Flash mid season finale review

Well that was an awesome mid season finale review and then some.  It  had me geeking out from start to finish because of Tina McGee, Fiestorm and the Reverse-Flash.  Not to mention the storyline implications with Iris.  Catlin seems to be getting her own storyline independent of Barry.

Amanda Pays returning to Flash lore was great even as the same character name as she played in the 90s Flash series.  In this version she was working for a rival to Star Labs.  Like pretty much every guest star on the show she was questioning Harrison Wells motives and for good reason  That said her scenes felt stall because Barry was asking for some equipment.  

It seems like Firestorm has just been hanging out at the Star Labs parking garage since the particle accelarator blew.  I like how Catlin went to Cisco right away for help.  Now these two have something to do that does not involve Barry.  As for the last scene with Firestorm perhaps he felt Catlin was in trouble causing him to inadvertently save Barry.  Thing are going to get crazy with Firestorm.

The Reverse-Flash looked great my only complaint with is red eyes when the same color was on the previous villian why not yellow to mix it up.  That being said him taunting Barry was awesome knowing full well that Barry could not catch him.  Also the Reverse-Flash kicking Barry's ass just proves how much The Flash still needs to learn.  Presenting him as faceless was interesting way trying to leave it open ended as who could be this guy(though the final scene seems to imply the most obvious answer.)

Iris staying slient as Barry confess his feeling for her was perfect.  She could not figure it out before so how would she respond.  Did Catlin and Iris have a scene together before this episode much like Eddie Thawne and Wells.  During both of those scenes I was like do you two know each other yet.  All series long I have been waiting for Joe West to tells Wells his partner name to she his reaction.                        

Going rogue

So, Captain Cold has appeared on the Flash TV show and it was awesome.   Played by "Prison Break" Wentworth Miller we see he already has a set of rules that are akin to him leading the Rogues in the comics.  Cold's motive throughout the episode was upping his game after the first encounter with The Flash to get a diamond.  My  favorite moment was when Cold and the Flash were on the train.  The hood was up so he really did look like Captain Cold

Now Felicity Smoak was the one that stole the show by giving The Flash and his team pep talks when times were tough in the episode.  Barry ultimately  needs to learn he can't save everyone and when that happens not to get down.  The Flash team lesson was when Barry is upset with them they  still need to back him up .  Her hacking in under one minute was cool.   She must have been thinking to herself  "What amauters?"  So overall The Flash and his team needs to function as one complete unit always to end the danger

Cisco Roman drew Barry's ire beccause he created the Cold gun that was stolen and delivered to Leonard Snart(Cold's identity)  I swear Harrison Wells really wanted to kill Cisco but with the quest stars and Cisco' actually having a purpose in the DC universe.  I just hope Cisco got a creepy vibe(LOL!) from Wellls.  Cisco did redeem himself even though it was a joke at the end of the scene.

It was a nice change of pace to see someone else in the end credit scene besides Wells.  It does make sense with what we know is upcoming.  The scene before that one was arkward because they were talking about having feelings for other people.

The Flash TV show

Okay so we are two episodes in The Flash TV show on the CW network with Grant Gustin in the title role of Barry Allen /The Flash and its great.

Probably the biggest surprise of the plot was that Detective Joe West played by the fantastic Jessie L. Martin(I watch Law & Order reruns) the one who has raised Barry since his father has been in prison, learned of Barry's secret that soon. Another pleasant surprise was the villain, Weather Wizard, because this was someone not touched on in the 90's Flash TV series.  The only drawback of the episode was Weather Wizard using a gun.  The scene with Gustin and John Wesley Shipp was so emotionally touching.  From  one actor to another it was like I pass the mantle of The Flash to you.  We also discover that Harrison Wells has secrets of his own..

The second episode focused on the Barry Allen/Joe West relationship with Joe at first telling Barry he isn't a cop so lay low  Now there are even more secrets on the show with Iris West Joe's daughter/Barry's love interest, even though grew up like brother and sister, dating her dad's partner Eddie THAWNE.  So right off the bat we are not supposed to like this guy given the Allen/Thawne fued in the future.   Plus Zoom real name is Eobard which can easily translate to Eddie but that would not provide many plot twists.  I mean Barry could just pull Joe and Iris aside and spill both secrets but that seems too easy.

