[amazon_link asins=’B07284H28K’ template=’AiPTProductAd’ store=’aiptcomics-20′ marketplace=’US’]
I haven’t been this scared for a hero in years. Joshua Williamson has crafted a story that has made Reverse-Flash one of the most insane and unstoppable villains I’ve seen in ages and I love it. Part two of the “One Way or Another” storyline starts this week!
So what’s it about?
Why does this book matter?
If you clicked the link above you know there’s some heavy time travel going on in this issue–in particular, we’re seeing a future Barry Allen. Dude is swole af! The idea of changing the future–especially after “Flashpoint”–is explored in this issue and should be read by fans of the alternate dimension storyline going on in DC.
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
The art in this issue is quite sharp and Howard Porter delivers some excellent pencils that offer beefy heroes with some intense details. Barry’s older self looks great (love the beard) and Porter opens the issue with a laid back Barry and Iris in a very casual manner. Then he opens the doors with a double page spread with a purple tornado destroying the city and you know all bets are off. The electric energy surrounding Flash and Reverse-Flash continues to impress too and I wonder if artists will ever go back to a time when this energy wasn’t drawn constantly wrapping the heroes. The bright colors work wonderfully with this energy and the inking always has the characters pop off the page well.
So what about the story? Williamson does well to show how time travel actually can change things while also furthering Barry’s guilt for not telling Iris he is Flash. As an almost devil on the shoulder character, Reverse-Flash serves as a meddler and plays that devil quite well. You’ll hate him, but also know there’s nothing Flash can do as he’s overpowered. Flash’s guilt is played up well, and in heroic fashion he’s too hard on himself. Williamson keeps that at the forefront and makes it believable that this hero, who really did nothing wrong, could be his own worst enemy.
Old Flash vs. a giant purple tornado…who ya got?!
[amazon_link asins=’B07284H28K’ template=’BottomAdAIPT’ store=’aiptcomics-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’01c45e26-6681-11e7-ba79-dda755f3cd04′]
It can’t be perfect can it?
Flash gets into quite a pickle this issue and it’s a trope we’ve seen before. It’s one where the hero is down on themselves and trusts the villain will do what they say. What?! The dude is homicidal! Literally two issues ago he was breaking the legs of kid Flash! Do these characters have amnesia? It seems out of character or at the very least a glossing over of past details so as to get a character from point A to point B.
Is It Good?
The Flash is shaking out to be one of the best thrillers of 2017. Williamson has captured the insanity and scary nature of Reverse-Flash so well you may not sleep so well after reading this arc.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login