Flash: Coming to The CW, Dr. Barry Allen to Be Introduced on Arrow

The CW is set to delve into another comic book superhero.

In his session today at the Television Critics Association summer press tour, network President Mark Pedowitz told reporters that Arrow Season 2 will introduce Dr. Barry Allen as a recurring character.

As dedicated DC fans know, Allen is the alter-ego of The Flash. The character is a forensic scientist who gains special powers of speed when a lightning bolt shatters a case of chemicals that spill all over him.

Look for Allen to be introduced with an eye toward spinning him off into his very own Flash television series.

“We plan to introduce… the origin story of Dr. Barry Allen," said Pedowitz, explaining that he wants The CW to have a flag firmly planted in in the DC world and "this was a very organic way to get there.”

We'll update this story with more direct quotes and information when they become available, but visit our Arrow forum now and sound off: Is this a good idea?

And, of course, who should be cast as Flash?

Among other tidbits relayed by Pedowitz:

• Nikita Season 4 will likely premiere in mid-November. The final two episodes may be combined into one two-hour finale.
• There are no plans to cancel Supernatural. Keep watching and it will keep airing.
• Pedowitz is "somewhat confident" The Originals can build an audience despite stiff Tuesday competition from Agents of SHIELD and NCIS.

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.