COMIC REVIEW: FTN reviews The Flash Annual #2

Writer: Brian Buccellato

Pencils & Inks: Sami Basri

Colors: Stellar Labs

Back-up writer: Nicole Dubuc

Back-up artist: Cully Hamner

Publisher: DC Comics

This issue is exactly what an annual should be. A one-off, self-contained story that is funny, action-packed and with subtle, but impactful morality. It also succeeded in putting characters in that some readers might not like or know much about and not making a huge deal about it. Personal example, I don’t read much in the way of Green Lantern and was slightly afraid there would be some references or back story I wouldn’t know or understand, therefore wouldn’t be about to enjoy the book. (editor’s note: That’s a very personal example, I love Green Lantern and we understand that many, many people like and know much about him.) Happy to say I was wrong about that. Like I said before, the story and characters were all fully self-contained, and it was awesome.

Humor is definitely the way to my heart, and Buccellato won me over basically on page one with the perfection that is the bromance of Hal Jordan and Barry Allen. I really loved the obvious growth of friendship between the flashback and present time. I just wish the story were longer so we could see what shenanigans these two would get into at the bar in space sector 1913.

Sami Basri did great on the pencils. However, there were a few times when the posing was a little awkward or way over exaggerated. Most of the layouts were pretty spectacular, though, with the splash page of Hal and Barry fighting back to back and then the half-page of them lying beside the defeated monster being my ultimate favorites.

The backup story was equally fantastic. I want to say I wish it were longer, but at the same time, it was kind of the perfect length. Short, fantastically sweet and to the point. The overall butterfly effect theme was spot on, and I really don’t think it could have been done better. The art worked quite well in that regard too. There were, though, a few bits of awkward phrasing and points where a panel didn’t fit my fancy, but minor bumps in the road!

5 out of 5 nerds