The presence of all the new forces (Strength, Still, Sage) is causing the Speed Force to fade away. Barry and all the speedsters are getting slower. Without something to turn things around, the Speed Force itself will die! Who can save the Speed Force? By now we have that answer – but the presence of [REDACTED] places all other force users in danger! Barry is once again trying to save everyone, but that plan is quickly falling apart. That’s where we pick up in THE FLASH #78 – want to know more? Follow us after the jump!
SPOILERS AHEAD!
When we left things last issue, Psych had turned on everyone else. He was setting them up to be killed by the Black Flash in his place. Since he can mentally control the rest of the group, this makes for a very tough battle. Barry uses the connection of the Speed and Still forces to break that hold…but Psych still gets away. He’s using his powers to stay hidden from the rest – but that use of power paints a huge target on his back for the Black Flash! We’ll come back to that in a moment, but first…
We find Sam Scudder in the aftermath of one insane party in Malibu. Lisa Snart has left him, and he just wants to party his way through the pain. Captain Cold, Heat Wave, and Weather Wizard have other plans, of course. The band is getting back together, whether Sam is really ready or not…
Back to the Speed Lab (hidden inside the Flash Museum). Barry and Commander Cold may not be able to track Psych…but they can track the Black Flash. Barry goes alone, knowing that Fuerza and Steadfast would be in mortal danger if they went with him. Commander Cold freezes them in place to let Barry run this one by himself. He does catch up…but too late for Psych. The Black Flash has killed Psych!
NOTES:
- This quick description of the issue doesn’t do the story justice. FLASH #78 is heavy on action, and paced exceptionally well. I’m enjoying this huge twist on the Black Flash – we have an antagonist who is more than able to match Barry’s speed, and whose only purpose is death. To have him actually defending the Speed Force is a novel…and highly entertaining idea. Kudos to Joshua Williamson once again for a great script.
- The artwork in this issue was outstanding in every way. Rafa Sandoval’s pencils and Jordi Tarragona’s inks were spot on throughout the book. And, Arif Prianto’s colors are some of the very best I’ve seen since Brian Buccellato and Andrew Dalhouse’s work. Color work doesn’t always get the respect it deserves – but here it was a definite highlight.
SUMMARY:
- The tension is definitely picking up in this arc, and I’m impressed with both the script and the art in this issue. It’s a 9/10 for me…but that’s just my opinion. What do YOU think? Leave your comments below!