The Flash Volume 5 History Lessons Review

The Flash Volume 5 History Lessons is the final volume in the series by one of the original writer/artists of The New 52 Flash series Brian Buccellato before an all new creative team took over the series with The Flash #30. The main part of the collection is the three part mystery story History Lessons, in which The Flash uncovers a serial killer that was active during the year that his mother was murdered. He investigates if both cases are connected and if he can find his mother’s killer that his father was convicted of. Also collected is standalone stories as the Flash tries to stop a thrill seeking thief and a story that is the first meeting of the Flash and friend Hal Jordan/Green Lantern. Collects The Flash #26 – 29 and The Flash Annual #2 with several guest writers and artists.

The Flash series so far has consisted of multi arc stories. Volume 5 History Lessons is made up of a variety of stories that take the Flash, to an alien planet with Green Lantern, to the skies to stop a thrill seeking sky pirate and investing a murder mystery with a supernatural element. The collection opens with “The Quick and the Green”, bucks the growing trend toward gritty realistic stories, it’s fun and light. It’s a reminder what superhero comics used to be all about. The Flash #26 is a standalone issue where the Flash has to chase down a group of thieves but, their method of transport leaves the Flash figuring out to stop group that travel by the sky. It’s a good straightforward simple story seeing the Flash in action and being tested in a way he hasn’t been before.

History Lessons is the final part of the book and the main story that connects more to the current series although, it’s pretty standalone in ways too. In this excellent mystery story the Flash/Barry Allen uncovers a mass grave that leads him to believe a serial killer had additional unknown victims. Barry believes that this could potentially include his mother Nora. Barry seeks to investigate if the there is a connection between the two cases. His investigation leads to the supernatural with the addition of a well-known guest star to help. I thought the premise of this was excellent and how it connects to Barry’s past and changes what we know. The interesting C.S.I. approach is brings it back to great elements of the series for a supernatural story. History Lessons offers an intriguing change to story of who killed Nora. The Flash T.V. series took it influences for the Flashpoint story and this newest take changes what went on before. Barry’s father had been convicted for the crime years ago and Barry always believed that he was innocent. This case is one he can’t leave alone, one that adds to his family drama. It’s a real good story.

Although thematically the Flash Volume 4: Reverse was more fitting conclusion to the original creators of this 2011 series. Brian Bucellato’s final few issues are good, offering variety to this volume before new creators take over the series. It gives you different elements and types of stories for the Flash while venturing back a bit more into his history and his mother’s death that make for the most compelling and intriguing reading by completing the final collection of issues by one of the original creators that made the New 52 Flash so great. A neat little collection of stories for fans of The Flash.

The Flash Volume 4: Reverse Review

Francis Manapul and Brian Bucellatto conclude their fantastic 25 issue run on fantastic the Fastest Man Alive – The Flash. The writer artist team reinvent one of the Flash’s best known villain’s in this murder mystery as The Flash chases down the deadly speedster who grows faster with each victim. The exciting story arc Reverse ends their run before a single issue crossover on the Batman origin event Zero Year. Collects issues: The Flash #20 – 25 and #23.2 The Reverse Flash.

Just when Barry Allen’s life seems to be settling down after the chaos that was his clashes with the Rouges and the invasion led by Gorilla Grodd on Central City. Barry’s life appears to be getting to a better place moving in with his girlfriend Patty Spivot and has rescued Iris West and the others who had been trapped inside the Speed Force. All appears to be good, until a super powered murderer starts killing those with a connection to the Speed Force. A new Flash epic stars here.

After the more fantastical elements have been dealt with in previous story arcs, the central conflict of Reverse is that of a murder mystery that’s a bit more grounded approach for a story. It’s a more compelling story than previous of the run so far, it exercises some restraint in its approach. The style of story and art by Manapul feels like the mystery stories that he worked with writer Geoff Johns on their 2010 series. The Flash can do almost anything but here he uses his scientist skills to help solve the grisly murders. With both Barry and Iris both targets of this killer, their proximity to each other may prove problematic for Barry’s relationship with Patty. With earlier Flash stories of the series having so much happen so fast, this story is slowly unraveled, just the way a murder mystery should. It has a greater emphasis on Barry’s police work and interpersonal relationships, adding more substance the world of the Flash. It also gives the core conflict a sense of urgency. The plot thickens at a slower pace than normal and it’s nice that the slow reveal gives the events ample room to breathe. Just as the killer's identity is revealed, the Villains Month issue steps back from current events and reveals the back story of the interesting villain, building anticipation and suspense for the overall story. The new take on the Reverse Flash is fantastic, his plan is a darker reflection of Barry Allen’s good intentions during the Flashpoint story by Geoff Johns in 2011.

The two year run by Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato finishes on a high note, it’s a great ending story arc to their run on the Flash. Their Reverse story arc serves as a nice farewell to character that the creative team have handled so deftly. But before it can feel like a grand finale send off from the creative duo, they’ve one more story to tell. The Flash #25 is part of the Zero Year tie-in reveals Barry’s role during the Batman: Zero Year story. During Gotham’s blackout caused by The Riddler six years ago and before Barry Allen got the powers that made him The Flash. He responded to a call set out to Law Enforcement Agencies during their state of emergency, Barry is in Gotham helping out Harvey Bullock investigating a new drug on the streets of Gotham. In a surprising reveal it is the first meeting of he and Iris West. The two get on well and this flash back story sheds some more light on the chemistry between them, despite what is taking place in Barry’s relationship with Patty in present day continuity. The creator’s ability knack for characterisation carries the story through what would otherwise be a straightforward plot. It is an interesting tie to Zero Year with the focus on showcasing the kind of person Barry Allen is, with an eye on the hero man he’ll one day become.

