The recently released The Flash movie introduced Albert Desmond as one of Barry Allen’s friends. In the DC comics, Albert Desmond is also known as Doctor Alchemy, one of the many villains who locks horns with Barry. Why is Albert Desmond so important? Who is Doctor Alchemy? And how can he impact Barry’s future? Let’s find it out.
Who Is Doctor Alchemy in the DCU?
Albert Desmond, a.k.a. Doctor Alchemy, is portrayed by Rudy Mancuso in The Flash.
The Andy Muschietti-directed film introduces Albert as one of Barry’s crime lab colleagues at the Central City Crime Department. Initially, he doesn’t do much except spend all his time on his overboard and mock Barry (Ezra Miller) for taking his job too seriously. Alongside Albert, the story also saw the debut of Patty Spivot (Saoirse-Monica Jackson), another of Barry’s friends. When Barry travels back in time later in the movie, he finds out the Albert and Patty 2013 variants are roommates during his student days and are dating.
The latest DC film doesn’t directly mention Doctor Alchemy. Currently, the fate of major DC heroes is upended due to the upcoming DC Universe overhaul at the hands of James Gunn. It isn’t clear what will happen with Albert nor whether he’ll eventually become Doctor Alchemy.
Created by writer John Broome and artist Carmine Infantino, Albert Desmond first appeared in Showcase #13 in 1958. Desmond was a chemist who developed a device called the Philosopher’s Stone, which granted him the power to transmute elements and control matter at a molecular level. Using his newfound abilities, he assumed a new identity as Doctor Alchemy and became a recurring enemy of the Flash.
Over the years, other individuals have taken up the mantle of Doctor Alchemy both in the comics and live-action adaptations. Notably, a character named Julian Albert Desmond (portrayed by Harry Potter alum Tom Felton) appeared in The CW’s The Flash, representing a sort of Doctor Alchemy.
