Eugene "Flash" Thompson is a comic book character in the Marvel Comics universe, part of the supporting cast of Spider-Man (Peter Parker). He was created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko.

History

Thompson was a high school classmate of Peter Parker. During high school, Thompson was portrayed as a jock who continually bullied Peter. After the two of them entered Empire State University, Flash Thompson became less hostile to Peter. Over time Flash matured and mellowed and became friends with Peter. He was even best man at the wedding of Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson.

Thompson has had relationships with several of Peter's girlfriends. In high school, he was Liz Allan's boyfriend. He was once romantically involved with Mary Jane Watson, who would eventually later marry Peter. He has also had affairs with Betty Brant and Felicia Hardy (the Black Cat).

He was once accused of being the Hobgoblin, a supervillain, though he was later acquitted.

Other continuities

In the 2002 film Spider-Man Thompson was played by Joe Manganiello.

In the Ultimate Marvel continuity, Flash Thompson is a jock who attends the same high school as and bullies Peter. It was revealed after Gwen Stacy's death that he had a crush on her.