Flash

The Flash #0

the-flash-new-52-0-coverAlthough not all DC’s Zero Issues have been actual origin tales (which is weird, because I thought that was the point?), Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato deliver just that in this retelling of the Flash‘s origin, the accident that gifted a police scientist with super-speed, and Barry’s Allen’s first adventure as the Scarlet Speedster.

For those familiar with Barry Allen, especially writer Geoff Johnsrecent retelling his origin which introduces the idea of the unsolved murder of his mother which drove Barry to become a cop, there’s no much new. However, the use of Barry’s father as the man, innocent or not, convicted of her murder is worth noting. As is Barry’s obsession with proving his innocence.

Flash #0 also gives us the lighting strike which gifted Barry with his super-speed (thankfully the New 52 doesn’t figure out a way to “improve” the classic retelling the way they screwed up Captain Marvel), Barry’s creation of the suit which fits in his ring, and his first action all clad in red and yellow. Worth a look.

[DC, $2.99]

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The Flash Annual #1

the-flash-new-52-annual-1-coverIt’s all been leading to this. The Flash takes on The Rogues… with the help of Captain Cold? Presented in a series of chapters, each drawn by a different artist (sadly none of which are done by Francis Manapul), The Flash Annual #1 may not be a great issue but there’s plenty here to talk about.

The story begins with a little backstory on Barry Allen and his father (which, to be honest, does feel more than a little like filler). We also finally see some of the backstory of the Rogues themselves, including how they came to have their super-powers thanks to Darwin Elias. Sigh, I guess this character is here to stay despite no rational explanation for any of his actions.

Speeding up, the comic picks up where Flash #12 left off as the Scarlet Speester and Captain Cold take on Glider, Mirror Master, Weather Wizard, the Trickster, and Heat Wave. Throw in plenty of action, a last second double cross, the return of Turbine, and a crazy ending involving Gorilla Grodd and and army of apes and even at $5 you’re going to get most of your money’s worth. Worth a look.

[DC, $4.99]

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The Flash #12

the-flash-new-52-12-coverThe latest issue of The Flash is mainly set-up putting the final pieces in place for next week’s The Flash Annual #1 featuring the Scarlet Speedster against The Rogues. Glider gathers the rests of The Rogues (including the first appearance of The Trickster), leaves her brother (Captain Cold) for dead, and manages to frame the Flash for murder without breaking a sweat.

Fans of the series should get their money’s worth, but if you’re looking to save a couple bucks you could probably skip this issue and jump right into next week’s Annual without missing much other than the Flash‘s confrontation with Darwin Elias (that do much to explain the scientist’s recent actions anyway).

The issue’s certainly not bad, but to get the payoff this storyline has been slowly building to it looks like readers are going to have to put down a little extra cash to pick up the annual next week. On the plus side writer/artist Francis Manapul has set up an annual that looks like it’s definitely worth picking up (which, as those who have read comics for a while know, that’s usually not the case). Worth a look.

[DC, $2.99]

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The Flash #11

The Flash #11The latest issue of The Flash begins a new story arc as the Scarlet Speedster has relocated to Keystone City letting everyone back home believe Barry Allen is dead. I’m less sure about The Flash leaving Central City than Barry Allen letting his true identity die (which I’m really not in favor of), but as long as writers Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato keep this arc relatively short I’m willing to see how things play out.

Barry gets himself a job in one of Keystone City’s super-villain dives where on the first day of work he has to suit up and stop a brawl between Captain Cold and Heat Wave. The Flash makes quick work of the two villains, but on the way back to prison they’re surprised by a visit from the Golden Glider.

I enjoyed Barry as the Flash, but I’m still unsure of his life out of costume in this arc. It’s also interesting to note that in the New 52 Keystone City is compared to Gotham in terms of in terms of high levels of crime and corruption. We’ll see what the Flash has to say about that. Worth a look.

[DC, $2.99]

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The Flash #10

the-flash-new-52-10-coverFollowing the format of the last couple of issues, Flash #10 continues with the introduction of another New 52 version of the hero’s Rogues Gallery, the Weather Wizard, as the Flash attempts to track down Patty Spivot to tell her Barry Allen is the Flash.

The open pages are a little odd, and I certainly felt like I missed an issue through most of the first-half of the comic. Thankfully the story is filled later, but it is a little awkwardly done (almost as an afterthought).

The Weather Wizard has always been one of the Flash’s more lackluster villains, so the new version doesn’t have much to live up to. The introduction to the character works all right, but he’s still the least interesting of the New 52 Rogues so far.

Given his need to keep running, which keeps getting in the way of Barry’s life, and his desire to no longer hurt Patty anymore, the Flash decides Barry Allen needs to stay dead. I’m not sure I like this turn, or leaving Iris still stuck in limbo, but I’ll stick around to see how it plays out. Up next, Heat Wave. Worth a look.

[DC, $2.99]

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