SO much going on in this issue! The tide is starting to turn…but has it turned too late? The poison that is set to stop time itself is heading to its target. The Fastest Flash has had his memories wiped, and his mentor has been forced to deliver the poison! The battle for reality is reaching its peak, and the only hope lies with the combined efforts of…The Flash Family! Wanna know more? Follow us after the jump!
SPOILERS AHEAD!
First an apology for the late review. Family medical issues – but don’t worry about us, things are going to work out okay. Now to the review!
As noted above, there is SO much going on in this issue! Barry has delivered the poison to its target and time itself is now in danger of ending. Wally is still mind-wiped and unable to help…at least at the start of the issue. By issue’s end, Barry and Wally are combining for a last-ditch effort to save reality, leaving the result for next issue. But, rather than go plot-point by plot-point, let’s talk about the exceptionally good things in this issue:
- THE FLASH FAMILY IS BACK! All your favorites are here, including Max and Jay and Jesse. I’m a HUGE fan of these speedsters, and to see them back in action just warmed my heart. They make a difference – not just in the battle but in giving Wally the extra push he needs to get to Barry.
- Jai and Irey continue to shine in their new roles. Irey in particular pulls a stunt that brings the Rogues back into play – but don’t worry, it’s for a good reason. She may turn out to be the smartest speedster in the DCU before long (she’s already well on her way).
- Speaking of which, the Rogues are brought back into play, this time on the side of the good guys. They realize that they were tricked – and they help to fight back. There is a convenient plot point that will wipe their memory of this battle, but they provide an important distraction that helps the Flash Family in the battle.
- And finally, Linda is STILL Wally’s lightning rod – and it matters more than ever in this issue! She is somehow able to psychically reach Wally and restore his memories. Abra Kadabra may have messed with her mind for a while, but Linda and Wally’s love still conquers all. Glad to see this restored in the storyline.
One note that will likely be debated among Flash fans. Evan McCulloch has been erased from history. He is not only dead – he never existed. I realize that his abilities had been SO increased that he was almost unbeatable, but it’s still an odd feeling to see one of the Rogues simply taken out of the timeline. (NOTE: as this arc has not ended, we’ll see if this status is permanent or not).
NOTE:
- I’m glad to see that we are coming close to a resolution to this arc (at least it appears that way). This has been an excellent arc, with solid (if trippy) writing and amazing (if also very trippy) art. It’s just been a dichotomy I didn’t expect – I love horror titles, and I absolutely love stories centering on The Flash. I just never expected they would be combined into a cosmic horror title. It was difficult at first to adjust to the significant change in the title…but more recent issues have drawn me back in. This issue in particular was outstanding. I’m still in for the long run – hope you are as well.
SUMMARY:
An excellent issue that throws everything but the kitchen sink and somehow makes it work. I’ll give this issue a 9.5 out of 10. Of course, that’s just my opinion – what do YOU think? Leave your comments below!