These days, it’s safe to say that every three seconds or so, somebody flips out over something posted on the internet. Though this is not the time or place to comment on the unfortunate state of humanity, it’s hard to overlook how Grant Gustin, the Flash himself, recently got caught up in the latest crapstorm.
In short, the new costume to be worn this coming season by the Scarlet Speedster leaked online in the form of conceptuals and prototype tests, with the majority of haters failing to grasp that they were just that. Soon after, the keyboard warriors came out in full force by body-shaming Gustin in a variety of ways.
Of course, this pissed off Gustin a great deal, as he later revealed official shots of the new suit (you can see them here and here), which we imagine was much sooner than the network had intended. And though it’s rather stylish, I do find it visually jarring that the new cowl lacks a chin guard, something that digital artist extraordinaire Boss Logic has restored in their latest piece, which can be glimpsed below.
Obviously, I’m going to tune in for season 5, chin guard or no chin guard. And though I’m not going to be obnoxious about it, that very small part of the costume is something I’ve grown used to seeing over the past four years, so the change will take some time getting used to.
But if you’re going to take the time to waste your breath saying that Grant’s too skinny for the role of Barry Allen, my advice is that you don’t. I actually remember him enduring such criticism upon first being cast, but there’s no need for this hero to be the hulking mass that is someone like Batman or Superman, for it stands to reason that he’d have a jogger’s physique. Call me crazy, but that’s just how I see it.
The Flash returns for its fifth season on Tuesday, October 9 on The CW.
