Monthly Archives: August 2009

Can the Flash Survive Another 6-Part Epic Relaunch?

The writers and artists have changed. The face under the Flash’s mask has changed. But there’s one thing that the three Flash relaunches we’ve seen since Infinite Crisis all share: pacing.

For some reason, every time DC has relaunched the Flash lately, they’ve done it with a slow burn.

Rising Action: Speedsters Slowing Down

Now, I have no problem with slow burns in general. I really did like most of Final Crisis, for instance (and that was almost all slow burn), and as frustrating as Flash: Ignition was at the time, I really like the story in retrospect — but as a break from the crazy pace of Run Riot and Blitz. Just about everything I’ve read or watched by JMS has used a slow build-up to something huge, from Babylon 5 to Squadron Supreme (some to better effect than others).

But I don’t think it’s the best structure to launch a character whose main claim to fame is speed…especially when it’s serialized.

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Creator Catch-Up: Johns on Shazam, EVS & Guice at C2E2, Remembering Ringo

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The Hollywood Reporter, well, reports that Geoff Johns will co-write a Shazam! movie with Billy Birch. So, what do you think? Is Geoff Johns cut out to write a super-hero with a red costume that has yellow and white trim and a lightning motif? featuring Captain Marvel (via CBR and )

Flash artists Ethan Van Sciver (Flash: Rebirth) and Jackson Guice (early Wally West solo issues) are among the guests of honor at C2E2 in Chicago next year.

Ain’t It Cool News talks with Geoff Johns about Blackest Night, Flash: Rebirth, and the Flash and Green Lantern movies.

More sites remember Mike Wieringo: Panels on Pages remembers the artist through Tellos. Pipeline reprints the original column with some updates on matters such as the ‘Ringo scholarship, the What If…? tribute book, and so forth.

Quick Link: Comic-Con 2009 Index

One Week to Flash: Rebirth #4

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It’s been a long wait since issue 3, but Flash: Rebirth #4 is not only on DC’s schedule for August 26, it’s on Diamond’s upcoming releases list for comics shipping next week. It’s very rare for a book to slip once it’s made it to that list, though it does happen from time to time. (Hey, Dabel Bros.! Where’s Robert Jordan’s New Spring #7!) *ahem!*

Here’s the current schedule:

Issue	Orig. Date	Actual Date	Gap	Delay
Flash: Rebirth #1	April 1	April 1	3 months*	On time
Flash: Rebirth #2	May 6	May 6	5 weeks	On time
Flash: Rebirth #3	June 10	June 10	5 weeks	On time
Flash: Rebirth #4	July 22	Aug. 26	11 weeks	5 weeks
Flash: Rebirth #5	Aug. 26	Oct. 14**	7 weeks	7 weeks
Flash: Rebirth #6	Sep. 30	Nov. 25**	6 weeks	8 weeks

*Since Flash v.2 #247

**Well, currently-scheduled date, anyway.

This Week (Aug 19) – Brave and the Bold, etc.

Flash in Wednesday Comics has passed the half-way mark, and Gorilla Grodd also makes an appearance in Superman/Batman. Plus there’s Tiny Titans, Super Friends and a guest spot in the latest Brave and the Bold collection.

Wednesday Comics #7

The Flash battles Gorilla Grodd and tries to date Iris West in a story written by Karl Kerschl (Teen Titans Year One, The Flash: The Fastest Man Alive) and Brenden Fletcher with art by Karl Kerschl.

Wednesday Comics will arrive in stores folded twice to 7″ x 10″.

7″ x 10″, 16 pg, FC, $3.99 US.

Superman/Batman #63

Written by Michael Green & Mike Johnson
Art and cover by Rafael Albuquerque

It’s the start of an all-new arc bringing an old foe back from the dead who endangers the loved ones of both Superman and Batman! With Lois Lane and Alfred Pennyworth kidnapped, the secrets of the World’s Finest heroes are an open book for one villain to exploit.

32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

Notes: Again, not clear whether there are any Flashes, but that’s Gorilla Grodd on the cover. Also: The Source has a preview.

The Brave and the Bold: The Book of Destiny TP

Written by Mark Waid
Art by George Pérez and Jerry Ordway
Cover by George Pérez

Collecting issues #7-12 of The Brave and the Bold in trade paperback! The Book of Destiny’s been opened, and it will take the combined might of Superman, The Flash, the Metal Men, the Blackhawks, the Atom, Hawkman, Aquaman, the Teen Titans, the Newsboy Legion and more to prevent certain doom!

160 pg, FC, $17.99 US

Note: This includes the Flash/Doom Patrol story from just after the Wally West relaunch, regarded by many as the best Flash story during Waid’s brief return to the character in 2007.

Super Friends #18

Written by Sholly Fisch
Art and cover by J. Bone

Meet the Bizarro Super Friends! This am not the solicit for the next boring issue of SUPER FRIENDS! We hate the Super Friends and no want you to steal this right now!

32 pg, FC, $2.50 US

Tiny Titans #19

Written by Art Baltazar & Franco
Art and cover by Art Baltazar

Love is in the air…and in Titans Treehouse! Plasmus and Bumblebee are hanging out more, and the other Titans are starting to notice. And Robin just wants to write his school report, but for some reason the girls won’t leave him alone. Plus, the return of the Titans Ape Club! Eek!

32 pg, FC, $2.50 US

Flash Comics for November

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DC’s November 2009 Solicitations are up at Newsarama and elsewhere. There’s Blackest Night, the usual team books…and the rescheduled Flash: Rebirth conclusion.

The Flash: Rebirth #6

Written by Geoff Johns
Art and covers by Ethan Van Sciver

In a battle along the outskirts of time, the secrets of the Speed Force have been revealed! The new archnemesis of those who ride the lightning is coming for Iris Allen. And the Barry Allen you knew is gone forever…or is he? What change does Wally West face? What destiny will Kid Flash choose? Prepare to meet a Flash Family that’s both familiar and different…and get to the starting line for the next epic adventures of the Speed Force!

Retailers please note: This issue will ship with two covers. For every 25 copies of the Standard Edition (with a cover by Ethan Van Sciver), retailers may order one copy of the Variant Edition (with a cover by Ethan Van Sciver). Please see the Previews Order Form for more information.

On sale November 25 (rescheduled) • 6 of 6 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

Edit: Just to clarify, Flash: Rebirth #6 isn’t in the November solicitations. It was previously solicited with a September shipping date and rescheduled. I’ve included it here for completeness.

Team books and more after the cut.

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