Flash #1 review

Review by Eric Ridgeway
“The Dastardly Death of the Rogues.”
Writer: Geoff Johns
Artist: Francis Manapul
Colorist: Brian Buccellato
Letterer: Nick J. Napolitano
Cover: Manapul & Buccellato
Variant Cover: Tony Harris
Associate Editor: Adam Schlagman
Editor: Eddie Berganza


Flash #1(vol. #3) hits the ground running fast as Geoff Johns and Francis Manapul tell a good introductory tale on Barry Allen. This is a very good comic book for the novice comic book reader who knows nothing about the history of the Flash. We get to know Barry Allen, his wife and his job(s) in the simplest of terms.

Johns breaks down Barry Allen to his core while showing Barry adjusting to life in the 21st centuty. Barry has already picked up texting to keep in contact with Iris during the day, yet complaining about adjustable work chairs. The mystery in this story begins with the death of Mirror Monarch, a Mirror Master look alike. When the other rogue doppelgangers show up at the end of this issue my first thought was of Justice League Crisis on Two Earths DVD.

While the writing was good, the art may have been even better. Manapul’s art was easy on the eyes and very clean. It seems like Manapul was born to draw the Flash but that maybe too bold a statement to make after only the first issue. My favorite art piece was the panel with the Flash running up the side of the building. Also there seems to be less focus on the lightning coming from the Flash. I hope Manapul stays with this book for a long time.

This was such a good story on Barry Allen without the bothersome details of his death twenty-five years ago or the scientific mumbo-jumbo from Rebirth. About my only problem with the book is that I wanted more after the futuristic rogues show up. I have become such a big Flash comic fan over the past two years that I think I will never stop picking up the title after a fresh beginning.

9(out of 10)