DC Comics reviews for 11/9/16 – All-Star Batman #4, Wonder Woman #10, Flash #10
The Flash #10
The Flash was another of the early Rebirth titles that had a longer than necessary opening story arc.
That doubly impacted Flash as other events in the DC Universe — namely Kid Flash’s debut and induction into the Teen Titans — required the title to ironically hurry and catch up.
With Godspeed wrapped, writer Joshua Williamson has more time to explore this new Kid Flash and Flash dynamic. There’s a certain pressure to get this right as that’s the only traditional hero/sidekick relationship in the DCU. Both Batman and Superman are mentoring their sons. It’s another matter entirely teaching someone else’s child.
If issue #10 is any indication, The Flash is going to be all the better from this fresh take on the Flash/Kid Flash relationship.
Williamson has a great handle on Kid Flash. Wally is a typical teen in that he thinks he knows more than he does and gets a little cocky as a result. But Wally has a good heart. Even when he’s going against Flash and his Aunt Iris’ rules, he’s coming from a sincere place.
Kid Flash is exciting about trying out his newly learned skills and even battling his first Rogue. But he’s just as concerned with making Flash proud while being in the shadow of Flash’s former sidekick and original Kid Flash, Wally West. Williamson still hasn’t been able to get a handle on the two Wally West problem, but The Flash has successfully reintroduced the legacy component that was so vital to DC’s pre-Flashpoint success.
Although the regular art team of artist Carmine Di Giandomenico and colorist Ivan Plascencia are off this issue, Felipe Watanabe and colorist Steve Wands fill in admirably. Flash has struggled in the art department when Di Giandomenico has needed breaks, but Watanabe proves up to the task. His expressive characters and solid posing — vital for a book about conveying speed— make Watanabe a strong fill-in candidate. Although not as intense and eye-popping as Plascencia’s work, Wands’ colors are bright and showcase the art well.
The return of a classic Flash and DC villain also helps add to the excitement. The Speed of Darkness gets off to a great start here and this is a strong jumping-on point for readers who missed the first arc.
Rating: 9 out of 10