The art thankfully remains one of the best parts of the series. Manapul and Buccellato fully perform art duties on their final story arc. In terms of art, the duo have been one of the most consistent on a comic series. Artist’s Scott Hepburn and Chris Sprouse pencil the Villain’s Month and Zero Year issues respectively, with original artists returning to their stunning art for the final few pages in Gotham. The art has always remained one of the greatest qualities of the stories, from the innovative layouts to the combination of soft tones and strong splashes of colour, everything about The Flash's visuals is executed with a level of sophistication that few superhero comics could match. In their final arc the two speedsters clash and produce incredible violent battles throughout the story that make the incredibly vibrant art alone makes this a Flash fight a standout of their run and one the Flash's greatest battles.

Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato wrapped up their epic Flash run by introducing Reverse-Flash in a big way.The final story arc Reverse, concludes the run by pair duo 25 issue run on the Scarlet Speedster. Reverse plays more to Barry Allen’s strengths as an Crime Scene Investigator while the events of the story further complicates Barry’s personal live with an ensuing love triangle between Barry Iris and Patty.While Buccellato would continue as a writer for the last few issues on the series collected is The Flash Volume 5: History Lessons before both creators brought their amazing talents to Batman Detective Comics with issue #30. The final story puts the Flash against a new version of an old enemy while returning the character to its stronger central theme of a murder mystery that Manapul started with previous Flash writer Geoff Johns. This was the story I was most looking forward to stars a new and interesting iteration of the Reverse Flash as well as a brilliant and fantastic end to the creative run of Manapul and Buccellto, concluding their stunning run of The Flash.

The Flash Volume 3: Gorilla Warfare Review

Gorilla Warfare is the third volume in the series featuring the Fastest Man Alive; the Flash, Central City has been invaded by Gorilla Grodd and his army as he sets out to conquer Central City and possess the powers of the Flash. It’ll take more than the Scarlet Speedster to stop them as the Rouges join the fight in protecting Central City. Collects issues #13 – 19 by writers and artists Francis Manapul and Brian Beccellato with guest artist Marcus To and Marcio Takara.

Gorrilla Warfare is an big and all out action story with the Flash and the Rouges take on Gorrila Grodd and his army of apes taking over Central City. For the third volume in the series its more straightforward and a simpler story while tying up existing plot elements making it a satisfying story. It brings a lot of elements of Barry Allen’s personal life to a conclusion while setting up a complicated love triangle in the near future.

The talking gorilla invasion element is a bit out there but the characters of the story acknowledge it which makes easier to accept by the readers if you’re not into that part of the Flash universe. Grodd is a long time villain of the speedster and since has been lightly featured in this New 52 series since it began. This story arc is the culmination of Grood’s earliest appearances in the series, and seeing as Volume 2 Rouges Revolution opened and closed with the simian it is a worthy inclusion that made for a great story.

While the stories and always developing one thing that stays consist is the amazing and stunning art from Manapul and Beccellato. Their art always continues to astound. They always employ an inventive layout and different elements of the setting to conjure up an impressive title page. The standout example of their art is during a nine page display of the Flash’s mind envisioning different outcomes of the big conflict. The lighting-shaped panels making their way across the pages building to a wonderful visual crescendo where the lighting becoming the end title page for the issue.

In the aftermath of the Gorilla Warfare arc, the volume concludes in a two part story with a story ex-Rouge member The Trickster who’s been accused of murder. The Flash sets out to prove his innocence and becoming more difficult when he loses his powers. The story with guest artist Marcio Takara is a nice way to wrap up a good book while teasing the next big villain for the next collection.

Gorilla Warfare is the third big action story that capitalises on many of the plot elements introduced since the series began while giving way to establishing new plot threads to cumulate in Manapul and Beccellato’s final volume of the series where they introduce their new version on a quintessential Flash villain The Reverse Flash.

The Flash Volume 2: Rogue's Revolution Review

The second collection on The New 52 series by Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato co writers and artists of this collection off issues joined by other guest artists Marcus To, Scott Kolins and more. The Flash has escaped the speed force and made it back to a very different Central City, where the citizens have turned on the Flash. Meanwhile The Rouges are getting back together with their new powers and a new leader. Collects issues #9 -12, #0 and The Flash Annual #1.

This volume kicks off where the last book cliff-hanger left us. The Flash escaping the speed force and landing in the midst of Gorilla City and the recently crowned King Grood. Arriving in the secret civilization of talking gorillas with the Flash taking on Grood and learning about the prophecy about the speedster. This is my least favourite aspect of the Flash universe, but the creators acknowledge it by Barry referring to it like something out of a sci-fi movie. After Barry returns home he discovers he’s not the loved hero he once was. It brings a nice change to the story as Barry is hiding out in a rougher part of town. Barry’s life as the Flash is turned upside down and keeps his death a secret from his friends and girlfriend while he figures out what to do next. For a character that has always been so positive it’s interesting to see what he does next with his life in disarray.

The second volume of the Flash is heavy focus on the Rouges, the group haven’t always been the most imposing threat to the Flash or Central City but now has changed, it works brilliantly in tandem with Barry’s personal life in the state that it’s in.