Back to Joe and Barry so as Joe is fighting the villain of the week called Multiplex(who I confused for Mob Rule) Joe after a talk with the creepy Harrison Wells about doubting Barry.  In other words there are some things that only Barry can handle but you need to give him the confidence to do so.

Now about Harrison Wells its already obvious he will be someone else and after committing murder in The Flash's name.  I predict he will some version of Zoom.

Flash #23

Flash #23
Co-writers : Francis Manapul & Brian Buccellato
Art: Manapul
Colors & Cover: Buccellato
Letterer: Carlos M. Mangual
Associate Editor: Harvey RIchards
Editor: Will Moss
Senior Editor: Brian Cunningham

     if I could describe Flash #23 in one word it would be WOW!!!  I just did not Manapul and Buccellato to reveal the Reverse Flash's identity in the manner of which they did.  This is a heavily action packed issue with the Flash and Reverse Flash going toe to toe.  Even with Dr. Elias as a third wheel the fight does not suffer and takes a drastic turn when he is knocked out.
    The writing is just good the biggest word bubble is when Iris speaks the major spoiler of the issue which you can figure out by how she acted.  The Patty scenes provided a nice break from the action even if the scene itself had no emotional reaction and barely worth a chuckle.  I would have rather gotten more action pages because all it did was bring in a minor character.  Iris is the real focus of the issue the story is told from her perspective without any thought bubbles.  Lose control so I can change everything is the Reverse Flash's main impact on the writing.
     The art continues to drive the book with each splash page being awesome.  The only negative thing about the art was that it made it difficult to pickup on the words "The Flash" on the title page you have to look very closely.  The layouts on the splash pages are cool with the biggest splash pages being sixteen and seventeen how the images are separated it is just great.  In that two page spread all the images are important leading to the climax which is a bit odd with pink energy  The cover fits the issue very well.
     Now with the Reverse Flash's identity known the biggest question is how did he end up that way.  I just wish the his issue in Villian month had been  #23.1.
10(out of 10)

Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox

Justice League The Flashpoint Paradox


     First off its nice to get an animated movie that.  is Flash centric rather than the usual Batman or Superman stuff. The main cast is unfamiliar to me as I do not watch Grey's Anatomy.   C. Thomas Howell provides Professor Zoom with an excellent, deranged of voice.  The facial features of Zoom, Flashpoint Batman and MIrror Master appear to be arkward.

 The rest of this review may contain spoilers.

   Based on the Flashpoint miniseries., the story focuses on Barry Allen/The Flash coming to terms with his mother's death when he was a kid.  The Flash goes to the Flash museum to stop the Rogue which may have given us the first animated appearance of The Top.  Professor Zoom shows up to cause further trouble for both sides.  After The Justice League intervenes and Zoom verbally taunts Flash, Barry wakes up in a different world with no powers.  Also Batman uses guns.  That tells you right away this is not our Batman.  it turns out that Thomas Wayne is under the cowl as the cowl and Bruce died that faithful night.  Martha Wayne as The Joker is probably the most disturbing fact about Flashpoint.  The thought of Bruce being alive is enough motivation for Thomas to help Barry regain his abilities and fix the timeline.  After the two meet up with Cyborg the main hero of this universe and others.  One of the bloodiest battles in DC animated history happens as the world is dying as Zoom further taunts the Flash as Barry realizes he created this timeline by saving his mother.  it is a fascinating journey of a hero turning villain unknowingly then going back to stop his previous self to set things right.. At the end Barry finally understands his mom's advice you can not change everything, but only the things you can control right then.  After all you can not save everyone.
9(out of 10)

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)

The Fash #16

The Flash #16
Script & Cover: Francis Manapul & Brian Buccellato
Art: Manapul
Colors: Buccellato
Letterer: Carlos Mangual
Associate Editor: Chris Conroy
Editor:Matt Idelson

     Flash #16 brings us to the climax of the "Gorrila Warfare" storyline with a mystery of who is the new Reverse-Flash with Thawne off the books.  We get three possibilities.  Also Barry makes a crazy decision that in his view is the right decision after mind speeding through future outcomes.  Overall it is a great issue that will take Flash in a new direction.

