Flash

• Title: The Flash #0
• Comic Vine: link
• Writers: Francis Manapul, Brian Buccellato
• Artist: Francis Manapul

Although 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 Johns‘ recent 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]

• Title: The Flash #12
• Comic Vine: link
• Writers: Francis Manapul, Brian Buccellato
• Artist: Francis Manapul

The 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]

• Title: The Flash #11
• Comic Vine: link
• Writers: Francis Manapul, Brian Buccellato
• Artist: Francis Manapul

The 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]