The battle with Paradox has just begun. Godspeed is helping this new big bad, and things are looking tough for Barry. But, if you think things are bad for him now, just wait till you read THE FLASH #751. The ending left this reviewer saying, “well, I didn’t expect that“. There are some serious things going down in a story for the ages…or at least, “The Flash Age”. Wanna know more? Follow us after the jump!
SPOILERS AHEAD!
We pick up where we left off last issue, in a speed battle between Godspeed and Flash. If you are a new or returning reader, you’ll get enough of August’s backstory to catch up quickly. The thing about Godspeed is that you are never totally sure what side he is on. That plays out in this issue as well. August has been playing both sides, trying to get an idea of what Paradox really wants. And, what does Paradox want?
This bad guy wants more than just tearing apart Flash’s legacy. Oh, he definitely wants that. He wants to end the legacy of Barry Allen throughout all the ages. But, he does want more. Any changes in time will release a bit of “crisis energy”, something that Paradox can absorb to become a “god within the multiverse”. Erasing the Flash’s legacy will give him more power than anyone can imagine!
As Godspeed hears this, he reveals that he is actually on Barry’s side. The two attack…but that attack falls waaaayyyy short. Let’s come back to that, but for now…
While all of this is going on, Iris West is in the Speed Lab, trying to find out more about Paradox. She gets help from some special files left behind by the dearly departed Commander Cold. That’s important, as the future Flash had said Commander Cold was the key to defeating Paradox. But, what Iris learns has her telling Barry to RUN!
Commander Cold’s files reveal that the only person ever to stop Paradox was…the Reverse Flash in the 25th century! Iris knows that Barry has no chance here in 2020, so she tries to get him to leave. Her words come too late, though…
Paradox is beating Barry down, and in a blast of energy appears to…
…
…
…
Kill Barry Allen!
Barry appears to disintegrate. Paradox takes Godspeed with him to the Cosmic Treadmill, while Iris cries out in shock. As for Barry?
Barry wakes up in a strange place. It’s idyllic, but he cannot seem to contact Iris and can’t get a signal to/from anywhere. When he turns around he sees his mother, Nora, telling him…
“You don’t have to run anymore.”
That’s where we leave this issue…wow!
NOTES:
- I absolutely did not see this coming. Having Barry seemingly killed, and doing this so early in the arc is a true shocker. Well played, Mr. Williamson! Having him meet his mother is icing on the cake of this truly mind-blowing issue.
- The artwork is nothing short of spectacular! The action scenes are amazing, but that’s not even the best of it. The emotions, the expressions are SO outstanding throughout. This art team has been great in the past, but they may have outdone themselves with this issue. Kudos to Christian Duce, Luis Guerrero, Hi-Fi, and Steve Wands. Wow!
SUMMARY:
This issue delivered on all counts. The story was strong and delivered some absolutely mind-blowing moments. The artwork was among the very best that has graced the pages of THE FLASH. This issue is a 10/10 for me. Of course, that’s just my opinion. What do YOU think? Leave your comments below!