    The issue begins with the only new 52 date of Barry and Iris, which Iris goes into with an ullterive  motive. Now why you would go on a first date under false pretenses is beyond but it serves as a reason why Iris could have worked in the mystery.  Daniel West also is a possibility and his motivation comes from spouting off about Barry to his sister Iris.  The third possibility is  guy currently trapped in the Speed Force with Iris named Albert who just gets glowing eyes  in one panel.  This is a curve ball because we don't see Albert's motivation against Barry/Flash in this issue.    Iris appears on the last splash page which should clear her of becoming this new villian.

    The art is fantastic as always the use of watercolor is a good technique for distinguishing past from present.  Iris appears distant and evil because she is hiding something.  This would give long time Flash readers a good reason to accept a Patty relationship if it was not for the pre-new 52.  The Daniel West scene uses his whole body as oppose to just facial reactions to express anger towards Barry.  Also the Flash looks very confident before giving Grodd what he wants.  The regular cover is excellent as it could easily fit in the issue.

     Although Dr. Elias was not present in the issue his lab kept his name relevant. I think it is safe to say whoever the new Reverse Flash is has spent time around Iris as this Flash series reaches another turning point.
10(out of 10)

Flash #15

Flash #15

script & cover: Francis Manapul & Brian Buccellato

Art:Marcus To and Ryan Winn w/Manapul

Colors: Buccellato with Ian Herring

Letterer: Carlos Mangual

Associate Editor: Chris Conroy

Editor:Matt Idelson
   
     Flash #15 holds true the one common theme this series has in that the art speaks louder than the words.  The splash pages are visually stunning and are an improvement from the first couple of pages.  One could argue the splash pages make this issue the best drawn of the series.  Perhaps it's because of a new co-artist but the non splash pages looked less detail.
   
     The writing was decent. I was just confused on a couple of panels when Captian Frye was talking to a comatosed Barry then Turbine answered.  Page five does nothing for the story.  Furthermore was the city really in worst shaped then what it appeared to be in previous issues.  The overall story arc is clearer.  Grood looks ancient without the speed force.  Also was Grodd just stumbling around the city or did he know where he was going?  I would like to know.
   
   The art in the beginning just does not look as crisp as from the series.   I have never seen Winn's work before, much less heard of the guy, if he continues on I will get used to it.  in one panel Patty Spivot is missing part of her nose.  The Rogues part looks cleaner then the beginning of the book.  Now it seems like To and Winn were switching off between panels because the one featuring Mirror Master looks different from the panel above.
   
    The four double spread splash pages relate to near future events that I do not want to say anything more about other than one image could explain the setting of one of the scenes from the issue.  Barry's conclusion at the end might have answered my own question from before no matter how crazy it is.  This whole story race is about to go wild with things moving very fast.

9(out of 10)

Flash 14

Flash #14
Script & Cover: Francis Manapul & Brian Buccellato

Art: Manapul

Colors: Buccellato

Letterer: carlos M. Mangual

Associate Editor: Chris Conroy

Editor:Matt Idelson
   
     Flash #14 with the use of flashbacks and other characters/scenes help to take the focus off Barry Allen.  One look at page four will tell you the Flash's should change his course of action.  This is a perfect way to introduce Solovar and it's nice to see Iris again.  I almost forgot about Dr. Elias and he had a good cameo.
 
     The writing was good although it took me a second read through to accept the pages Solovar was narrating. In a way this issue is more about him than the Flash.  Solovar message is unclear could he be saying that the Speed Force itself is dangerous to use or just future events through it.  A conversation between Solovar and The Flash next issue might shed some light on Solovar's words.
   
     As usual the art carries the issue while page four looks great visually it tells you things will not go a The Flash's way especially if you know the cover for Flash #15 . Page eleven has is the best drawn in the issue with The Flash speeding around Gorilla Grodd.  The Speed Force energy coming off of Grodd is red and combining with the fact The Flash is losing his costume once he makes contact with it.  Does that mean Grodd is using the negative speed force from the previous series.  I do not like the design of Solovar he just appears to be a normal gorilla.  How is he suppose to battle Grodd without weapons or even armor.  No arguments with this cover though one nitpick might have it show a bare hand.
   
     Flash #14 was good but it left more questions than answers.  How can the Flash and his allies stand up to Grodd in their condition.  Daniel West character just gives me an uneasy feeling I think he will become a villain.  I am not a fan of credits at the end.

