With the Justice League missing and presumed dead, the Rogues return to Central City…what’s left of it, anyway. Remember Grodd’s last visit there? This issue gives us another in-depth look at just what makes the Rogues tick. Let’s just hope they live long enough to demonstrate their better qualities…
LIGHT SPOILERS ONLY
This is one “Villains Month” comic that I truly wish was a permanent ongoing series…not just a mini series but a full-fledged ongoing a la Gail Simone’s old Secret Six (though I am looking forward to Rogues Rebellion). The Flash #23.3 aka The Rogues #1 has the look and feel of an excellent series first issue, giving us a New 52 version of what has made the Rogues great for decades. These are the ultimate blue-collar crooks, not bent on world domination but on making a living the “honest” way…by robbery, of course. Their code against killing makes them almost completely unique, especially in the DC Universe. These colorful crooks are more human, even with their newer meta-powers, than most villains found anywhere else in comics…and it makes one almost cheer for them at times. This is only part of why there are so many Rogues fans out there…and this issue captures the essence of what has made the group so great for so many years.
LIGHT SPOILERS ONLY
DC Comics has released a preview of The Rogues #1 (a.k.a. Flash #23.3), the last of three Flash-related issues of Villains Month.
THE FLASH #23.3: THE ROGUES opens with Mirror Master behind glass, Glider in a coma and the Trickster behind bars in Iron Heights. Captain Cold tries to rally the team, but the Rogues haven’t forgiven him yet for the positions they’re in. And when the Crime Syndicate invites them to join their side and unite with the villains of the DC Universe, one of the team won’t be able to answer the call. Will the rest choose a criminal life or stick to the Rogues Code? Written by Brian Buccellato and featuring art by Patrick Zircher, THE FLASH #23.3: THE ROGUES directly paves the path for the upcoming miniseries FOREVER EVIL: ROGUES REBELLION, and will be available in stores on Wednesday.
The first day of San Diego Comic-Con is often quiet, but there is one bit of Flash-related news to be announced: there’s going to be a new Captain Boomerang action figure. He’ll be part of a Suicide Squad three-pack with Deadshot and Harley Quinn, and the set will be made by DC Collectibles (formerly DC Direct). The figures are based on the characters’ New 52 designs.
Toyark and Comics Alliance have photos of the set and the rest of the newly-announced DC figures.
I’m always glad to get more Rogues figures, but have to admit it’s slightly disappointing to see a second modern Boomerang so soon after the previous Mattel release. It would have been nice to see a classic Digger at some point, but that’s probably unlikely now.
Another item of possible interest is the new Scribblenauts Unmasked vinyl blind boxed figures — none of the photos I’ve seen show any Flash-related characters, but it’s hard to believe there won’t be any, at least if these figures sell well. I’d love a little Flash and some Rogues, so I really hope some are produced in the future.
That’s all for today! What do you think of the figures?
MTV Geek has the cover and solicitation for the first issue of Forever Evil: Rogues Rebellion, one of three tie-in miniseries to DC Comics’ first big New 52 event crossover. The book follows one month after the three Villains Month Flash one-shots. MTV also interviews Brian Buccellato about the book.
FOREVER EVIL: ROGUES REBELLION #1
Written by BRIAN BUCCELLATO
Art by PATRICK ZIRCHER
Cover by DECLAN SHALVEY
1:25 B&W Variant cover by DECLAN SHALVEY
On sale OCTOBER 16 • 32 pg, FC, 1 of 6 $2.99 US • RATED T
The Rogues call no man boss, but a new evil threat might not leave them much choice! Will they fall in line, or refuse and risk certain death? The answer will tear the Rogues apart!
A few key bits from MTV’s interview with Brian Buccellato:
“Rogues Rebellion” is a stand-alone story that takes place after Flash #24. It ties into Forever Evil, but the two miniseries can be read independently. “Poor Flash is sitting this one out — probably for his own good.”
It focuses on “Captain Cold, Mirror master, Heatwave, Weather Wizard, and the Trickster. Glider and Turbine will also play a major role, but those first five guys are front and center.”
As far as the future of Brian Buccellato’s take on the Rogues? “I have a bazillion plans for them. Heck, I wanna do my own Rogues ongoing series! But I’m not sure that anyone at DC is buying into (or even knows) about my evil plans!”
Head over to MTV Geek for the whole interview, plus interviews with Matt Kindt on Forever Evil: A.R.G.U.S. and Peter J. Tomasi on Forever Evil: Arkham War.
Newsarama has revealed the full slate of Flash comics for DC’s Villains Month in September. In addition to Grodd #1, announced yesterday, we’ll see The Rogues #1 and Reverse Flash #1.
THE FLASH #23.1: GRODD
Written by BRIAN BUCCELLATO
Art by CHRIS BATISTA
3-D motion cover by FRANCIS MANAPUL (giant animated GIF preview)
On sale SEPTEMBER 4 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
Grodd believed he was destined to become the bearer of light—until The Flash raced onto the scene! What will Grodd do now that The Flash has disappeared with the rest of the world’s heroes? Conquest is on the horizon as the world becomes—Forever Evil!
THE FLASH #23.2: REVERSE-FLASH
Written by FRANCIS MANAPUL and
BRIAN BUCCELLATO
Art by FRANCIS MANAPUL
3-D motion cover by FRANCIS MANAPUL
On sale SEPTEMBER 11 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
Discover the untold origin of Reverse-Flash! Who is he, and what is his relationship to Barry Allen? Secrets are revealed and questions answered as we race through the history of Reverse-Flash right through to Forever Evil!
This is exactly what I was expecting: a spotlight issue tying into the 6-part “Reversed” story.
THE FLASH #23.3: THE ROGUES
Written by BRIAN BUCCELLATO
Art by PATRICK ZIRCHER
3-D motion cover by FRANCIS MANAPUL
On sale SEPTEMBER 18 • 32 pg, FC, $3.99 US • RATED T
The Rogues have their rules and their ways of doing business—so what do they think of the Secret Society’s claims that the Justice League is dead, and that the world’s villains need to unite? It’s a culture clash that won’t end quietly!
Won’t end quietly? That’s for sure! In October, the Rogues move into their own five-issue miniseries by the same creative team, Forever Evil: Rogues. Continue reading
