Written by Brian Buccellato & Francis Manapul
Art by Francis Manapul
Colors by Brian Buccellato
Published by DC Comics
The mystery of the Reverse Flash carries on as Barry jumps into the investigation of Albert and Marissa’s murders, and the only way to do that? Find others who may know or be affected by the Speed Force. First suspect? Kid Flash. And nothing is more fun than when the Flashes come together.
Buccellato and Manapul use the Flashes’ super speed to their full ability, having the pair race literally around the world, going through landmarks and historic sites. Even though the issue was really just a big conversation, and is in the middle of the Reverse Flash arc, it seemed to be more about the mystery of the New52 Bart Allen, which I’m all for. I don’t read any of the titles the current version is in, but I still love the character, so it was nice to see him for at least an issue. Though, by the way the meet between Barry and Bart ended, I have a feeling we might be seeing more of Kid Flash in this book sooner rather than later.
Barry’s normal sarcasm and quips were fantastic, though I wasn’t a huge fan of Bart’s attitude. I get it, he’s young, has a secret and he thinks he’s being accused of murder. I would be on the defensive, too. But it seemed a bit overdone, especially after Barry saved him from breaking free of gravity. But it’s minor. Like I said, I don’t read much of the character nowadays, so that could just be how he is. And while I don’t read the Teen Titans monthly, I did like the little nod to them, with the conversation with Tim Drake. I do wish though that we had seen a glimpse of them, as opposed to just their aircraft.
I’m also sure I’m a broken record by now, but Francis Manapul’s layouts never cease to amaze me. The best part of my week when the Flash comes out is opening to the title page and seeing how Manapul has hidden the ‘DC Comics proudly presents…” into the landscape. And then the layout of the spread, where Barry grabs Bart’s arm, I think was the most telling page of the issue, leading me to my conclusion that this isn’t the last we’ve seen of Kid Flash in this title. And Buccellato’s colors, words cannot describe how much I love them.
Flash on Flash on Flash is what this issue was. And I loved every second of it. It deepened all the mysteries. Who is Bart Allen really? What’s going on with Daniel West? Why is Reverse Flash going after those who were in the Speed Force? Shouldn’t Barry put those who are left in some sort of protection? (Rest in peace, Gomez) The Buccellatto/Manapul Flash continues to be one of the best books out there, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.
4 out of 5 nerds
Irwin Fletcher
I'm an LA journalist who really lives for his profession. I have also published work as Jane Doe in various mags and newspapers across the globe. I normally write articles that can cause trouble but now I write for FTN because Nerds are never angry, so I feel safe.
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