   
8(out of 10)

Flash 13

Flash #13

script & cover: Francis Manapul & Brian Buccellato

Art: Manapul

Colors: Buccellato with Ian Herring

Letterer: Wes Abbott

Associate Editor: Chris Conroy

Editor:Matt Idelson

     Flash 13 follows the event of Flash annual 1 and Flash 0 where we have a introduction of a father figure to Barry.  The Turbine segment is also continued from the annual which is also cool.  One has to be on nerves for what Turbine might say to anyone regarding Barry.  Daniel West also reappearing from issue #0 is a good sign.   The issue was good with these new elements but slow paced.

 
   The writing was high on action but took too long for The Flash to run into Grodd at the climax because it took him the whole issue to trust the Rogues.  The Trickster scene does not.work in Flash.12 he said he was with the Rogues but here he appears to be a loner.  The Daniel West scene fit the story better.  At first page 19 seemed awful with just The Flash's thoughts but reinforces the theme of protecting Central City.

    Two nitpicks about the art are Mirror Master on the cover and not the issue.  He could have been replaced with the Trickster to better represent the issue.  After issue none I thought the Lightning Bolt on Grodd was permanent.  Everything else was exceptional.  My favorite is the two page spread on pages 16-17 with The Flash in the foreground.  The final page also makes Grodd look nine feet tall compared to the Flash also the electrify flowing from the entity other than the Flash just looks weird.
   
    The story is good as the series appears to be hitting a turning point with a emphasis towards the action and these new elements.  Daniel West seems like a new device to keep his family name rellavent.  The Trickster looks like he has his own agenda from the Rogues.  Grodd does not appear to be a hunter otherwise he would have been in the middle of the action.

   
8(out of 10)

Flash Annual #1

Flash  Annual #1 Flash vs. The Rogues United They Fall

Story & Cover: Francis Manapul & Brian Buccellato

BreakDown: Manapul

pencils & Inks: Marcus To, Scott Kolins, Diogenes Neves(pencils only chapter 3), Marcio Takara, Wes Craig

Inks: Oclair Albert(chapter 3)

Colors: Ian Herring(1, 3 & 4), Mike Atiyeh, (2). Hi-Fi(5)

Letters: Carlos M. Mangual, Dezi Sienty, Pat Brosseau(3 & 4), Wes Abbott

Associate Editor: Chris Conroy

Editor: Matt Idelson
   
     For the first comic annual I have ever read I did not expect five chapters.  As I was reading the issue I wondered when the continuation of #12 would come then afterwards I felt like chapters 2-4 did an excellent job of closing the gaps leading into the annual.
   
     The writing was good in chapters 2 and 3 in telling how the rogues ended up as metahumans while focusing on the Snarts.  Chapters two and three flow perfectly together despite no trickster in three (and five).  They show this inner war between the Snarts when LIsa Snart, the Glider goes from non rogue member to  being removed from her physical body and questioning her brother to the leader).  Chapter five shows that you can not trust an arch enemy for long because the rogues are really  a family( bar was in issue 11)Chapter one had a message but took a confusing path to get there.  Chapter four was fun however it was just filler
   
     The art was mostly good.  The first panel of Chapter two looks like a classic rogue image even though The Flash and Captain Cold look seven feet tall in other areas of the chapter that just might be because they are upfront.  Chapter one has a poorly drawn panel of Barry as a kid and the eyes do not look to be in sync with each other.   In Chapter five  Flash's eyes just look to big and kind of buggy. Also the difference in Mirror Master Cowl from three to five thought it would be the other way around in more tech based in chapter five not more modern.
   
      Chapters two, three and five relate more while Chapters 1 and 4 stand on their own.  I hope there is a pay off coming from the subject matter of chapter 4 even though it could be worse for the Flash than the last page.
8(out of 10)

Flash 12

The Flash #12

Script & Cover: Francis Manapul & Brian Buccellato

Art: Francis Manupul

Colors: Buccellato

Letters: Wes Abbott

Associate Editor Chris Conroy

Editor: Matt Idelson

    Flash #12 has nonstop action like "The Dark Knight" from the rogues but not the Flash.  This issue focuses on the rogues with a wild plan under new leadership.   The Flash only has two scenes while the rogues are everywhere.  The writing is good and the art is great with few nitpicks.

