Read on for the original explanation of the Shade’s powers of darkness: Continue reading
The Fearsome Powers of the Shade!
4 Replies
Flash vs…the Threat! (Updated)
What Were They Thinking?! is doing a series of posts this week on the weirdness that is All-Flash Quarterly #2 (1941).
- All Flash Quarterly #2 is Special
- All-Flash Quarterly, Part II: THE BLOOD RED RAY!
- All-Flash #2 Part 3
- All Flash #2 Part 4. Almost Done. Really.
- All Flash Comics #2 ends with…ew
It’s notable as the first Flash story to be longer than the standard Golden Age length of 13 pages. Throughout its run, Flash Comics featured several 13-page stories starring various characters, and All-Flash featured typically four, then later three stories per issue of that length — but they were all Flash. Occasionally, All-Flash would feature two 26-page stories…or, as in this case, one really long one, broken up into standard-length chapters.
The full story is available in The Golden Age Flash Archives Vol.2.
Flash: Rebirth Finishes at #9 Spot
ICv2 has released February 2010 sales estimates, and both Flash: Rebirth #6 and Blackest Night: Flash finish close to the previous issues of the respective series. Rebirth is ranked #9 for the month, while the Blackest Night tie-in comes in at #12 — again, the highest-rated of the three spin-off miniseries.
| Issue | Rank | Month | Units Sold | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flash: Rebirth #1 | 2 | April | 102,429 | +286.6% |
| Flash: Rebirth #2 | 4 | May | 86,183 | -15.9% |
| Flash: Rebirth #3 | 10 | June | 83,086 | -3.6% |
| Flash: Rebirth #4 | 14 | Aug. | 78,107 | -6.0% |
| Flash: Rebirth #5 | 9 | Nov. | 73,875 | -5.4% |
| Blackest Night: The Flash #1 | 5 | Dec. | 80,313 | +8.7% |
| Blackest Night: The Flash #2 | 9 | Jan. | 69,381 | -13.6% |
| Blackest Night: The Flash #3 | 12 | Feb. | 65,348 | -5.8% |
| Flash: Rebirth #6 | 9 | Feb. | 70,824 | -4.1%* |
*Compared to the previous issue of Flash: Rebirth
In the end, about two-thirds of those who started Flash: Rebirth finished it, though most readers who were still on board by #5 stuck it through to the end. I have no idea what typical drop-off is for a six-issue miniseries, so this could be good, bad, or standard.
The rankings are quite positive, though: Of the nine issues between the two miniseries, seven were in the top 10 for the month. The two that dropped below the top 10 were still in the top 15.
I’d guess we’ll see a drop for this month’s Flash Secret Files and then another jump up for The Flash #1. It’s a major relaunch of one of DC’s top 6 characters, it’s a #1, it’s tied into Brightest Day, and it’s a new series by Geoff Johns. Plus even many readers who were disappointed by Flash: Rebirth have expressed optimism about the new series. It will be interesting to see how well it succeeds.
Rebirth 6 Review Round-Up
Some reviews of Flash: Rebirth #6 that I’ve found around the internet:
Multiversity Comics – “very well illustrated one by Van Sciver…but I’m not going to lie, I found Barry Allen’s overall return and the expansion of his relationship with the Speed Force to not be a very satisfactory story overall. ”
Robot 6: Grumpy Old Fan – “Flash: Rebirth may read better as the first installment in an extended saga, but it risks alienating readers expecting a little more immediate follow-through.”
Comic Book Revolution – “I am just glad that this story is over so we can move onto the new Flash monthly title. Despite all the problems with Flash: Rebirth, I still remain extremely confident that Johns is going to crank out a quality read with the new Flash monthly titles.”
IGN – “The final issue, despite its flaws, provided a fitting close to the character’s journey here while still teasing at what’s to come.”
Newsarama Best Shots Rapid Reviews – “a lackluster final issue that comes off as more lightswitch rave than lightning storm”
Airship Over Water – “if you’ve been reading this series thus far, you really should pick up this issue to complete the story. It’s worth it.”
