DC David Hersch Cicada Fancast: Exploring the Forgotten Flash Villain
Introduction
When comic book fans discuss The Flash’s rogues’ gallery, names like Reverse-Flash, Captain Cold, and Gorilla Grodd often dominate the conversation. Yet, hidden in the darker corners of DC Comics history lies one of the most chilling and underrated foes: David Hersch, also known as Cicada. Unlike the flamboyant villains who rely on gadgets or brute strength, Cicada thrives on obsession, immortality, and cult-like control. With modern audiences hungry for new adaptations and the DC Universe entering a fresh era, a Cicada live-action appearance feels overdue. This article dives into his comic origins, his Arrowverse interpretation, and explores fan casting choices that could bring him to life on the big screen or in the DCU.
Who Is David Hersch / Cicada?
Early Comic Origins
David Hersch first appeared in The Flash (Vol. 2) #171 in 2001. His story is steeped in gothic tragedy. Born in 1890, Hersch lived a double life as both an architect and a preacher. His downfall came when, in a moment of uncontrolled rage, he murdered his wife Elizabeth. Stricken with despair, he attempted suicide but instead was struck by lightning—a twist of fate that changed him forever.
This event infused him with supernatural powers, most notably the ability to absorb the life force of others. Instead of aging and dying, Hersch’s body was sustained by the energy of his victims. Over time, he transformed into Cicada, a dark figure who claimed he was chosen by fate to resurrect his wife.
The Rise of a Cult Leader
Cicada was not a typical criminal mastermind. His worldview was steeped in twisted faith and guilt. Believing he could bring his wife back from the dead, he built a cult of followers who shared his obsession. His methods were gruesome—using jagged, lightning-shaped daggers to drain the life from innocent people. Most of his targets were individuals The Flash had previously saved, creating a chilling dynamic: Flash’s heroism inadvertently supplied Cicada with victims.
Powers and Abilities
Cicada’s abilities made him stand apart from other Flash villains:
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Life Force Absorption: He could steal vitality from his victims, healing himself in the process.
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Regeneration: With each life taken, his injuries vanished, and his lifespan extended indefinitely.
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Immortality: Having lived since the late 1800s, Cicada was practically undying.
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Mystical Daggers: His signature weapons, often connected to his powers, allowed him to channel energy and maintain psychic bonds with his cult.
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Charisma and Leadership: Unlike many villains, Cicada commanded loyalty, attracting followers who viewed him as a messiah.
Cicada in Other Media
Arrowverse Adaptation
In The CW’s The Flash TV series, Cicada appeared during Season 5. However, this version differed greatly from the comics. Instead of David Hersch, the main villain was Orlin Dwyer, a grieving uncle turned killer, portrayed by actor Chris Klein. This incarnation wielded a dagger powered by dark matter and harbored a vendetta against metahumans.
David Hersch did make a brief appearance as a variant within the multiverse, portrayed by Chris Webb, but he was overshadowed by Dwyer’s storyline. While the Arrowverse attempted to reimagine Cicada, many fans felt the show missed the haunting depth and cult-like influence that defined the original David Hersch.
Why Cicada Deserves a DCU Reintroduction
The upcoming DC Universe reboot led by James Gunn and Peter Safran offers a perfect opportunity to revive underused characters. Cicada is an ideal candidate for several reasons:
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Unique Tone: His dark, supernatural energy could set him apart from other Flash villains.
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Psychological Depth: Unlike speed-based rivals, Cicada embodies obsession, grief, and fanaticism, making him a villain of the mind as much as the body.
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Horror Influence: With his cult imagery and vampiric powers, Cicada could blend superhero storytelling with horror elements.
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Long-Term Threat: His immortality allows him to appear across multiple timelines and story arcs, tying different eras of The Flash together.
DC David Hersch Cicada Fancast
If Cicada were to be introduced in the DCU, the choice of actor would be critical. He needs to embody sorrow, menace, and leadership—someone who can terrify and captivate at the same time. Below are some compelling fan casting options.
Veteran Actors for Gravitas
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Mark Strong – Known for his commanding presence, Strong could perfectly embody Cicada’s cult leader qualities. His voice and intensity make him a natural fit.
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Ciarán Hinds – Bringing experience and gravitas, Hinds could portray Cicada as a haunted immortal weighed down by centuries of guilt.
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Tobin Bell – Famous for his role as Jigsaw in the Saw franchise, Bell already channels eerie cult-like energy that aligns with Cicada’s persona.
Darkly Charismatic Choices
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Ben Mendelsohn – With his ability to portray complex villains, Mendelsohn could balance Cicada’s vulnerability and cruelty.
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David Morse – Known for roles that carry emotional weight, Morse could give Cicada a tragic yet terrifying edge.
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Ralph Fiennes – His ability to project quiet menace and intellectual dominance could make Cicada a memorable and cerebral villain.
Outside-the-Box Options
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Josh Brolin – Already iconic as Thanos, Brolin could bring physical intimidation and depth to Cicada.
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Javier Bardem – His chilling intensity in No Country for Old Men proves he can embody unsettling characters.
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Michael Shannon – With his unique mix of ferocity and vulnerability, Shannon could redefine Cicada as one of the most menacing foes in the DCU.
How Cicada Could Be Used in the DCU
As a Flash Villain
Cicada could headline a psychological thriller-style Flash film, pushing Barry Allen to confront not just speed but mortality and morality.
As a Shared Universe Threat
Due to his immortality, Cicada could appear across eras, linking stories from Justice League Dark, Constantine, or even Batman, all of whom deal with the supernatural.
In a Horror-Inspired Project
Cicada’s cult could serve as the foundation for a horror-driven DCU series, focusing on the eerie rituals and sacrifices his followers perform.
Conclusion
David Hersch, the original Cicada, is one of DC Comics’ most overlooked villains. With his tragic origin, immortality, and cult-like power, he stands apart from other Flash enemies. The Arrowverse only scratched the surface of his potential, leaving plenty of room for a fresh, terrifying adaptation in the DCU.
A carefully chosen actor—whether a veteran like Mark Strong or an unconventional pick like Javier Bardem—could bring Cicada to life as a figure of both sorrow and menace. If given the right spotlight, Cicada could evolve from a forgotten comic book character into one of the most chilling cinematic villains in the DC Universe.