After a blockbuster run by Jeremy Adams, Simon Spurrier picks up the baton to be the writer for the fastest man alive. Spurrier has teased the upcoming run over the last few months with quotes, images, and a brief preview in The Flash #800 to prepare readers for Wally’s next adventure. Additionally, revered artist Mike Deodato Jr. is going to be the lead artist for the foreseeable future. That said, the question remains: does this issue live up to the hype?
A lot is going on in Spurrier’s first issue that aims to give us an understanding of who the key players will be in this run. Initially, we’re able to see where Max Mercury and Bart Allen left off when they ran off into the unknown together. Short answer: not very far. There are other characters that readers are likely familiar with from Wally’s regulars, but things are certainly different than Adams’ run. Where things were once cheerful, they’re now restless; this stark contrast is certainly jarring but also intriguing. We quickly learn that something is off with the Speed Force, and it isn’t good. Spurrier makes quick work of laying the groundwork for what to expect in the first arc by setting a mysterious tone. More questions are raised and the answers we thought we had are made ambiguous. This makes for a strong first issue that ends with a haunting final page.
Mike Deodato Jr. hasn’t worked at DC Comics since the year 2000. His primary work at DC Comics in the 1990s was on content related to Batman and Wonder Woman. That said, his work has continued to be stunning over the last two decades. When drawing a character like The Flash, an important factor is always whether the character appears static or fluid while in motion. This issue shows how to find a strong balance between both. The Flash isn’t often thought of as a stationary character, but with the current complexities of the Speed Force, more moments halt to a standstill in the story.
One of the best perks of the art in the issue is how dynamic the electricity is. Electricity is another hallmark of any book featuring a speedster, and the art in this issue depicts it spectacularly. A great example of this can be found on page 26, which juggles a lot of action and important background features in the story. Trish Mulvihill, the series’ new colorist, does a similarly spectacular job in this issue by providing a more somber tone. Altogether, the art is stunning from cover to cover.
Although the issue is significantly different in tone and premise from the prior run, longtime readers can likely find enough interesting facets in the story to continue following the series as it seems to take Wally and his supporting cast in a new direction. Additionally, new readers can rest assured that there isn’t any strenuous background reading required prior to this issue. Overall, The Flash #1 is a captivating jumping point for readers to learn about the next adventure in Wally West’s life.
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