DC has announced that Greg LaRocque will be joining writer William Messner-Loebs for DC Retroactive: The Flash 1980s in August. This is the second of three *ahem* flashback one-shots bringing back classic creative teams to tell “lost tales” set during their original 1970s, 1980s and 1990s runs. Each issue features a new 26-page lead story and a reprint from the writer’s original run.
DC RETROACTIVE: THE FLASH – THE ’80s #1
The ’80s were a decade that forever changed the Scarlet Speedster. Now telling a new story from that era will be the creative team of artist Greg LaRouque and writer William Messner-Loebs.
ONE-SHOT • On sale AUGUST 3 • 56 pg, FC, $4.99 US • RATED T
Yes! I was hoping they’d get Greg LaRocque back for this! Starting in 1988, LaRocque drew the Flash for Messner-Loebs’ entire 4-year run on the Wally West series, and several years of Mark Waid’s, finishing with the classic, The Return of Barry Allen.
The July 1970s Flash special by Cary Bates was announced earlier this month, and we can expect more details on Brian Augustyn’s 1990s special in a few weeks.
Meanwhile, check out The Source to read about the other 1980s specials focusing on Superman, Wonder Woman, etc.
Well, I was already going to buy this, now I’m definitely buying it!!
LOVED LaRocque’s work on the Flash!!
Why not just read some back issues? I’m just not getting why DC is doing this. I enjoy the old tales as much as anyone (maybe more), but is this really the direction DC (and Marvel’s “Iron Age”) the biz needs to be going? It’s not exactly going to do wonders for the stereotype of the backwards-gazing, nostalgia-addled fanboy. If we really want to bring back these “classic creators”, why not give them something NEW and modern to write, and not confine them to the “nostalgia ghetto”?
I am really looking forward to this, although it would be great to see him draw Wally’s suit from #50. Maybe he can do the 90s one as well, since he was on the book til 1994?
Mark – uhh, for the same reason famous singers tend to sing their greatest hits at concerts; people have clamoured for years for more of the Claremont/Byrne X-Men, or for Frank Miller to return to Batman and Daredevil. And so on. These “returns” often disappoint, because you can’t really go home again.
But this movement isn’t the least bit new, either – bringing back Bob Kane for Batman pinups in the 70s and 80s, Gil Kane drawing Green Lantern in the 80s, Martin Nodell drawing Alan Scott in the 90s, Tony Isabella writing Black Lightning in the 90s, etc. etc.
I’m not really into this Retro-Active thing myself. But I get that it’s one part tribute, one part celebration, and certainly a lot of readers are excited. Meaning I can be happy for them…even if I don’t dig the idea much. Let the other kids play, man.
Sure wish they’d hinted at what would be IN the story…
slam dunk. artist choice for augustyn? how about mignola. keystone by flashlight.
Can’t wait for this!
See kids?
Dreams can come true