It’s been something DC fans have been anticipating ever since it was announced – how will the CW suit up Grant Gustin as he takes over the role as ‘The Flash’? Wonder no longer as the CW has released the first image of Barry Allen as his superhero alter ego:

The costume was designed by three-time Oscar winner Colleen Atwood who has worked on many genre films such as ‘Alice in Wonderland’ (which won her one of her Oscars), ‘Dark Shadows’, ‘Edward Scissorhands’ and ‘Planet of the Apes’. She also designed the costumes for the upcoming film adaptation of Stephen Sonheim ‘s ‘Into the Woods’. Atwood is not new to the DC world as she was also the person who designed the Hood’s suit in ‘Arrow’.

One thing that immediately comes to mind looking at the still is that the suit (at least the head portion of it) is a lot more muted than the suit in the comics. Also, there are no protruding lightening flash pieces coming off the ears. While the photo is meant to tease the fans (which it does tremendously), it would be nice if a full body picture was also included in the release, but that is something the CW is probably waiting until production is in full swing next week.

Starring with Gustin in ‘The Flash’ will be Jesse L. Martin as Detective West (who is said to be a father figure of sorts to Barry Allen), Danielle Panabaker as Caitlin Snow (who plays a scientist who helps Barry learn to use his powers), Tom Cavanagh as Harrison Wells (the man who owns Central City’s S.T.A.R. Labs Particle Accelerator and is considered a rock star in the world of physics), Candice Patton as Iris West (best friend of Barry’s, daughter of Detective West and possible love interest – – look out Felicity!), Rick Cosnett as Detective Eddie Thawne (who may eventually become the Flash’s arch enemy as the Reverse Flash) and Carlos Valdes as Cisco Ramon (Barry’s best friend and who in the comics becomes the superhero Vibe).  As a nod to the 90s version of the series, John Wesley Shipp has been taped to play a mysterious role that will be unveiled in the pilot episode.

So, what do you think of the updated look of the Flash?