After a bombastic first issue, The Flash #2 slows things down a bit to lay the groundwork for the first arc of the title’s relaunch. History tends to repeat itself in comics, a lot. But sometimes, when done right, that repetitive nature can actually create something new and intriguing. In a rotating rogues gallery like the one The Flash has, how do you keep them interesting? How do you set this story apart from everyone before it while remaining true to the character? Shaking it up only goes so far without a truly dramatic shift needed. So far, it seems that Simon Spurrier and Mike Deodato Jr. plan to set their time apart from the rest by taking the tone and concepts to an unfamiliar place for The Flash. Where there was energetic and bubbly, there now are metaphysical concepts, both of being a speedster and what the next step for Wally West is.
Throughout the first few pages, we realize that the continuous shifting of Wally from reality is going to play more into his psyche than just his superhero-ing. The threats aren’t just gorillas with weapons – now, it seems like everything is. This is where there’s a significant tonal shift for Wally than in previous stories. His lack of confidence resonates off the page and can even cause doubt in the reader. These aren’t typical questions that get posed in The Flash. Usually, it’s “How can The Flash do this?” but in this story, it’s more akin to “Can Wally do this? Is he up to the task anymore?” This switch is immediately noticeable as it affects his relationships, as it did in the prior issue. Wally’s current “fake it ’till you make it” attitude is uncharacteristic for him, but that isn’t inherently a bad thing. Spurrier is taking a very different approach to Wally West, and it’s very obvious, but this also brings new and unfamiliar challenges to the character which works to craft a unique and innovative story.
The art in The Flash typically works to be able to keep up with the action. Mike Deodato Jr., a well-tenured and successful artist at both DC and Marvel, successfully blends the kinetic energy and emotions of the issue. There are moments where all time seems to come to a halt as the waves of emotions Wally experiences flow off the page and times when action sequences fly by. This pays off in spades with the coloring from Trish Mulvihill that makes everything pop in a beautifully animated way. Overall, the art in the issue furthers the story by delivering a unique style that grabs one’s attention at the right moments.
The Flash #2 is another issue that takes Wally West in a new direction. Although this story may be different from what readers may be used to, its underlying premise is rather intriguing and ends with more questions that build up anticipation for the next chapter. Hopefully, these questions will be answered soon, because it seems like something big is coming to The Flash, and not just to Wally West.
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