Is Rick Flag Sr. Dead? The Shocking Truth Across DC Comics And The New DCU

The question of whether Rick Flag Sr. is dead is a classic example of DC Comics' complex, multi-layered continuity, where the answer depends entirely on which universe you are looking at. As of December 15, 2025, the General Richard Bill "Rick" Flag, Sr. of the classic comic book universe is definitively deceased, having made the ultimate sacrifice decades ago. However, the character has experienced a massive, high-profile resurgence in the new DC Universe (DCU) media slate, where he is not only alive but is set to be a major, recurring, and often antagonistic figure, played by actor Frank Grillo.

This dichotomy is crucial for any fan of the Suicide Squad or Task Force X. His legacy as the founder of the original World War II-era black-ops team is cemented, but his current status as a living, breathing General and Director of A.R.G.U.S. in the DCU makes him one of the most relevant characters in the franchise today. To understand his true fate, we must separate the comic book legend from the modern cinematic general.

The Definitive Biography and Comic Book Fate of Richard Flag, Sr.

To fully appreciate the character's legacy and the significance of his death, it is essential to first establish his canonical history within the comic book source material. Rick Flag, Sr. is not merely a background character; he is the original architect of the concept that would eventually evolve into the infamous Suicide Squad.

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• Full Name: General Richard Montgomery Flag, Sr. (also Richard Bill Flag, Sr.) [cite: 1, 3, 10 from step 3]
• First Appearance (Post-Crisis): Secret Origins #14 (January 1987). [cite: 1, 3, 4, 7 from step 3] This issue, written by John Ostrander and drawn by Luke McDonnell, established his modern history. [cite: 3 from step 3]
• Key Role: Founder and leader of the original World War II-era Suicide Squadron (later known as Task Force X). [cite: 7 from step 2] This team was a precursor to the modern Suicide Squad led by his son.
• Era: Golden Age/World War II. His team included characters like Kyle "Ace" Morgan and Martin Jordan (Hal Jordan's father). [cite: 1 from step 2]
• Family: Father of Richard Rogers Flag Jr. (Rick Flag Jr.), the field commander of the modern Suicide Squad. [cite: 2 from step 2]
• The Death: The definitive comic book death of Rick Flag Sr. occurred during a mission where he faced the fearsome Nazi weapon known as the War Wheel. [cite: 6 from step 2] With no other way to stop the devastating machine, Flag, Sr. performed a heroic, suicidal act, flying his plane directly into the War Wheel, destroying it and sacrificing his life for his country and his team. [cite: 6 from step 2]
• Post-Death Status: In the classic New Earth continuity, this sacrifice cemented his status as a fallen war hero. While DC Comics has rebooted its universe multiple times (New 52, Rebirth, Dawn of DC), his original heroic death has largely remained the canonical end for the classic version of the character, with no major resurrection story in the main continuity to date.

The DCU's Shocking Reversal: Rick Flag Sr. is Alive and a Major Player

The most significant and current information on Rick Flag Sr.'s status comes not from the comic pages but from the new, interconnected DC Universe (DCU) helmed by James Gunn and Peter Safran. In this new canon, Rick Flag Sr. is not a deceased war hero but a very much alive, powerful, and often morally ambiguous government official.

This fresh take on the character has completely redefined his relevance, transforming him from a historical figure into a contemporary antagonist and power broker. His status as a living character is a major departure from the comics, designed to set up long-term storytelling and conflict within the DCU.

General Rick Flag Sr.: Director of A.R.G.U.S. and DCU Antagonist

In the new screen universe, General Rick Flag Sr. is portrayed by actor Frank Grillo, a casting choice that immediately signals a significant, hardened presence. [cite: 4 from step 1] His new role places him at the very heart of the DCU's black-ops infrastructure, directly contrasting with the comic's focus on his son, Rick Flag Jr., who was tragically killed by Peacemaker in The Suicide Squad (2021). [cite: 3 from step 1]

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His current status and future appearances confirm his pivotal role:

• Director of A.R.G.U.S.: He is established as a high-ranking General and the Director of A.R.G.U.S. (Advanced Research Group Uniting Super-Humans), the clandestine government agency that oversees Task Force X. This role puts him in direct command of figures like Amanda Waller, even if their relationship is complex. [cite: 10 from step 3]
• Creature Commandos (2024): Flag Sr. was prominently featured in the animated series, where he was introduced as an operative under Amanda Waller, dealing with the grief of his son's death. This series established the character's personality: a professional soldier with an uncompromising will. [cite: 5 from step 2]
• Peacemaker Season 2: Frank Grillo’s Flag Sr. is set to be a major antagonist in the second season of the series. [cite: 4 from step 1] This is a crucial role that will likely explore his grief, his intense patriotism, and his potentially dark methods as he deals with the consequences of his son's death at the hands of Peacemaker. [cite: 9 from step 2]
• Future DCU Plans: Flag Sr. is being positioned as a recurring, key figure across the DCU slate, similar to a "Phil Coulson" type character in earlier cinematic universes, but with a more antagonistic edge. [cite: 10 from step 2] His appearance in the DCU's future, possibly even in the new Superman movie, suggests he will be one of the main human faces of government oversight and opposition to metahumans. [cite: 8 from step 2]

The Legacy of Rick Flag: A Tale of Two Fates

The confusion surrounding "Is Rick Flag Sr. dead?" is a perfect illustration of how the DC multiverse operates. The answer is a resounding "Yes and No," depending on the medium. This dual status provides a rich narrative tapestry for the character, allowing his legacy to be honored while his living counterpart creates entirely new conflicts.

The Heroic Sacrifice vs. The General's Grief

The comic book version of Rick Flag Sr. represents the ultimate military ideal: a hero who dies in a blaze of glory to save his comrades and end a threat. His story is one of pure, unblemished sacrifice, a foundational myth for the entire Task Force X concept. [cite: 6 from step 2]

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The DCU version, however, is a man defined by tragedy and institutional power. He is a decorated General who has outlived his son, Rick Flag Jr., and is now forced to operate in a world of super-humans and moral compromise under Amanda Waller's shadow. [cite: 2 from step 2] This version allows writers to explore themes of government overreach, the cost of black-ops warfare, and the emotional toll of leading a life of secrets and violence. The death of his son is a driving force, making him a character motivated by personal vengeance and professional duty.

Key Entities and Topical Authority

Understanding Rick Flag Sr.'s importance requires recognizing the key entities tied to his name, which solidify his topical authority in the DC Universe:

• The Suicide Squadron: The original World War II team he led, which established the precedent for using expendable assets in high-risk missions.
• The War Wheel: The Nazi super-weapon he sacrificed himself to destroy, a symbol of his ultimate heroism.
• A.R.G.U.S.: The government agency he now directs in the DCU, the body responsible for all metahuman and black-ops activity.
• Frank Grillo: The actor who embodies the current, living version of the character, making him a recognizable face for the new DCU era.
• Peacemaker: The anti-hero responsible for his son's death, setting up a major conflict for the future of the DCU.
• Richard Flag Jr.: His deceased son, whose memory fuels the General's actions and grief.

In conclusion, if you are reading a classic DC comic, Rick Flag Sr. is a deceased war hero. If you are watching any of the new DCU projects, he is a very much alive, powerful, and dangerous General whose story is just beginning to unfold on screen, positioning him as one of the franchise’s most compelling figures.