The Cobalt-97[1] was a mysterious object with a connection to the core of the Negative Speed Force.
History[]
After the defeat of Eobard Thawne, the crystal was seen in 2049, a glass observational case inside Malcolm Gilmore's laboratory within Mercury Labs.[2]
When Barry Allen is sent back in time to March 18, 2000 by a mysterious force, the crystal is shown to be there with him. Officer Joe West was investigating a possible hit and run and finds the crystal near by. When he picks it up to examine it, he is possessed by the Negative Speed Force.
Joe later showed up at Central City Hospital after Barry said his final goodbye to Henry Allen and Nora Allen, initially manipulating Barry into a false sense of security. Joe attacks Barry, shooting blue energy from his wrist and trying to electrocute him with blue lightning. After Barry is able to use his powers to save Joe, the crystal disappears to parts unknown.[3]
The crystal appears in present day 2023 and takes control of Mark Blaine. Mark goes to S.T.A.R. Labs to "help" find Barry. Mark starts to take out Team Flash's members one by one before finally confronting Iris West-Allen, saying that he's going to gut her like a fish and her little baby too yet Iris is saved by the Speed Force.
Mark is later confronted by Khione and gloats that she can't stop him without killing Mark, also saying that he is in control while he has the crystal. Khione uses her powers to turn Mark's body into ash and then brings him back to life, freeing Mark from the crystal's control before the crystal disappears once again.[1]
In 2049, the crystal took control of Nora West-Allen and the Negative Speed Force tried to convince Eddie Thawne to fully embrace its power. Initially Eddie was hesitant but he eventually accepted the offer and fully became the new avatar after the Negative Speed Force showed him a life that he could have with Iris and Nora in place of Barry. Now in tune with the Negative Speed Force, Eddie set out to gather together some of Barry's greatest enemies from across time for one final battle.[4]
Eddie became Cobalt Blue to which the crystal formed a protective suit around him, showcasing this to the Reverse-Flash, Zoom, Savitar and Godspeed. After Eddie absorbed too much negative energy from the Reverse-Flash, Zoom, Godspeed and Savitar and seriously at the risk of death, he destroyed the crystal to finally balance out the Negative Speed Force with the positive Speed Force.[5]
Powers and abilities[]
Powers[]
- Negative Speed Force connection: The crystal has a connection to the Negative Speed Force, which is where it draws all of its power from. Its also possible that the crystal contains a sentient portion of the Negative Speed Force itself.
- Possession: The crystal is able to possess someone through physical contact.
- Energy projection: The crystal allows an individual to project energy from their wrist.
- Time travel: The crystal is able to travel through time, first appearing in 2049, then to the year 2000 and then 2023.
- Mental communication/Mental projection: The crystal allows the Negative Speed Force to communicate directly with those it tries to influence. It can also show those people images of their past, present and future as well as alternative timelines.
- Suit creation: The crystal allowed Eddie to construct a protective suit around himself.
Appearances[]
The Flash[]
Season 8[]
Season 9[]
Behind the scenes[]
- In DC Comics, The Blue Flame Talisman is the source of power for Cobalt Blue. It grants the user abilities such as energy projection, construct creation, power absorption and healing.
- The name "Cobalt-97" is a possible reference to the first issue where Cobalt Blue appeared, called Speedforce #1, which was published in November, 1997.