Bart Allen dies a hero - so who'll be the next Flash?

"And come he slow, or come he fast, it is but death who comes at last."

- Sir Walter Scott

The above quote comes at the end of the shocking death of Bart Allen - the fourth hero to wear the mantle and bear the burden of being the Flash, the Fastest Man Alive - in "The Flash" No. 13.

Ever since Marc Guggenheim took over the reins on this title, he helped young Bart grow quickly into his role following a slow start to the title's relaunch. This culminates in this tragic issue, in which Bart proves himself a hero once and for all by going up against his most deadly foes while stripped of the Speed Force that grants him his, well, speed.

Despite his determination and fighting skills, he is still brought down and about to be killed when Kadabra - echoing the sentiments of many readers - says, "I want to kill the Flash. All of us do. But look at him . . . This . . . child. He isn't the Flash."

That admonition spurs Bart to perform a final heroic act and save the lives of thousands. He should be comforted in knowing that his death was one of the most epic, touching and heroic in the history of comics.

The death of Bart only a year after DC's major "Flash" relaunch has shocked many. Much as Barry Allen - the best-known Flash - took over the title of Fastest Man Alive from the still-kicking Jay Garrick from the 1960s to the 1980s, and much as Wally West did the same for the past two decades, after Barry's death; so Bart was being promoted by DC as the Flash for a whole new generation.

Which leads to a few questions. Did DC have this planned all along? Was Dan Didio kidding when he said he had a two-year plan for the new Bart Allen Flash or did he and DC simply change course after the first few issues of this new series were savaged by fans and critics alike? With "The Flash" series set to resume with the previous numbering (No. 231), does that mean they were building up anticipation for the return of Wally West? Or would they possibly consider bringing Barry Allen back?

Those answers will start coming with "All Flash" No. 1 and "The Flash" No. 231. In the meantime, take the time to mourn the passing of a true hero.

During a panel at Wizard World Philly last weekend, comics titan and "Painkiller Jane" co-creator Jimmy Palmiotti revealed that TV Jane Kristanna Loken was not interested in doing the SCI FI show until she read the comics, and that SCI FI is obligated to show all 22 episodes of the show's first season.

Palmiotti said that SCI FI is pleased that the show is bringing a new demographic to the channel, as its audience is 47 percent female.

"The ratings can be better," he said, "but we really don't have a female audience for our shows."

Palmiotti said an episode he wrote will air July 13 and will be the closest to his vision of the character. He added that he has other ideas out there that Hollywood is interested in even if "Painkiller Jane" doesn't make it.

But he won't step over people to get ahead. For example, he had this idea for a big-budget movie that he brought to the attention of a well-known Hollywood director, who liked it. According to Palmiotti, when they pitched the idea to a major studio, he was informed it wanted to do the movie and to give him a $100 million budget, but the studio wanted a different director.

"So I said no thanks," he said. "I'm extremely loyal to people, especially people who helped get me where I am today."

Perhaps the best party of Wizard weekend was the Trocadero burlesque event hosted by Zenescope - best known for their adult take on children's stories in "Grimm Fairy Tales."

Possibly the most fun of the evening was provided by Skeletor (yes, that Skeletor, from He-Man infamy), who took the stage and sang entertaining albeit violence-themed versions of songs like "Tomorrow" from "Annie."

You really had to be there.

Lastly, Comics Guy got to introduce model/actress/singer Dazza Del Rio to South Street. She enjoyed her first Philly cheesesteak at Jim's Steaks and says she loved the vibe. She also had fun learning to order the Philly way, asking for a "Steak. Wiz. Wit."

Dazza says she can't wait to come back next year and experience more of the city. Comics Guy can't wait to have her come back, either. *

E-mail comicsguy@phillynews.com