X-Man’s Comic Blog – “With the exception of the Final Crisis debacle, I’ve never been more disappointed in DC.”
Every Day Is Like Wednesday – “If you’re reading this series just to see how Barry Allen returns or to keep abreast of the big events in the DCU, this issue is surprisingly, entirely skip-able.”
Comicsbulletin – “The story and ideas presented throughout the first five issues of Flash: Rebirth were all over the place, so it should come as no surprise that the sixth and final chapter is the same way.”
Comic Reviews by Walt – “As a whole, this issue’s quite a disappointment, a lukewarm ending to what should’ve been a hot series.”
Pai Wings – “So after reading this, I feel ready for a Flash book dedicated to Barry.”
Flash-Back Podcast (audio)
ComicVine (video)
And of course there’s Speed Force’s review as well.
This Week (March 10): Rise and Fall, Super Friends
Justice League: The Rise and Fall Special
40 pg, FC, $3.99 US
Written by JAMES ROBINSON & J.T. KRUL
Art and 1:25 variant cover by MIKE MAYHEW
Cover by MAURO CASCIOLI
Following the stunning conclusion to JUSTICE LEAGUE: CRY FOR JUSTICE comes the next epic chapter for the Worlds Greatest Heroes. What controversial decision has created a split in the League? A new meaning to the term “hunt for justice” creates fear in the villain populace. Plus, a shocking secret is revealed that will change Green Arrow’s life forever.
Super Friends #25
32 pg, FC, $2.50 US
Written by SHOLLY FISCH · Art by DARIO BRIZUELA
Cover by J. BONE
To commemorate 25 glorious issues, were sending the team to compete in the Space Olympics! Of course, if they lose, Earth will be destroyed — but no need to tell them that!
Remember that Flash Video Game that was cancelled about a year ago…
You ever have moments where you are on the internet randomly searching for Kid Flash costume variations and you stumble upon something really cool yet completely unexpected? This happened to me a few weeks ago when I came across some great stuff I’m not sure many fans of the Scarlet Speedster have seen yet.
Remember that Flash video game that was cancelled a few months ago? The Flash video game that was was covered by Kelson back in September and October of last year? Well I mentioned I was randomly interested in Kid Flash costume variations and I stumbled upon a nifty one in google images that rocked my socks off:
Taking a closer look around the site I found a few more:
And a nice Pied Piper:
Turns out these were modeled by Helen Rusinoff for the cancelled Flash video game. The costumes were designed by Roger Robinson who was featured in the previous Flash video game article Kelson posted. There were a few pictures that I didn’t have room to show but you can find those at her website.
I emailed Helen about showcasing the pictures on Speedforce.org and she emailed me back promptly. Not only did she give me permission to repost her work, but she also pointed me in the direction of Roger Robinson yet again. I visited his website and didn’t really find anything new to report. Wandering around that site however I came across another blog, where I found these pictures:
You can find a few more at Roger Robinson’s other website.
Seeing that we could have had Kid Flash, and Jesse Quick in this game makes me downright depressed. I wonder if there were any cool multi-player modes that they might have had planned using the various members of The Flash Family? The Flash meets Sonic Adventure 2 Battle? That wouldn’t have been a bad thing. I also wonder if they had any plans to have alternate costumes. That was a very nice touch in Justice League Heroes, which included Jay Garrick and Walter West as alternate uniforms for Wally. Too bad the game was so dang mediocre.
Until they find a way to either bring this back from the dead or create another one I guess I’m stuck playing this:
Actually Justice League Heroes: The Flash isn’t bad. I preordered it when it was first announced and purchased a Gameboy Advance SP just to play it. I now have it on my PSP as well and have beaten it many, many times. A lot of fun to play on the go(although I take Bart’s advice and don’t use my “playtendo” while running).
I hope you all enjoyed a deeper glimpse into the game that could have been. The potential was definitely there for a good, solid, fun game to play. Here is hoping they decide to create another one sometime down the road.