CREDIT: DC Comics
Rating: 4.5/5 – A Must Read for Enjoyment and its Ties to Rebirth.
By ComicSpectrum senior reviewer Shawn Hoklas.
Within the New 52, two of my biggest disappointments were the handling of Superman and the Flash. Except for Action Comics, Superman and Flash didn’t make the cut in my extensive read pile for a variety of reasons, but mostly because they just didn’t feel like the characters I knew and loved. Last week I reviewed the Superman: Rebirth title and it felt great to welcome “my” Superman back. This week, I can now say the same thing about Flash! This Rebirth issue, tying heavily into Geoff Johns’ Rebirth book from a couple weeks back moves that story forward and provides Barry’s perspective on his encounter with Wally, sets the stage for Barry’s first storyline in the post Rebirth DC Universe, and gives us a Flash that has heart and embraces the idea of legacy that was promised when Rebirth was first announced.
Writer Joshua Williamson throws the reader a curveball in the first few pages by making us think we’re seeing what we’ve seen before, but is actually setting the stage for the storyline we’ll most likely be reading more about in issue number one. Williamson then jumps right back into the mysteries and emotional scenes that we saw in Rebirth. Although this issue does provide a great jumping on point for Flash readers who may have given up on the title during the New 52 run, the DC Rebirth book could be considered required reading as a large portion of this issue deals with events from that book. Wiliamson wonderfully balances giving new readers or fans of the TV show enough to welcome them aboard, as well as giving more hints and follow through on what was introduced into the DCU from Johns’ Rebirth.
Carmine Di Giandomenico does a wonderful job of making Flash seem lithe, sleek and fast. There’s an obvious respect and nod to Carmine Infantino’s Flash work, and a particular panel that looks as though he was channeling Infantino himself. The costume has also been scaled down to provide a more classic feel and my only complaint is that at times, there’s too many speed force lines or a couple panels where Barry is standing still and the lighting is arcing all around him, giving the panel a “too busy” and messy feel. Overall though, Di Giandomenico does a great job of presenting the scarlet speedster and visualizing his movement which when combined with the writing, makes this another great premiere for DC.
If you’re like me and you parted ways with the Flash during the New 521, now is the time to give the book a chance to reconnect with you. The title seems to be in great hands with Joshua Williamson and Flash seems to be playing a huge role in DC’s larger Rebirth storyline. You might want to race to the shop before this issue disappears in a flash, leaving only the inevitable reprints!
Reviewed by: Shawn Hoklas
(shawn@comicspectrum.com)
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