Flash 9 review

Writer: Geoff Johns

Artist: Francis Manapul

Colorist: Brian Buccellato

Letterer: Sal Cipriano

Cover: Manapul and Buccellato

Variant cover: Tyler Kirkhqm, Batt, and Nei Ruffino

Editors: Adam Schlagman & Eddie Berganza

Geoff Johns' second arc in his Barry Allen series has a good but not perfect beginning. There is continuity shown with the first arc and a very interesting twist at the end of the issue,

The story begins with a crack of lightning and Allen reporting to work. This marks my major problem with the issue I was hoping they would show Allen a little dazed after coming off being affected by Parralax. It would have built continuity with Johns' other ongoing title Green Lantern. Despite that little problem this was a solid start to a new arc. Allen has a new case which involves a dead costumed person. The costumed identity of this individual could make one believe they were related to another superhero. However to add to this mystery the dead corpse is that of a senior citizen and not befitting the costumed identity.

The art by Francis Manapul was good, but again not worthy of the two week delay this issue was given after Flash #8 came out. The use of light watercolor to show a panel beforehand is really good. I am talking about the zoo panel but I also notice watercolor in the panel above that one even though it is a present time panel. Iris appears to be her youthful self. I appreciate that DC switch covers to the more iconic one fitting the monthly theme. It also works because Wally West and Bart Allen appear in only one panel and they are in normal clothes to boot. I also enjoy the bottom panel of page 17 where Barry off camera says STOP because in the next instant he will catch up to his target.

The one page spread cliffhanger reveals the man on the motorcycle from the end of #6. It was not who I was expecting but even more shocked to find out his name. He is there to stop the biggest time anomaly to ever threaten realty.
8(out of)10