The Rouges, the Flash’s great adversaries, this supervillain team make their debut in the series relaunch. No longer with weapons they now have the abilities of their weapons. So it’s not as easy for the Flash to just stop them by quickly disarming them. The Flash comes up against each member of the Rogues in a before they are recruited by their new leader for a big showdown with the Flash. The story building to an exciting clash between the Rouges and the Flash. The Flash Annual #1, keeps the suspense going after the thrilling issue that preceded it. The double length annual issue does some exposition into the history of the Rouges and how they got their new powers before returning the story to the big showdown.

The Flash #0 is collected at the end of the volume and is a welcome return to wonderful art of Manapul and Beccellato. A loose origin story, this issue details how Barry got his powers and motivation for becoming a hero. It’s less of a superhero story and more of an emotional story, the tender subject of his relationship to his parents and the murder of his mother forms the heart of the story. It introduces an intriguing new mystery and history to the death of Barry’s mother Nora and what his father had in connection with his wife’s murder/death. It’s a new twist on a familiar story but it’s ambiguous and left up to the readers interpretation of what happened? Is the reboot relying on the most recent retcon to Barry Allen’s history by Geoff Johns in the Flash Rebirth series or is this New 52 Flash setting up a new change to this element of The Flash?

Again the team of Manpul and Beccellato create some beautiful art for their story, doing art for the majority of the issue while artist Marcus To fills into for two issues before we return to the original and elegant art the series is known for. The Annual issue features several guest artists for the double length issue.

Rouges Revolution is a solid follow up focusing on one of the best elements of the Flash, his Rouges. The Flash takes on each member of the group individually before as they all band back together to take down the Flash. Along with Gorilla Grood at the start of the book setting up the next story arc Gorilla Warfare which I’m sure is to also include the Rouges in the third volume of the series.

The Flash Volume 1 Move Forward Review

The Flash Volume 1 – Move Forward is the first collection of The New 52 series. The Scarlet Speedster is back in this new series from DC Comics reboot offering a fresh start to many of its characters. Central City police scientist struck by a bolt of lightning and doused in chemicals making him the Fastest Man Alive. Writer and artist Francis Manapul with colourist create the most beautiful comic book series. Move Forward collects issues #1 – 8 of the series. 

The Flash is back in this exciting and thrilling collection of the first eight issues of this series. I’ve recently become a huge fan of the character and this new 2011 series is a great place to enjoy new Flash stories. Barry Allen had a brief comics return since his return after a 20 year absence, he starred again as the main Flash in the 12 issue series by Geoff Johns before the DC Universe was rebooted. The Flash is one character that greatly benefits from this relaunch, no longer tied down to the occurrence of his own death, the series can run afresh into a new and exciting series for the Flash.

In this new continuity Barry is no longer married to Iris West, their marriage new happened and instead has recently started dating co-worker Patty Spivot. It’s during their first date that our story begins at a Tech Symposium where a masked gang break in looking to steal a piece of technology. Barry gives chase but the gang get away in their plane, Barry saves one from the fall but learns that he died and not only that, but the unmasked dead man is someone Barry knows, an old friend, Manual Lago. Knowing that something doesn’t add up related to his friend’s death Barry carries out his own investigation at home an intruder enters and it’s an alive and well Manual.

The mystery deepens to what’s going on with his old friend who is being chased by the gang known as Mob Rule that leads to a city wide blackout. The Flash gains a new power set as he develops his mind to function with his Speed Force and the rest of his powers which he doesn’t have full control over yet. The Mob Rule story arc is great and gives the character a new villain to contend with. The Flash later comes face to face with a classic villain Captain Cold. The Flash isn’t the only character to gain a new power set, the new and improved powers of Captain Cold make for an exciting story. The way the plot jumps back and forth through time helps simulate the quick-moving nature of the book's titular character and makes the read far more engaging than it otherwise would have been if it chronologically moved from one beat to the next.

It’s a fantastic opening collection of issues to this new Flash series and I haven’t even mentioned the art yet. The art is amazing , it’s some of the most beautiful, dynamic and wonderful art ever created. It has a retro feel with water paints style of colouring. The layouts are wonderfully presented and are so creative. It’s one of those occasions where full creativity is given to a creator who is both writer and artist on a comic series giving full creative control on the story and art. It’s a visual treat. The artistry was one of the main reason I got into the series as I had enjoyed Manpul’s art on the previous 2010 series by Geoff Johns. Manapul’s art and creativity knows no end, the opening of each issue cleverly displays “DC Comics Presents The Flash” incorporated into the background of the scenes. The art is incredible and makes this series so fantastic.

This new series is a fresh start with some of the most charming and beautiful art you will see on a comic book character that suits so well to the tone of the hero and the series. An adventure story with the bright red clad hero. Looking forward to the second volume and later series. The book is fun to read and the art comes first place seeing the creativity and imagination of its creators is stunning and a joy to read and a pure visual treat.

The Flash: The Road to Flashpoint Review

The Flash Volume 2: The Road to Flashpoint is the second and last collection of the short lived 2010 series by Geoff Johns. The last five issues of the run are collected; The Flash #8 – 12 with art by Francis Manapul and Scot Kolins. A prologue to the events leading up to Flashpoint, the upcoming event that was first teased in the previous Flash story arc of the series. The time anomaly that will change everything. Hot Pursuit, police officer of the speed force is tracking down the perpetrator responsible that will destructively affect the time stream. Meanwhile the recently returned Flash, Barry Allen is investigating mysterious deaths of rapidly aged victims. The events of Flashpoint are put in motion, setting The Road to Flashpoint continues to build the Flash up as one of the pillars of the DC Universe.