   The rogues new leader does not waste any time in causing havoc on multiple levels.  Their main goal seems to be revenge on there former boss Captain Cold.  One negative aspect about the writing was the Flash had no action sequences.  Now this issue is Act 1 of a bigger story but the Flash should have at least confronted the rogues.  It felt like he was just there in his own book.  Then again the Flash was probably screwed either way with regards to Doctor Elias because of current public opinion of him.  The Pied Piper was more heroic in this issue trying to round up the rogues.

  The art was back to its bright and clean form(hopefully no more fill in artists for a while.). even though the art was great as a whole no one piece got me excited.  However the two page half spread with the train disappearing looks cool with the purple and green colors mixed.  Now with the nitpicks on page seven, top panel looks like the Pied Piper is a woman but that may be due to the brightness of the cheeks.  Also on the bottom panel of page eleven Heatwave's head looks to be out of proportion with his body.  The regular cover while absolutely beautiful does not depict an actual scene from the issue.  it's ok with regards to the cover of issue #11

  I do not know what to think of the reveal near the end, it needs to play out more.  Also it was great to finally see the Trickster.  He has always been one of favorite rogues since his first appearance the TV show premired on my 13th birthday..

8(out of 10)

Note I will try to get my Flash annual review out Sept 8th its coming through DCBS.

Flash #11

The Flash #11 Slow Burn

script & cover: Francis Manapul & Brian Buccellato

pencils: Marcus To

inks: Ray McCarthy

colors: Buccellato(pgs. 1-10), &; Ian Herring ( pgs. 11-20)

Letters: Wes Abbott

Associate Editor Chris Conroy

editor: Matt Idelson

Flash #11 introduces Heatwave in the new 52 in a rather simple story.  The design of Heatwave looks to make him equal to Captain Cold where they appear to be metahumans..  The overall story is lacking but and its major problem is another rogue.

     That nitpick is Captain Cold is featured in as many pages as Heatwave.  It hurts the entire issue and Heatwave as a character.  Mick Rory now looks like a minor character even within the rogues.  I understand they hate each other but the story would have been better had Cold just made a cameo.  Heatwave as far as public knowledge has made appearances in Justice League Unlimited.  This issue does nothing to let him grows.  This is also the second straight issue that seems to ignore the conclusion of #10    even though Dr Elias has an entire page he does not interact with The Flash.  Then again the Flash's secret identity Barry Allen is just weird in this issue.  Though it was nice to see the mental power side of the speed force again.  I had nearly forgot about it.

    The art seems to grow on me the darker colors this being the second time around did not bother it was darker than usual but brighter than #10.  My favorite panel is the top of page 18.  I am a.sucker for the Flash running around doing his thing.  The cover is misleading where it seems that Heatwave was the one watching Iris and the others in the speed force which might have been a better story.
   
     Really Barry you are investagating Arson crimes and a prime suspect does not pop into your head?  Are not Keystone City and Central CIty next to each other? If they are how can Barry play dead much longer.  Captain Cold should not have co-stared in this issue.

6(out of 10)

Flash #10

The Flash #10
Script & Cover: Francis Manapul & Brian Buccellato Pencils: Marcus To
Inks: Ray McCarthy
Colors: Buccellato(pgs. 1-10), & Ian Herring ( pgs. 11-20
Letters: Wes Abbott
Associate Editor Chris Conroy
Editor: Matt Idelson

Flash #10 features the Weather Wizard in this one shot who comes across more as an antihero rather than a complet Villian. He is not looking to fight the Flash but does everything possible to slow the Flash down. The two have different paths that just happen to intersect.

Much like the end of issue #9 where there is no panel of the Flash going from Gorrila City to Central CIty with a new objective. The Flash first appears in issue #10 already in South America ready to fight. How did the Flash even figure out he had to go to South America and go after Weather Wizard? There is a lot of disconnect between the end of previous and the start of this issue. Perhaps I am finally noticing pencils and inks because this issue look does not look like Buccellato's art. It appears darker which I guess is appropriate for the climate disasters the Weather Wizard can create.
The writing at first seems confusing and could lead to a change in the Flashs life. His main goal in the issue is personal while the Weather Wizard has a business reason that becomes more personal. We know the two are really enemies but that does not come across well here. After achieveing the first part of his goal The Flash and from a far viewpoint takes care of a request while figuring out he can not complete his task.  The Flash and Weather Wizard have woman problems through different means..
My favorite part of the issue follows the half a second later intro. Those small panels remind me of the Flash TV season. The regular cover would look like a fit for the issue and is very descriptive but it is just another version of the title page. The end of issue foreshadows issue #12 but not issue #11.

