I was really surprised by the fact that Barry Allen didn't put in an appearance in his own comic book until page 16. But when he did, it was with Hal Jordan, Green Lantern. These two characters have shared a long history, and Geoff Johns is the one who figures out why: they’re both on police forces. Hal Jordan is a police officer and Barry Allen is a forensic scientist. One of the things that’s going to be interesting about his work is the fact that chemical reactions can’t be speeded up. No matter how fast Barry Allen is, he has to wait on results in his chosen field just like everyone else.
So many questions are currently up in the air about Barry’s return. Especially since this is only a five-issue miniseries. I’m anxiously awaiting to see if he goes or stays, and if he stays, where is he going to be? We already seem to have Flashes running out our ears. But I trust that Geoff Johns and DC comics will find a place for Barry Allen. And I’m really curious where it’s going to be.
This issue is an outstanding example of good comic book writing. The characters are immediately engaging even if you don’t have a history with them. With all the backstory involved with the story of the Flash, trying to reveal all of the events can seem daunting. Geoff Johns handles it easily, then jump starts right into his own story.
I loved the mysterious setup at the beginning. It smacks so much of Barry’s own origins, and then it turns so monstrously wrong. The ending has me hanging, anxiously awaiting next issue.
Ethan Van Sciver also served as artist on Green Lantern: Rebirth. His art is simply fantastic. Reading this issue, I couldn’t help but be amazed at the variety of angles that Van Sciver uses throughout the story. Several times while reading the comic, the art seemed to break that fourth wall and be a peek into a whole world.
These five issues are going to be dynamite, however the story ends. I love the hero and I love the way Geoff Johns has brought him to life. Van Sciver’s artistic presentation of the Flash, in fact all the Flashes, is marvelous. I can hardly wait till the graphic novel comes out.
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