The machinations behind this cosmic-horror storyline are becoming clearer. We are seeing more and more of the bad guys behind this plot, and how effective their efforts have been so far. Problem is, there doesn’t seem to be a light at the end of the tunnel, at least not yet. This plan has pitted speedster against speedster, family against family, with heartbreaking results! Wally’s adventure has become more epic by the issue, but that may not be such a good thing as he is becoming more detached from reality by the panel. Wanna know more? Follow us after the jump!
SPOILERS AHEAD!
Wally has been constructing an all-new armor/costume for his battle with the strangest of foes. But, this armor cannot protect him from being increasingly isolated from everyone that he loves. Wally does not realize it yet. Neither does Barry. But they, and all the Flash Family are being manipulated by the turbo-charged abilities of Grodd, Mirror Master, Abra Kadabra, the Folded Man, and Eobard Thawne. Wally is only allowed to see his loved ones at their weakest points, saying just what our baddies want Wally to hear. It’s all intended to isolate Wally, to break him down – and it’s working. By the end of this issue, every speedster except Jay and Jesse has been taken out of action. Things are looking about as bleak as could ever be imagined. We’ll have to keep reading future issues to see how/if this ever turns around.
NOTES:
- This arc has been unrelenting. Every speedster and every person close to a speedster has been captured, mind-controlled, or broken down without a glimmer of hope. Other than a CRISIS or similar universe-wide event, I can’t recall a more grim situation for the good guys. This is beyond an Omega-level threat, on a physical, emotional, and psychological level.
- I’m in for the long haul on this arc – things are looking so bleak that the resolution will have to be epic to make this overall story work. Since writer Si Spurrier has done such an effective job of tearing our Flash Family completely down (not complaining, just stating facts), it will be VERY interesting to see how the Flash Family is rebuilt emotionally after this arc is through.
- Excellent artwork again – a horror theme depends even more on the artwork than a typical story, and the art is even more crucial when the cosmic element is added in. This art team is more than up to the task – and btw, great job on the cosmic Flash costume/armor! That’s thanks to Scott Koblish, Amancay Nahuelpan, George Kambadais, Tom Derenick, Marissa Louise, Lee Loughridge, Matt Herms, and Hassan Otsmane-ElHaou.
SUMMARY:
This continues to be the wildest FLASH storyline in many years, and the trippiest story arc by far. I’ll give this an 8/10 – of course, that’s just my opinion. What do YOU think? Leave your comments below!