DC Comics reviews 2/21/23 – Superman #1, Nightwing #101

The Flash #793

This is getting redundant, but the One Minute War arc has been a blast, but its impact has been significantly lessened due to the lighter, less intense artwork from Roger Cruz.

Cruz is a solid artist — see his work on Robin for an example, but his style doesn’t fit for every story. With a dramatic war with The Flash family against a group of invaders, Cruz’s style has been an awkward fit that’s not properly conveying the intense emotions and trauma.

Jeremy Adams is writing this arc appropriately big and important with great interaction between the various members of the Flash family — Irey and Jesse Quick have unexpectedly strong moments — and an adversary capable of being a threat for the entire group. But the story has to overcome artwork that makes Barry and Wally look the same age and an overall looseness with backgrounds and character expressions to rise to previous Flash arcs.

There are still some nice moments here particularly when Barry and Wally interact and a supportive Irey being there for her brother Jai.

Had regular artist Fernando Pasarin been able to draw this arc, One Minute War might have been one of the standouts of Adams’ commendable run. Wellington Dias’ colors are possibly too bright when paired with Cruz’s art making this war feel too cheery and hopeful than the story calls for.

Adams on Flash ensures that the quality won’t dip but so far, although this arc really would have benefitted from a different artist.

Rating: 7 out of 10