7(out of 10)

New 52 flash 9

The Flash #9
Story: Francis Manapul & Brian Buccellato
Art: Manapul
Colors: Buccellato
Letters: Wes Abbott
Cover: Manapul w/Buccellato
Variant Cover: Tony S. Daniel & Sandu Florea w/ Tomeu Morey
Assistant Editor: Darren Shaw
Editor: Brian Cunningham

Flash #9 starts out weird the middle is good but then ends with confusion. It is odd in the beginning because the title page is so early. This new 52 introduction of Gorrilla Grodd seems it different then half way through he issue mental powers are revealed and I am thinking "same old Grodd."

The writing is excellent except for the end. The only page with Pied Piper I felt really moved his story forward and I can not wait to see his interaction with the Flash. On page 9 it is shown The Flash has no memory which at the moment was my only nitpick with the writing(it's also my favorite panel). The page where the Flash remembers who he is neat because it tells us he was the little boy from page one. Concepts like Fear and light fit the issue well even if they are more lantern based. The last two pages of the issue seem like mess with many questions to be asked.

At first the art seemed to be average because I failed to notice the lightning behind the Flash on the top panel of page sixteen. The cave paintings remind me of Flash:Rebirth. On pages 12-13 its hard for me to distinguish where the middle panel of Grodd turning an apes neck fits in that sequence. One of my biggest problems with issue was that it did not show how Flash got home. i would like to think he entered the Speed Force but also we have no proof that Iris and the others inside the Speed Force are back home. Their scene ended on a cliffhanger type note

My other questions are why is Patty really traveling where she is? I do not buy here explanation. What happened to Dr. Elias? It reminds of the TV show when the Flash was sent to the future  8( out of 10)

Flash 8 new 52

The Flash #8
Story: Francis Manapul & Brian Buccellato
Art: Manapul
Colors: Buccellato
Letters: Wes Abbott
Cover: Manapul
Variant Cover: Bernard Chang
Assistant Editor: Darren Shaw
Editor: Brian Cunningham

     Flash #8 includes the new 52 definition of the speed force. it also feels different than any other issue of the new 52 because it is based on information rather than action. Flash learns that he must really run.The flow is better than number 7.

    The writing seemed to be clunky at first with Flash and Turbine going from fighting to talking and then fighting again. Turbine has a sole purpose of getting back to his year of 1944. They only fight again because the Flash realizes that Turbine caused the EMP blast from the Mob rule arc and won't help him get back home. This new 52 definition of the speed force seems to be simple but its function and state are only reliant on the Flash. If the Flash doesn't run the speed force does wacky things. This contradicts what we have previously learned in the series. The two page intro of Hartley Rathaway comes off from the Flash asking a cliffhanger type question. Kudos to the Flashback podcast on picking up on the music talk from issue 7.

     The art in this book was good nothing really great. I have a hard time calling the title pages splash pages and therefore getting excited about it. Maybe it's only ending splash pages that get me going. Two panels that held my interest were the bottom of page 15 where the flash appears to be fuzzy wondering if he will go mad like Turbine if he remains in the speed force for a long time. The second panel on page five is stuff I like to see from splash pages.

     The Gorilla city scene helps the issue flow perfectly with a direct lead into issue 9. I am willing to bet Flash will go back into the speed force for his original mission of rescuing Iris and the others, it's just that Turbine was a more immediate threat. Plus we know Turbine's real name so he has to appear again?

8 (out of 10)

Flash 7 new 52

The Flash #7
Story: Francis Manapul & Brian Buccellato
Art: Manapul
Colors: Buccellato
Letters: Wes Abbott
Cover: Manapul
Variant Cover: Dale Keown
Assistant Editor: Darren Shaw
Editor: Brian Cunningham

     Flash #7 is the wrap up of the two part Captain Cold story but yet it felt like 1 1/2 storyline. The art is much better than the writing in this issue as the second half confused me. Too much of a setup for a one shot if you ask me.