This volume starts off begins opens with how the preceding collection ended concluded with a Rouge profile issue, this time its ultimate Flash nemesis Eobard Thawne/The Reverse Flash. The villain who played such a big part in The Flash Rebirth story and Barry’s own life. Thawne’s new back story is told here, it’s a good and interesting look into the villain's 

time in the 25th century idolizing the Flash and his legacy.

With issue #9 begins The Road to Flashpoint story arc, picking up from the tease at the end first story of the series, Vol. 1 The Dastardly Death of The Rouges. Hot Pursuit equipped with his speed force powered motorcycle is seeking out the time anomaly that may be connected to Barry’s own mysterious case. The series keeps in with its C.S.I. tone as Barry investigates his latest case and as the Flash he begins to discover a disturbance of the speed force When he meets Hot Pursuit he warns the Flash of the threat citing it "single greatest time anomaly to ever threaten reality." I felt it would be very repetitive if this new character was also from the future like the Renegades of the previous last story that involved time travelling, thankfully Hot Pursuit is from somewhere different. Patty Spivot makes her return to Central City and its crime lab, a forensic blood analyst and former assistant to Barry Allen whom she harbors feeling for.

The story also deals with Barry’s personal life being somewhat detached from his family and too heavily involved in his work. The events of the last story weigh heavily on his mind, convincing and moving scenes as Barry is preoccupied and unable to attend family get-togethers, the revelation that he feels indirectly responsible for the death of his mother. The greatest tragedy in his life is something he feels responsible for. The story has its fair share of action and is emotionally complex, the art is wonderful and Francis Manapul’s illustrations are beautiful old fashioned but modern that's featured for the majority of the issues. In a particular scene showcases his artistic talents, the colour bleeds out from the panel around Barry, signifying how alone he really is. The art is so good, it’s a new favourite and I’m highly likely to get the first few volumes of New 52 Flash.

Geoff Johns hasn’t just revived the Flash, he putting the character back as one of the main characters of the DC Universe, back to his former glory. The final issue is an exciting end to the story that leads into Flashpoint, it holds back many big developments for the Flash-centric event that leads into changes for the DC Universe that becomes the New 52 relaunch in 2011. The story concludes in a matter of the calm before the storm type of effect, it builds a level of excitement for the next big epic in the DC Universe. it's the only crossover event featuring Barry Allen as the central character. This tale is the prelude to the events that will become one of the biggest stories of the DC Universe. At this point I’ve already read and hugely enjoyed the time altering epic that is Flashpoint. The massive event that went on to include several tie-ins featuring various characters in this altered timeline

It’s a good story as the Flash is involved with another speed force connected story, setting the wheels turning for what’s to become one of the greatest Flash stories. It’s not as big as previous Flash stories by Johns but is a smaller more intricate. In terms of action, scale and story it’s a tip of the iceberg, teasing a much bigger event to come. It’s the continuation Geoff Johns revival of Barry Allen as the Flash, a short lived but great series of the Fastest Man Alive before he before he's has to face what's next. It’s a smaller story, not as big or eventful of those that had preceded it but there is enough mystery to keep the reader intrigued in preparation for the upcoming story. If you’re like me and already read the limited series, the Road to Flashpoint gives new meaning to the story and Barry’s motivations.

The Flash and Aquaman Earth One announced at Comic Con 2015

With my recent review of Batman Earth One Vol. 2 I'm sharing the news that the Earth One series continues to grow with two more of DC's greatest heroes.

At Comic-Con, Jim Lee and Dan Didio announced during their "DC Entertainment: Meet the Co-Publishers" panel that both Flash and Aquaman will be getting Earth One graphic novels in 2016.

The Flash: Earth One will be written by J. Michael Straczynski, an artist has yet to be named. Straczynski previously wrote the three Superman: Earth One graphic novels.

Aquaman: Earth One will be both written and illustrated by Francis Manapul.

Both characters are will soon be part of the big screen with Justice League movies and as well as their own solo movies and The Flash TV series being such a massive success, these characters are growing in popularity its their time to get the Earth One treatment of a modernized and realistic setting.

Other characters such in the series are still in production, Wonder Woman: Earth One by is next to released by Grant Morrison and artist Yanick Paquette and Volume 3 of Batman: Earth One by Geoff Johns and art by Gary Frank will follow sometime after. Both titles are out in 2016.

The Flash: The Dastardly Death of the Rouges Review

Barry Allen is back as The Flash in the first collection from the ongoing series after his eventful return in The Flash: Rebirth. The Dastardly Death of the Rouges is the first story arc of The Flash 2010 series by Writer Geoff Johns and illustrated by Francis Manapul and Scott Kolins. When one of the Rouges turn ups dead on the streets of Central City it’s not just Barry Allen The Flash that’s out to find the killer, but also The Renegades, the time travelling police force from the future that resemble the Rouges arrive to arrest The Fastest Man Alive for the murder that he’s yet to commit. The story arc is tied in into the Brightest Day event. Collects The Flash #1 – 7 and Secret Files and Origins 2010.

After the completion of both The Flash; Rebirth and Blackest Night, Geoff Johns would return to write a new Flash ongoing series in 2011. The opening arc would be launched under the Brightest Day banner, a line wide aftermath story that followed the outcome conclusion of Blackest Night. Johns had been writing The Flash for a few years with former sidekick Kid Flash/Wally West had taken over the role as The Flash after Barry’s death years ago. Barry Allen has returned and this series puts the icon and best known Flash back as the main speedster in the DC Universe.

