One thing we can confirm from this issue. This isn’t the Flash…or at least the Flash we knew. What happened to Wally? Not just how did he change, but what happened to Wally? This Wally isn’t acting like the Wally West we knew, and there’s a lot more to this version we see right now. It’s looking grim as Eclipso’s plans appear to be heading to fruition. Is there hope for Flash? And for that matter, is there hope for the Earth? Wanna know more? Follow us after the jump!
SPOILERS AHEAD!
In this issue, we learn a lot more about what has happened to Wally. Here are the basics:
- The Wally West we knew was “eaten” by Eclipso. This is the Wally West to whom Barry Allen gave his ring. The Wally West who married Linda Park. After splitting himself, this was the Wally West who died at the hands of Eclipso. You can make an argument that there is still “A” Wally West (actually untold numbers of copies), but the original, the definite article, is gone.
- The Wally West who acted like Wally has gone…sort of. Linda and the kids point it out. Wally isn’t acting like himself. They miss the Wally they knew.
- Barry Allen says it best, “I think we’re both former Flashes now.”
This version of Wally is a war general, not a superhero. He has been sending copies of himself into certain death, in hopes of gaining enough knowledge to defeat Eclipso. There is one version of Wally that may have gained critical knowledge, but THIS Wally may not be ready to go along with War General Wally’s plans.
This one version of Wally seems to be a lot more like the original Wally West – and he takes his own path by issue’s end. There may be hope after all!
NOTES:
- First things first – I think Si Spurrier is a great writer. I loved some of his work for BOOM! (see SIX GUN GORILLA, it was great!). And, I’ve loved some of his other stories for the Big Two as well. Please keep that in mind while reading the rest of my comments.
- If this were an indie story with other characters, I would absolutely be raving about the greatness of the story. I love horror comics, and this cosmic horror tale would be great in an indie book. Yes, the story and the power sets are strange and getting stranger, but in the context of a comic for BOOM! or IDW or Image or Dynamite I’d be a huge fan.
- This takes me back to the one thing I’ve been saying for a while. This is a great indie title…just not a FLASH story. There are recognizable names of characters, but this is a totally different genre of comic. That’s intentional on the part of DC – but the change in tone hasn’t hit well in sales.
SUMMARY:
Judging this from an indie book perspective, this issue would get a 9/10. But, as a FLASH comic, I have to bring it down to a 7/10. That’s more about the editorial direction of the title than the current writing or artwork. So, sadly, it’s a 7/10 for now. Of course, that’s just my opinion – what’s yours? Leave your comments below!