Flashpoint #1 - Review

After what feels like months of waiting (oh wait! It was.), Flashpoint #1 is finally here and the world of Flashpoint is ready to be explored.

After a glance back at Barry Allen's life for the new readers, The Flash is thrust into the world of Flashpoint, a world much like his own. But it's as Barry goes to don his costume that he notices his ring is missing and takes a quick tumble down the stairs to land at the feet of his mother; a victim of the Reverse Flash's backwards method of revenge on Barry Allen; killed years ago but alive and well today.

From here we're given a broader view of the world we're in. Millions have died at the hands of an ongoing battle between Atlantis and Themyscria, and the "heroes" that remain are ready to put an end to it. We get to meet the agents of S.H.A.Z.A.M., the leaders of the Secret Seven, the Outsider and Cyborg, along with a bunch of other characters DC has teased over the months. Honestly my favourite is Batman so far, and I'm sure I'm not alone in that.

Andy Kubert's art here is crisp and clean, and I really like it. His rendtition of a brighter (but no less dark) Gotham city is really great. Kubert is a quality artist and so I'm not surprised he's done another good job here, so I'm looking forward to the different artists for the mini-series instead.

The last page reveal in this opening issue is something that really surprised me, and will make me sure to watch the rest of this series like a hawk. Honestly, as the final page of The Flash #12 revealed, I'm a little disappointed that the Reverse Flash is to blame for Flashpoint, even though I really like him. Even so, being introduced to the new versions of our favourite characters in the way we are has grabbed my interest, and I'm going to be sure to check out the mini-series starting next month. Either way, Flashpoint is a quality read that I was happy to finally hold in my hand. I went out and bought it, I suggest you do the same.

NB: It still makes me mad that I spoiled the big reveal for myself by accidentally looking straight at the text bubble on the last page, stupid brain.

The Road to Flaspoint: The Flash #12

Issue #12 of the Flash is, in all honesty, a disappointing close to a good series. Johns uses this last issue to tie up the lose ends of the murder cases, but those only exist to propel the scarlet speedster into Flashpoint. There are some interesting moments with Hot Pursuit and the Reverse Flash, and some nice character work between Barry and Bart Allen, as well as the "love-triangle" between Patty Spivot, Iris Allen and Barry, but ultimately the issue didn't really wow me.

It is disappointing to see that we couldn't get a full issue of Francis Manapul's art, but Scott Kolins fills the void admirably. It just seems strange that DC would put 5 pages of Manapul's art inbetween Kolins', but that's their decision to make.

The Flash #12 is, honestly, a disappointing way to see the series off (cancellation wise, a strange move for DC as even though it suffered from some bad delays, people were still invested in seeing it succeed). All I can say is that it'll relaunch after Flashpoint, with something drastically different about the Flash, otherwise why not give it a three month break instead of a cancellation. It just seems like the 'Road to Flashpoint' could have been it's own mini-series (a one-shot is all it really needed ala 'Batman: The Return'), and it kind of ruined 'The Flash' to have it shoved in there.

Whatever happens, I've got my eye firmly fixed on Flashpoint, and I'm interested to see what happens throughout the series and the fallout from when it's all over.

The Road to Flaspoint: The Flash #12

The final step closer to 'Flashpoint' #1 as it comes out today alongside 'The Flash' #12. Unfortunately I won't be able to pick up up until tomorrow because I have work, it's killing me. Still, the cover for 'The Flash' #12 is nice, so until I can get my comics tomorrow, this'll have to tide me over.

The Road to Flaspoint: The Flash #11

The penultimate issue of "The Flash" answers most of the questions that the previous one had raised, as well as beginning to build a clear road to Flashpoint.

We get to see some nice character moments in this issue, as Johns brings the core members of the Flash family together to give Barry Allen an intervention. Barry hasn't made time to slow down for his extended family since his return for the speed force, and last issue's breakdown between Barry and Bart drives the conflict.

Of course the murders taking place are integral to the plot of the comic, and probably the story of "Flashpoint" as well. I should never have doubted Geoff Johns.

This issue sees Francis Manapul take a break from art duties (perhaps due to the delayed schedule?) and instead brings in Scott Kolins. At first I was dismissive of Kolins' depiction of Barry and the other supporting characters, but he settles into a better style early into the issue and does a commendable job. The flashback scenes are really great, and the final page reveal is drawn with all the jagged style it deserves.

The final issue of "The Flash" hits shelves on the 11th of May along with the first issue of "Flashpoint", and I'm excited to see what sets up Barry's crossing over to the world of Flashpoint. Stay tuned for reviews of the final issue of "The Flash" and "Flashpoint" on the 11th of next month, it's going to be a busy day.

The Road to Flaspoint: The Flash #10

Last issue gave us the final page reveal of Hot Pursuit's identity: none other than Barry Allen. Of course it's the Barry Allen of a parallel universe, but still, shock!

This issue sees Barry trying to keep up with Hot Pursuit, who has the ability to steal the Speed Force from Barry to power his Cosmic Motorcycle (very Tron), as well as solve the murder of the Elongated Kid. Kid Flash raises an interesting point involving Barry and his continued avoidance of his own "Flash family", something that will surely come to a head as we dive into Flashpoint. Will he escape to the parallel universe of Flashpoint for good?

Honestly, the murder plot seems to slow the story down, as readers will definately be more interested in Hot Pursuit and the actual 'Road to Flashpoint', but of course it all ties together. Ace blood analyst and friend of Barry Allen, Patty Spivot is reintroduced in this issue, but whether she'll stick around will have to wait until next issue.

As usual Manapul's art is pretty spot on, but this issue doesn't give him much of a chance to spread his artistic wings.

Of course this issue gives us the obligatory ad for Flashpoint, showcasing the Reverse Flash. Why is that only a one-shot? I can understand the Gorilla Grodd and Canturbury Cricket one-shots, but you'd think Reverse Flash would at least get a three issue mini-series.

I've been gone a while...

Wow, i'm quite disappointed in myself really. There I was, vowing to post twice a day, everyday, and it's been a month or thereabouts since my last update.

So why have I stopped by today, you ask? To tell you m new favourite artist in comics. Francis Manapul. The man draws a comic book like no one else, so he's earnt his spot up there with Oliver Coipel in my books.

I'm quite enjoying The Flash at the moment, with Manapul on art and Johns writing, you can't really go wrong. So, until next time (if there is a next time), have a good one.