Barry Allen is still adjusting to his day to day life in his hometown Central City as Forensic Scientist for the Central City Police Department and stopping criminals as The Flash. Barry has returned to the role of the greatest of all the speedsters. The first case since his return is the murder of Mirror Master on the streets of Central City. He might not have to look far for the suspect as arrival of The Renegades have come to arrest him for the crime. Johns tells his next story for The Flash as a mystery thriller. This story is mostly fixed within a CSI tone, much like the TV series and does so without detracting from its super hero core. It has fun and charm especially in between its bigger moments. It’s a simpler approach to the story than that of the settings of the previous tale. Rebirth required some prior knowledge of The Flash universe, this is a cleaner simpler story that makes for an enjoyable read wonderfully beautifully drawn and full of fantastic super heroics and saves. It has the right mix of fun, exhilaration and excitement. It’s a very creative story and imaginative tale, whether it’s the exciting action scenes or the creation of The Renegades, time travelling futuristic versions of the Rogues .The police force from the 25th century is the most intriguing element of the story. They are modeled after the Rogues as enemies of the Flash, as they are meant to counter the evil Reverse-Flash. The action scenes are fun and innovative, the creative team know how to have fun with the abilities of The Fastest Man Alive in various situations. They have a talent for showing Barry's powers in visually interesting and fun ways. 

The Rouges had only had a minor appearance in the story Rebirth, this follow up and new series bring them back with the best known Flash, their original adversary. They have had a contingency plan in place for The Flash's return that was revealed in the final pages of the Rebirth story. A new series would imply a fresh start and slightly self-contained story for its begging, under the banner of Brightest Day that adds an outside element into the mix, but as far as outside influences aspects go it’s a pretty simple one. Captain Boomerang/ Digger Harkness died some time ago and after the events of Blackest Night he returned to life. Brightest Day follows those that were resurrected and must fulfill task to retain their new lives. Flash #7 Is a Rouge Profile issue starring Captain Boomerang that showcases his back story as he attempts a prison break for an inmate of Iron Heights Penitentiary.

Even though Barry Allen had been brought back to life at the start of the previous story in the limited series The Flash: Rebirth.This series only ran for 12 issues before writer Geoff Johns created the Flash-centric event; Flashpoint, that altered the timeline continuity that became known as The New 52. The Flash Rebirth was a celebratory and epic story of Barry Allen’s return, it acknowledged his history, influence and legacy and featured his most psychotic and dangerous foe. The Dastardly Death of the Rouges is more of a straight forward story, simpler that features The Flash’s main villains the Rouges as the main antagonists and their futuristic counterparts. Barry Allen gets back to his normal life after the mysteries that surrounded his return. The new series that was sandwiched in between two massive events told in the limited series; The Flash Rebirth and Flashpoint. It’s a great mystery and Flash story There is a few bonus as well the Secret Files and Origins 2010 issue that was a prelude to this new series and the Flash Facts backup stories. 

The Dastardly Death of the Rouges is in the first in the short lived series before DC relaunched its titles with The New 52. Rebirth was a large event story with lots of appearances form earths heroes and other iterations of the Scarlet Speedster, a massive story that re-invented the Flash. This murder mystery is a simpler story that’s a great and that’s good for new readers and new fans. It connects as part of the Brightest Day event somewhat loosely so it’s easy to follow and enjoy without having read the connected stories events. The Flash: The Dastardly Death of the Rouges is a fun and exciting story with Barry Allen back as main Flash in a new series by Johns and some wonderful art by Manapul. Rebirth was a Flash story very much invested concerned with Barry’s past while Death of the Dastardly Rouges is a new series going forward to a new big new event Flashpoint that’ll see the change of the entire DC Universe. 

The Flash: Rebirth Review

Hey everybody,

After I had read and hugely enjoyed Green Lantern: Rebirth by Geoff Johns and Ethan Van Sciver I became highly interested in Barry Allen's resurrection. This iconic character who is about to hit TV screens in a new live action series. Writer Geoff Johns has specified that this book serves as inspiration for the new show.

The success of Green Lantern: Rebirth led to popular acclaim for its creators and allowed them to revisit the concept for another classic DC character in 2009. The Flash: Rebirth gave Barry Allen the same treatment, which it had a lot to live up to. This six-issue miniseries celebrates Barry’s return to the DC Universe after a more than 23 year absence. Barry Allen died during Crisis on Infinite Earths #8 in the 1985 series. Barry's death was truly heroic and is often regarded as one of the greatest, most selfless sacrifices in superhero comics. It's probably why the character wasn't resurrected for so long. Barry became untouchable where no creator potentially taint the character's legacy. 

Barry Allen's eventual resurrection doesn't change the fact that his original sacrifice to stop the Anti-Monitor from destroying the universe remains one of the DC Universes most memorable and often-referenced moments. While some heroes had died saving a loved one, others maybe there beloved city or maybe even there home planet. Barry literally saved the entire universe from being erased from existence, he became a legendary hero. This Flash was a beacon of purity and inspiration which helped fuel the Flash lineage after he was gone for over 20 years. Barry’s return happened within the Final Crisis event and Flash Rebirth is the story that explores his return and the exploration of The Flash mythology.