     The story makes no sense as the battle ends halfway through the issue and Captain Cold appearing on only one page after that. The Gorilla city and Central city scenes I feel like we're wasted pages. Gorilla city is further down the line. The Central city scene in my opinion disputes something that I wondered early on in the issue. One panel has Patty Spivot saying Barry as she is saved by the Flash as if she heard Barry's voice. However, later on she blames the Flash for Barry disappearing. That shows me she has not connected the dots to the truth.

     The art once again is top notch in the issue. My favorite piece is Captain Cold looking frozen on page 10 to me it is visually stunning yet it seems right. My second favorite were pages 18–19. The mixture of the lightning on the Flash and the color streaks showing what direction he is coming from gets me excited more than pages 12-13 which looks too busy and why is Dr. Elias saying Flash twice.

     The issue could have been better had the battle lasted three to five more pages. I fail to see how the Gorrilla one page relates to the rest of the issue. Five separate scenes after page 10 just seems like too much especially when only three of them may connect to the next issue. The Cold hospital scene would have helped the book flow better if it came closer to the end battle scene but definitely before the Gorilla scene.

7 (out of 10)

New52Flash6

The Flash #6

Story: Francis Manapul & Brian Buccellato
Art: Manapul
Colors: Buccellato
Letters: Wes Abbott
Cover: Manapul
Variant Cover: Mike Choi
Assistant Editor: Darren Shaw
Editor: Brian Cunningham

Flash #6 just feels right with the Flash battling Captain Cold. Only this time Cold has evolved to the point where he could be considered a metahuman. The subplot discovered at the end of #5 actually has a big impact on this issue.

The writing for the most part is good. My biggest problem is that say Barry Allen and Patty Spivot are now boyfriend/girlfriend and while this was hinted at during the first arc somehow it just rubs me the wrong way so early in the second arc. Cold's motives seem to be ok but him upset with the Flash because of the EMP blast as a tipping point for the attack seems to be rehashed from the Mob Rule arc. The short scene with Dr. Elias serves a purpose giving The Flash the devices to monitor his speed to try to avoid a bigger problem. That's the reason why The Flash says he is slower he is trying to be careful to cause a worst situation and not because of age.

Now because my comic reading basically starts with Flash:Rebirth the Captain Cold I am used to comes from Challenge of the Superfriends and Justice League where he appears to be twenty years older than the Flash. With this updated version of Captain Cold I wonder if they are the same age. I am happy to see Cold kept his goggles and understand his new hood design, however I will miss the full parka though it does make sense with the way his powers are now. the cover and splash scenes are great.

I hope to see two things with Captain Cold next issue. First how his powers changed? Second why the Rogues disbanded? however with the Flash's monitor saying 98 percent his attention may be diverted quickly. plus does Cold know who the Flash is? it seemed like an easy find.

8 (out of 10)

New52flash5

The Flash #5

Story: Francis Manapul & Brian Buccellato
Art: Manapul
Colors: Buccellato
Letters: Wes Abbott
Cover: Manapul w/ Buccellato
Variant Cover: Gary Frank w/ Brad Anderson
Assistant Editor: Darren Shaw
Editor: Brian Cunningham

Flash #5 had a very satisfying conclusion to the first arc in the new 52. The issue solicits may have been tagged about Mob Rule's fate but I think the real point was Manuel Lago's fate, which was surprising enough as well as the final line. Yet the storyline fails to prove why Barry Allen and Iris West needed to be separated as Patty Spivot was not central to solve the problem.
The writing was excellent as I did not Manuel making the choice he did based on the events of the issue. His reasoning seems to contradict the previous issue. I could have seen Manuel going heel because Mob Rule needed him to survive and for him to tell Barry this is how things need to be. However, it is just hard to believe that Manuel suddenly cares about Mob Rule when he already has abandoned them before. Can we take Manuel at face value? The final line of the issue was equally surprising and we just have to wonder how long Barry will think about the ramifications.
The art was good. The title and vortex pages pages were my favorites but not as exciting as previous issues. Each title page was unique giving the whole arc a special feeling with issue #3 being the best Maybe not for this issue alone but the art really told the story. The regular cover was very appriorate as it described a scene. The wintry backgrounds on the first few pages were a nice touch.
While The Flash #5 had a nice ending it was different then the previous issues because the writing felt greater than the art. The motives for Manuel's change of heart were lacking but Atleast it looks like he will have future storylines. I am very interested to see what dominates Barry's time now Captain Cold or the Speed force?

#5(7 out of 10)
Arc(9 out of 10)