I don’t know about most of you but, I’m guessing that DC is taking the GL approach to The Flash right now. First we got Green Lantern then a year later we got Green Lantern Corps. Both titles do well in their own right and crossover stories work so much better with both titles giving us differing views toward the same end result.

But back to what Craig said above. I don’t really see Barry being the integral part of The Flash family of characters. Sure the powers that be have brought him back to life etc. Great fine whatever works. The primary driving force in The Flash titles has always been the Rogues. Having two equally powerful characters as The Flash(and yes I believe Wally and Barry to be equals not one better than the other… though we will all be wanting the story of who is The Fastest Man Alive eventually) should make the Rogues stand up and take notice.

That there’s a valid economic reason behind it doesn’t eliminate the irony.

That said, I doubt they expected it to be embraced as it has, or for Hal to become such an important player across the DCU.

First issues often are oversized, just like anniversary issues are. Despite DC moving away from co-features, anniversary issues (issue #1, #50, etc.) are still going to be oversized.

Those types of issues sell through the roof, as an extra page count does nothing to reduce interest in what are landmark celebrations.

Whereas issue # 5 of an extended, decompressed arc? Yeah, that extra $1 for what is basically filler material can drag sales down, which explains DC’s reduced interest in co-features.

If this new Flash series tanks the way the last two relaunches did, DC may very well put the franchise on hold for a few years (like they’re doing with Aquaman now) until they can get a good team together and a solid idea for another relaunch.

Although given Geoff’s history with the Flash, and the name of the first arc, this series will probably focus more on the Rogues than on Barry anyway.

“We’re going to avoid the $3.99 price point — well, except for the next book we announce after making that decision.”

Understandable in the “I’ll go on a diet, but first I’m going to eat this cake” way, but it’s still a contradiction.

Also, solicits also list a double pack of Flash action figures (Barry and Jay).

It’s an oversized first issue. Just like the Justice League relaunch had. Or the Green Lantern one had. Or the first issues of Blackest Night, and Infinite Crisis, and so on.

I agree it’s strange about the dropping a co-feature but going oversized, but maybe the co-feature was going to debut in #2? Anyways, very excited about this new series and having a Flash title on the shelf every month.
.-= Luke’s latest blog post: Hawkman Paper Doll by… Alex Ross?! =-.