Barry Allen has broke free from the speed force where he had been trapped and has now returned after a lengthy absence. While the stage is set for celebrations for both Barry Allen and The Flash's return, he is reluctant to do so and is still adjusting to a world where he was always felt so detached from. We see how is return has impacted the other heroes and speedsters and what he means to them. Forgoing the parties, Barry is eager to get back his role as The Flash, but all is not right for the speedster and his powers. Barry is a police forensic scientist and seeks out the mystery of what and why has corrupted his connection to the speed force and why others speedsters are being adversely affected by it. Barry's friends and family are also at risk with the change he is experiencing and flees back to the speed force to avoid harming anyone further. The Speed Force is a new addition to the Flash mythos, a major revelation in the story is about its origin. The Speed Force is a vaguely defined extra-dimensional energy force from which most, but not all, superspeed-powered heroes source their enhanced abilities.

The book and it’s issue covers contain some homages and references to key moments in The Flash's history including, meeting Jay Garrick the original Flash of the Golden Age, Barry’s accident, the race with Superman along with Barry's death and return. The travel through time system allows the story to refer to these moments along with the flashbacks into important events in his life as well as being integral to the story. As the nature of the story deals a tampering of the Speed Force, only one person could be responsible; Eobard Thawne/The Reverse Flash/Professor Zoom. This series brings back the classic Flash villain as Barry’s ultimate nemesis that just lives to antagonize him and ruin his legacy. There is a big revelation but if you’re like me have pieced it together from the episodes of The Flash TV series.

This was a hugely enjoyable and great story that reintroduced the character into a new age.
Barry Allen was back and the whole Flash family had joined him for the start of a new era. It' s a big story with many supporting characters and  many speedsters including Wally West, Bart Allen/Kid Flash, Jay Garrick, Wally’s twins and Barry's wife Iris West-Allen along with Max Mercury the "guru" of the speed force.

The Flash Rebirth successfully brought back the character that was dear to so many fans hearts without undermining his ultimate sacrifice. It maintains the same style formula of story that the creators did with their previous rebirth miniseries story line with Hal Jordan Green Lantern. Re-Introducing the character and his history while telling a epic story that is a great starting point for new flash fans thus making Barry Allen the important Flash there ever was.

Really looking forward to the The Flash TV series starting on Sky 1 on October 28th 2014.

Hope you enjoyed this

See ya

K

New Graphic Novel reviews, Green Arrow: Road to Jericho, Batman: Zero Year-Secret City Volume 4 and Blackest Night

Hello all,

Few new book reviews, Green Arrow: Road to Jericho, Batman: Zero Year-Secret City Volume 4 and Blackest Night.

Batman Volume 4 Zero Year - Secret City

Batman Zero Year is a new take of the Batman origin. Since the New 52 relaunch DC Comics has changed, it has altered and modernized many of its heroes and villains in the DC Universe. Batman Volume 4 collects issues #21- 24, the first half of the Zero Year story arc.

Initially conceptualized as a Batman story line, that was announced in November 2013 and several titles would tie in directly to the "Zero Year" story arc. Writers of various titles in The New 52 were given the opportunity of writing a tie-in that would include their connections to Gotham City and first encounter with Batman. The Flash, Green Arrow, The Green Lantern Corps and Superman along with others in the Batman line, Batgirl, Batwing, Batwoman, Birds of Prey, Catwoman, Detective Comics, Nightwing, and Red Hood and the Outlaws all feature a tie in.

The Batman origin story has been told many times; most notably in 1987 by Frank Miller's and Dave Mazzucelli's Batman: Year One. This tale is hugely influential and that's still evident here in this modern retelling of the Batman origin story, along with the Batman Begins film of 2005 and more recently in comics the alternate origin story within Batman Earth One. Some would say the notion of redoing an origin over Miller's classic was untouchable. When I first learned that the next story arc in the New 52 Batman comics was going to re-tell the origin story, I felt unfavorable to the concept, the previous three aforementioned stories had been so well established in my mind. I loved the movie which was the reason that got me into comics and the Batman Earth One and Year One stories are two of my favorite Batman graphic novels and the latter my first graphic novel, if I didn't enjoy it I wasn't sure comics would have been for me, but I loved it hugely and continued getting into Batman books. Batman Earth One was an alternate origin told by one of my favorite and the best modern comic book writers Geoff Johns.

After Scott Snyder's and Greg Capullo's hugely successful and critically acclaimed run on Batman, the Owls saga; Court of the Owls and City of the Owls were a completely new facet and antagonist for the Batman. The idea of the city being as big a character part of the story also exists here. Then later their take on the return of Batman's arch nemesis the Joker was a brilliant story and one of the best Joker stories ever. I loved it, how could they follow it up after telling the best Joker Batman story of recent times? I became interested to see their take of the origin story of Batman. 

Starting off with Bruce Wayne as costumed Batman, taking place six months earlier in a four page prologue in a unrecognizable savage Gotham City, our story then skips back to five months earlier which see’s Bruce in a disguise in the middle of an encounter with the Red Hood gang. With a bag full of gadgets and Alfred in his earpiece providing him with information, Bruce dangerously but successfully saves the hostages from the Red Hood gang. The gang consists of wealthy Gothamites blackmailed into joining the gang by it's leader Red Hood One. You later see the frustration as Bruce's initial attempts at being a vigilante are failing, he has the skills, the methods and the gadgets, but some element is missing. Its not working. Where as Miller's Year One was a decidedly low tech Batman, Snyder’s is quite the opposite, Bruce is determined to take on the gang that is the biggest threat to Gotham. As the story progress you see that Bruce coming up short and needs to become the Batman. There are many familiar elements here that are consistent with the best known origin; young Bruce falling into the cave and the iconic moment of an injured Bruce seeing the omen of the bat and declaring "Yes Father I will become the Bat" straight from the pages of Miller's Batman Year One.

