Welcome back, Mark Waid! The definitive writer of the adventures of Wally West, and the inventor of the Speed Force itself, has picked up his pen to write an issue of THE FLASH once again, this time teamed with Christopher Cantwell on the script. How long will they stay on the title? Don’t know – could be as short as the tie-in issues for DC KO. But, for however long this lasts, we find ourselves in a new era for THE FLASH, and this reviewer could not be happier. This issue is a terrific jumping-on point for new fans, and a welcome return for long-time fans as well. Wanna know more? Follow us after the jump!
SOME SPOILERS AHEAD!
This issue is so good, we need to be careful about how much we share. You really NEED to go buy this issue!
During any special event/crisis, issues like this have to accomplish a few important things. One is to wrap up any previous threads that might interfere with the big event. Another is to establish the seriousness of the cosmic-level threat. One more is to give an idea of where our hero(es) fit into the overall event plot. Check, check, and check.
This issue had one more thing to accomplish. To re-establish the character of Wally West – his abilities, his limitations, his personality, and what we may be able to expect moving forward. Could some of those new powers show up in future issues? Possibly – but for this issue, we return to the basics of Wally West as a speedster, a hero, a father, and a mentor. That begins with the very first page, as Wally faces off against Alchemist (has he appeared anywhere in comics since 1993? Please let me know if you have the answer).
Soon, we start the tie-in to DC KO, but with a twist. The name of that twist? Bart Allen, Impulse! Let’s just say that he shows why he is called Impulse throughout this issue (one reveal – we have a new explanation for the Tunguska event in Russia in 1908).
In the end, we see just how powerful Darkseid has become and why there needs to be a DC KO event. And, Bart may find out just how dangerous being THAT Impulsive may be. But to find out more, you really need to read this issue. It’s outstanding!
SUMMARY:
Mark Waid and Christopher Cantwell have given us an exceptional story. The art team of Vasco Georgiev (pencils & inks), Matt Herms (colors), and Buddy Beaudoin (letters) has matched the script with outstanding artwork throughout. This is one of those issues that I wish I could give an 11. But for now, let’s call it a 10/10 – of course, that’s just my opinion. What do YOU think? Leave your comments below!