Flash #22

Flash #22
Story: Francis Manapul & Brian Buccellato
Art: Manapul
Colors: Buccellato
Additional Colors: Ian Herring
Letterer: Carlos Mangual
Associate Editor: Harvey RIchards
Editor: Will Moss
Senior Editor: Brian Cunningham

     Flash #22 brings the Reverse storyline into high gear with The Flash and Reverse finally coming face to face.  Also The Flash's personal life is moving inch by inch to getting more complicated.  This issue provides some clues to the potential origin of the Reverse Flash.

     The writing just seems to be ok with no single line standing out.  When Iris says "Oh cool" to Patty Spivot you can immediately sense the disappointment in Iris as she regrets messing up her date with Barry Allen.  I expected to see Patty pull Barry/Flash aside and question whether the suit he gave Iris means more.  I am happy to find out The Reverse Flash and Dr. Elias seem to be two different people.  Dr. Elias is already villain quality without needing a costume.

     The art continues to drive this series.  The splash image on page eight got me excited for the rest of the issue.  The image in the upper right on page seventeen with The Flash drawn as a blur reminds me of the Flash TV season.  Is the logo on the Reverse Flash suppose to be sideways?  The cover has a classic feel to it  and saying The Reverse Flash is a reflection or shadow of the Flash and it definitely fits the issue   The background art to the action scenes is visually stunning.  probably the only negative on the art is the blood in the last panel could be considered excessive.  We don not see the weapons changing angles based on the previous panels.  The Flash has a sense of urgency to wrap up this case as people close to him are threaten.

     One line in The Flash's monologue on page eighteen gives out the possibility of The Reverse Flash not being human so that is a bit confusing I can not wait for the next issue and the great art to continue.  If I had to guess the Reverse Flash is a Barry doppelganger.

10(out of 10)
9(out of 10)

Flash 17

Flash #17
script & cover: Francis Manapul & Brian Buccellato
Art: Manapul
Colors: Buccellato
Letterer: Carlos Mangual
Associate Editor: Chris Conroy
Editor:Matt Idelson

     Flash #17 provided a solid ending to the Gorilla Warfare storyline while continuing the mystery of the new Reverse Flash.  Somethings might be status quo like the rogues but Barry is about to face serious challenges as himself and the Flash.

     The writing gave us a very confident Flash which I noted in issue #1 and in the end what Grodd wanted was too much for him.  At one point Grodd seem to have the upper hand but that was before a scene switch.  Then when they return to that scene the Flash was back on top like that panel did not happen.  The Planet of the Apes references were funny.  Iris was regretting how her only date with Barry went.  Now major spoiler they heavily imply that Dr. Elias is the new Reverse Flash.  This is disappointing in that Dr. Elias was good villian quality already he had a similar role as to how Lex Luthor was portrayed in Superman: The Animated Series.  Captain Cold and the Rogues did enough to help Central City but once the illusion went down it was back to business as usual.

     The art was excellent as always my favorite panels were on page four with The Flash punching and  fueled with confidence.  The Flash catching Iris was epic and shows the real possibility of a love triangle with Patty.  The art also gives evidence of Dr. Elias becoming the Reverse Flash by how the costume forms. Who else would have access to that information.
 
     The Flash saved the day but is he ready for what is ahead both personally and professionally.  while it is strongly suggested in the writing and art that Dr. Elias will transform into the Reverse Flash the only interesting aspect is that they both have a science background.  Daniel West is a far more compelling candidate for the Reverse Flash mantle.

9(out of 10)