A Batman origin story is best when he takes on a non-super powered antagonist, like Carmine Falcone's and the mob in Year One. A great twist here in this tale is with the ever increasing gang of red hoods that can be anyone, anywhere. It's interesting to read throughout the story and notice the mannerisms and language of the leader of the gang, Red Hood One, it’s intriguing to see is this Red Hood, is he the man to destined to become the Joker? Is this his origin and beginning of his crime career? Before the Joker was never a factor in Batman's origin so this was a nice addition. This along with the backup stories at the end of the book showing up where Bruce got various types of training are nice bonus. Uncle Philip Kane is a new addition to history of Batman and his desire to have Bruce return to claim his place in the company, but yet his association with a certain somebody make his a suspicious individual. Jim Gordon plays less of a prominent role here as he did in previous origin stories; Year One, Earth One and Batman Begins. This first installment ends on an cliffhanger, it's likely that Batman Zero Year Dark City will feature the building of that partnership. Snyder’s earlier pre New 52 Batman: The Black Mirror was extremely reminiscent of Year One, getting to know Gordon and the bond between he and Batman. The Black Mirror is a one of the best modern Batman graphic novels and I would highly recommend you check it our, you won't be disappointed.

It doesn't go over all the same moments, a key component that is omitted is the is the shooting of the Wayne's in Crime Alley. Again, it's likely that in later issues in the next part of the arc will cover some of these important story elements. Its an intriguing to see a story that we've all been told before but in new and refreshing way. Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's have already done exciting work on their Batman series. Although Batman’s Origin story is already so well known and legendary both in comic book form and live action, it is thrilling to see what these new creators would do with the already famous story. Although it may not have the same impact it’s a useful exercise in getting a new origin for a new generation. Exciting to see how these two creators would tell the origin story with their new twists and way of storytelling. Zero Year is especially praised for its unique spin on Batman’s origins, while also honoring the character’s history and spirit. 

How could you follow up the amazing Death of the Family story, that would be pretty hard to top, so taking it all back and tell a Batman story from the beginning was a stellar idea. If there is going to be a new origin for Batman it needs to be both retain familiar classic elements and well as new ones to make to stand out from the previous tales, and Batman Zero Year Dark City does just that and Snyder and Capullo were the right guys for the task. It is not a retelling of such origin stories like Batman:Year One but is a fresh take on the background of the Dark Knight.

Green Arrow Road to Jericho 

Road to Jericho is the 9th and final volume in this Green Arrow series collecting issues #66 -75 before Oliver featured in a new series with Dinah Lance titled Green Arrow/Black Canary.

What happened to Oliver Queen during the time before he became Mayor of Starling? Batman, Red Hood, Brick, Merlyn, Constatine Drakon, Deathstroke and the return of Black Canary all take place in this collection and finale. Road to Jerhico is a follow up that relies very heavily on the events of Green Arrow Crawling Through The Wreckage. The first three issues cover the events that took place preceding the events of the last volume. Oliver is again on an not so isolated island but this time he is here to improve on his training, this will only seem repetitive to the reader if they have recently read a origin story like Green Arrow Year One. The later story picks up from the last collection as Green Arrow teams up with Batman, as he comes to Starling City to track down the Red Hood.

The story opens on a wounded Oliver Queen and takes us back to fill in the blanks of the One Year Later event. Oliver, Mia and Conner are all on an island, Oliver feels the necessity to retrain himself and his partners to contend with the escalating threats they face. He has hired an assassin named Natas, the man who trained Deathstroke. These first three issues fill in the events of the year that Green Arrow was absent from Star City, as mentioned in the previous arc; Crawling Through The Wreckage. The rest of the story picks up where the last book left off. Oliver continues to deal with the crime in the Glades and as his role as Mayor. Things gets very interesting when Bruce Wayne shows up in StarCity and as Batman is on the trail of his former sidekick turned self styled vigilante the Red Hood. Writer Judd Winnick first created this character during his time writing Batman. I loved that aspect of this story, Batman Under the Red Hood is one of my favorite and one of the best animated Batman movies. The film is based on Judd Winick's Batman "Under the Hood" story arc and here you get to back to the character from Winnick's creation.The final arc follows Deathstroke and Drakon's escape from Alcatraz prison while continuing their feud with Green Arrow and these assassins are causing political difficulties for Mayor Queen.

A lot happens in this volume, from Oliver's time on the island to teaming up with Batman against the Red Hood, threats to his role as Mayor and the return of the two assassins seeking revenge against Green Arrow. The book and series ends on a high note. I liked the book the Red Hood arc was the most interesting to me and the great return of Deathstroke. Fascinating story and a great send off for this series. The book is very good full of great moments and the flashback to one year later missing events are just there to fill in the gap it serves a purpose within the story. The idea of a non powered superhero needing to retrain to be able to compete with the ever increasing threat of criminals was a worthy and thoughtful addition to the arc. I was extremely curious to what happened to Oliver during his time away along with to how is so skilled with a katana sword. Although the main draw of this volume presents itself later, the events the one year on the island was not a filler or wasted storytelling. Oliver and Dinah Lance/Black Canary are reunited and have a very personal reunion . A big part of Green Arrow is his true love Dinah Lance, and they share an intimate discussion about their love for each other, it's a pleasant change of pace for an action packed story. It is a worthy sequel to the events of Crawling Through The Wreckage so make sure and check that out first.

