deathstorm. He wreaks havoc on Central City but is ultimately murdered by a sneak attack from Zoom. This illustrates another way Deathstorm can be defeated, though it is less about a heroic showdown and more about cold-blooded action.
Initial Disabling by Zoom
In a previous encounter, when the Arrowverse’s Deathstorm pursued Barry Allen, he was disabled by Zoom killing Ronnie and Martin Stein. While not a direct defeat of Deathstorm in his entirety, Zoom’s act removes the core that fuels his creation.
Barry’s Redirected Nuclear Blast
Early in his rampage, Deathstorm relentlessly pursues Barry throughout the city. This chase only ceases when Barry redirects a nuclear blast meant for Deathstorm toward Killer Frost instead. He then tends to her, further showing that his actions could be disrupted with the right bait and strategy. While not defeating Deathstorm, this shows the Flash’s ability to deter and disrupt Deathstorm’s plans, albeit at the expense of Frost.
The Comic Book Context: Black Lantern Deathstorm
In the comic books, particularly during the Blackest Night event, Deathstorm is depicted as an entirely different creature. This version is the result of a deceased Ronnie Raymond being reanimated by a Black Lantern ring. Deathstorm becomes part of the undead Black Lantern Corps, dedicated to extinguishing all life. While the comics don’t provide a single moment where he is definitively defeated on his own in this form, the Black Lantern Corps as a whole is ultimately vanquished, including Deathstorm, through a combination of the emotional spectrum powers of the other Lantern Corps and the actions of characters like the White Lantern Kyle Rayner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Deathstorm?
Deathstorm is a powerful and often malevolent entity. In the Arrowverse, it’s primarily a corrupted version of the deceased Ronnie Raymond/Firestorm. In the comics, it is Ronnie Raymond reanimated by a Black Lantern ring. Regardless of the origin, Deathstorm is consistently portrayed as a being with nuclear powers and a dark, destructive purpose.
Is Deathstorm a Black Lantern?
Yes, in the DC Comics main continuity, Deathstorm is indeed a Black Lantern. He is the reanimated corpse of Ronnie Raymond, brought back to life by a Black Lantern ring to join the undead legion. This iteration is particularly dangerous and driven by a desire to destroy all life.
How did Deathstorm get his powers in the Arrowverse?
The Arrowverse version of Deathstorm doesn’t get his powers in the same way as Firestorm. He is a corrupted, twisted version of the original, drawing power from the grief and despair of others. This contrasts with Firestorm who is a fusion of Ronnie Raymond and Martin Stein, giving them combined nuclear powers.
Who is the villain in Season 8 of The Flash?
Season 8 of The Flash sees Barry Allen face multiple adversaries, including his long-time nemesis, The Reverse-Flash, the powerful alien Despero, the corrupted fire meta Deathstorm, and the forces of the Negative Speed Force.
What happens to Deathstorm in the comics?
In the comics, particularly during the Blackest Night event, Deathstorm is a part of the larger Black Lantern Corps and is destroyed when the Black Lanterns are ultimately defeated. The defeat is not a specific action focused on Deathstorm alone, but a collective defeat of the corps.
How does Barry stop Deathstorm in the show initially?
Barry doesn’t directly stop Deathstorm in their first encounter. Rather, he redirects a nuclear blast that was intended for Deathstorm toward Killer Frost instead, then he leaves Deathstorm behind to tend to Frost. He exploits Deathstorm’s pursuit of misery for Frost instead of directly engaging him.
Is Deathstorm actually Ronnie Raymond?
Yes, in most instances, Deathstorm is based on the deceased Ronnie Raymond. In the comics, he is Ronnie reanimated by a Black Lantern ring. In the Arrowverse, he is a corrupted entity taking on Ronnie’s appearance and memories, twisted by dark forces. However, the essence of Ronnie, whether his personality or intent, are largely removed from the Deathstorm persona.
Who is the bride of Deathstorm?
Deathstorm seeks to make Caitlin Snow/Killer Frost his bride. He manipulates her and tries to force her to embrace her grief, so he can feed on it. He uses illusions of loved ones to try and manipulate Team Flash into releasing their grief for Caitlin to absorb.
Who is the Red Death in The Flash?
The Red Death is one of the main antagonists in Season 9 of The Flash. In this version, it is Ryan Wilder, an alternate version of Batwoman, who acts as the Red Death, and is distinct from the Deathstorm character.
Is Killer Frost dead?
Yes, in The Flash, Killer Frost sacrifices herself to defeat Deathstorm. She absorbs him, ultimately leading to her own death as well. While her body was later reanimated as a Black Lantern briefly, this is a distinct circumstance, and in general terms, the original Killer Frost is dead.
How did Iris die in The Flash?
In the penultimate episode of The Flash season 8, Iris West-Allen is manipulated by the Negative Forces and is ultimately killed by Barry while he was mind-controlled. However, she is eventually resurrected.
Is Diggle Green Lantern?
Diggle has a Green Lantern ring offered to him several times throughout the Arrowverse, hinting at a future as Green Lantern. However, he ultimately chooses not to take it. His devotion to his family supersedes the desire for such power.
What is a Grey Lantern?
Grey Lanterns represent the emotion of “no emotion.” While they are capable of feeling, they do not express or feel strongly about anything. Very little is known about them as they are not part of the main spectrum of lantern corps.
Who is the strongest Lantern?
Kyle Rayner is considered the strongest Lantern. He is unique as he has been both a Green Lantern and a White Lantern. As the White Lantern, he possesses the power of life itself.
Why did Barry sacrifice Frost?
In one episode, Barry sacrifices Frost, allowing her to be shot by Eva, knowing he could save her later. This highlights his willingness to make difficult choices and rely on his powers to mitigate damage, even if it means putting others in immediate danger.
Through these detailed explanations, it’s clear that the question of who defeats Deathstorm is multi-faceted and varies between the Arrowverse and the comic books. From Killer Frost’s ultimate sacrifice to Zoom’s calculated actions, Deathstorm’s demise is the result of multiple factors and characters, cementing his place as one of the most dangerous and challenging adversaries in The Flash universe.