All in a all great book and one I was very much looking forward to with the inclusion of Batman and Red Hood featured in the for a segment of the story. Thrilling to get another face off between Green Arrow and worlds greatest assassin Deathstroke so shortly after their recent clash. It does feel like a grand finale of the series, all the stops are pulled out for this heroic showdown that has been building up to. My favorite moment of the end of the series the return of one very fan favorite arrow. The plot building in the background of recent issues of the series come into play in a grand finale. After the One Year Later events are revealed The Red Hood/Jason Todd, has come to Star City and Batman isn't far behind. The situation becomes one that will take the team of DC Comic's most recognizable vigilantes to handle. But with the likes of Brick, Merlyn, Drakon, and Deathstroke joining the fray in the aftermath, Green Arrow may have his work cut out for him. But all this action aside, the most important thing in this story is Ollie's relationships, most notably the one with long time lover, Dinah Lance/Black Canary. Great book with plenty to keep fans interested, action packed with quieter moments. Great end to a great series.

Blackest Night 

In the Blackest Night, the dead rise, the story that has been building for two years. Black Hand, a character that has been present in Green Lantern comics for some time and since Geoff Johns run has been preparing for his masters arrival for the Blackest Night. Across the Universe the dead have risen and are recruited into the Black Lantern Corps. Heroes and villains have risen for one purpose to extinguish life across the universe.This limited series collects the main story; Blackest Night issues # 0 - 8. It focuses on the events on earth and features various heroes of the Justice League while other aspects of the story being collected in Green Lantern and Green Lantern Corps books. Other tie ins of the story are available, collected in other editions of the story.

The prophecy has arrived. Black rings descend and reanimate the dead, the prophecy that Hal Jordan’s predecessor Abin Sur had feared. The book gives a text introduction to what have happened before. The story begins with the main characters; Green Lantern Hal Jordan and Barry Allen/The Flash at the unmarked grave of Bruce Wayne/Batman. Barry, who has recently returned to life, is our point of view character at various points of the story including here where Hal fills him in how Batman died and what other heroes have passed away during Barry’s absence. Hal shows Barry all the heroes that have died in a double page spread using the power of his ring. So it helps the reader follow on what has transpired before this story.

Death is always something that was a big part of the DC Universe and now in the form of Nekron, the embodiment of death and leader of the Black Lantern’s poses the greatest threat to the Universe and all life. Many heroes like Superman, Green Arrow and the Flash have died and returned while others such as Arthur Curry/Aquaman and J’onn J’onzz/Martian Manhunter have been dead for some time. Earth’s heroes fend off the threat together. The dead just don’t return as mindless zombified versions but have a emotional response to those friends and colleagues they have targeted. As Barry Allen points out “Only the dead with emotional ties to people like us are rising. The rest are staying in their graves”.

Like Brad Meltzer’s Identity Crisis the story focuses on other heroes getting an opportunity to shine including Barry Allen/The Flash along with Aquaman’s wife Queen Mera, Ray Palmer/The Atom and the new Firestorm/Jason Rusch and Gehenna Hewitt. Although Hal is one the main characters in this book he is absent for a short time in the middle of the story as he must depart to fulfill his mission in order to help stop this threat on earth. His task is covered in collected edition of Green Lantern: Blackest Night. In the beginning of Part One, Hawkman and the Atom still dealing with the fallout events from the epic of Identity Crisis, this exemplifies how important of a story it is and some are referenced a few times. It is refreshing for a big event story like this where other heroes feature more prominently than the DC Trinity of Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman take a back seat in this story. But unlike Identity Crisis their presence isn't felt. There is a reference to how important these heroes are and at one point The Flash informs The Atom and Queen Mera that they must stand in for Superman and Wonder Woman in the event of this current threat.

Great that the story focus on Hal and Barry, the two most recently resurrected heroes in the DC Universe, both their “Rebirth’s” were written by Geoff Johns. Hal and Barry have both recently returned from the dead and with their former team mates so far being denied the same privilege. Aquaman, J’ohn J’onzz and others possibly harboring some resentment towards the duo.The Blackest Night has been two years in waiting, sometime big event comics don’t live up to the hype, lose their grasp or going off-road with story quality declining halfway. This does not, each chapter gets better and better while the quality of storytelling remains consistent and has the threat ever increasing going from bad to worse for our heroes. It’s a thrilling story full of amazing, shocking and one particularly very sad moment.The art is stunning, Ivan Reis who has previously worked on Green Lantern comics does some gruesome artwork and great double page spreads and some great crowd scenes. I'm now a new fan of his since his work on New 52 Justice League. I appreciated how the dead see the emotional spectrum aura of their victims and how it changes depending on their emotional state.

The story is filled with some great fanboy moments including one that was so big that was spoiled by DC Universe Classics Wave 17 action figures here. There are some revelations to change that mythos and what we thought we knew according to one of the Guardians of Universe. As within the Sinestro Corps War it was revealed that Oa was not the center of the universe, instead earth is and this story shines some light on to the reason why. As a Green Lantern, Hal Jordan has faced his two biggest challenges, The Sinestro Corps War and The Blackest Night, fear and death, both things Hal has overcome before and now with the Blackest Night he must face and defeat death once more. This is a big story that is open to analysis and interpretations. It is one of the biggest event stories in comics, it also feels like it would make a great movie, it action packed on a large scale. It was a momentous and epic story.The miniseries event from DC Comics does double-duty both as a line-wide DC crossover and another chapter in writer Geoff Johns's ongoing Green Lantern series that has both engaging with emotional depth.

That is it for now. Check back for more soon, including Flash: Rebirth, Batman: Birth of the Demon and Green Lantern/ Green Arrow collection.

K