Flash 231 – 246

The Flash (Volume 2) #231
Written by Mark Waid
Art by Daniel Acuna

And it begins….Wally West returns as the Flash with his two kids as sidekicks. Now I am not an expert on genetics by any means…but I am pretty sure that if Wally and Linda had children, BOTH would have dark hair and both would have aspects of Linda’s Asian descent and Wally’s Caucasian descent in their faces. Instead we have Jai looking completely Asian and Iris looking completely Caucasian and Iris has red hair. Makes no sense, but whatever it’s not that important I guess. I like Acuna’s art despite other people’s complaints and I did like this issue. I wish that in their little retrospective they didn’t ignore Bart who DID work out of Keystone for a bit before moving to L.A.

The Flash (Volume 2) #232
Written by Mark Waid
Art by Daniel Acuna

So the Flash manages to freeze all of Keystones in order to fight an incoming invasion of….Vagina Monsters?! Haha well that’s what it looks like sorry. Acuna’s art was still good but I don’t know how I feel about the colorist this issue, everything was a little bland. As for the story, the monsters seems kind’ve interesting but I wish this issue focused more on Wally then his kids as they take up about half the issue.

The Flash (Volume 2) #233
Written by Mark Waid and John Rogers
Art by Freddie E. Williams II and Doug Braithwaite

This was by far the best issue since Wally returned. We get more Flash then his kids and we get an excellent back up starring Jay Garrick. The Justice League also guest stars. I love Wally’s response to Batman telling him how to raise his kids, noting that Batman has gone through four Robins. I am glad Waid hasn’t forgotten Stephanie. I actually think I liked the back up better with the Planet Salvoth, I love how they look like dogs and the art was fantastic with Braithwaite. I miss Acuna’s art but Williams wasn’t too bad this issue.

The Flash (Volume 2) #234
Written by Mark Waid and John Rogers
Art by Freddie E. Williams II and Doug Braithwaite

The back-up story continues to be good and the main story is really picking up in this series. I find the kids a little annoying still but oh well it was still good. I have to wonder how these kids, if they aged instantly, make pop-culture quips and know how to even talk. Were they put in a virtual environment like Bart Allen was? I don’t know and I suppose it will never be explained. I also question why Wally would go after the vagina monsters (yes I am just going to keep calling them that), when they seem to have left. If they don’t pose a threat anymore, why be so aggressive?

The Flash (Volume 2) #235
Written by Mark Waid and John Rogers
Art by Freddie E. Williams II and Doug Braithwaite

The back up story connects to the main story here as we learn the Vagina Monsters are actually the Swamp Invaders from Planet Sorvath. In the main story, we get a nice scene where Wally talks to Jai about the fact that he may age till death quickly. (All of this remind me of the movie, Jack, with Robin Williams) and the Justice League acting kinda jerky toward Wally but otherwise the back up story is what has made this  good.

The Flash (Volume 2) #236
Written by Mark Waid and John Rogers
Art by Freddie E. Williams II and Doug Braithwaite

This concludes the opening arc in a very satisfactory way. While a lot of people were underwhelmed by this, I thought it was really good. I especially loved the back up story’s conclusion, and the final line where he says “I did not know ‘The Flash’. I knew Jay, Barry, Bart, and Wally. Waid and Rogers really get the humanity behind the character of the Flash and they show it here, especially in Linda’s speech to the council. Good stuff.

The Flash (Volume 2) #237
Written by Keith Chamagne
Art by Koi Turnbull

This fill-in issue was pretty decent. At least the writing was, the art was pretty awful. Look at that security guard guy, why is he so big! Who looks like that! Basically the kids fight Livewire while on a scavenger hunt in Metropolis, while the Flash goes to interviews. I like that Wally has to deal with things like interviews while being a superhero, it makes the character so human and down-to-earth. Chamagne is almost always a good writer, he needs to be given a regular book.

The Flash (Volume 2) #238
Written by Tom Peyer
Art by Freddie E. Williams II

Tom Peyer begins his run on The Flash by introducing a new villain with one of the best concepts for a villain I have seen in a long time. Spin apparently plays on society’s fears and makes it a reality, like how the news plays on the fears of society. Very interesting stuff and a nice commentary on the state of modern tv news. I liked this a lot and I look forward to Peyer’s run on the series.

The Flash (Volume 2) #239
Written by Tom Peyer
Art by Freddie E. Williams II

So it looks like Gorilla Grodd is behind the new villain, Spin. This was a good issue and I like Wally’s new job. Pretty cool. Peyer doesn’t write Jai and Iris to be quite as annoying as Waid did, but I still can’t really warm up to them. I wouldn’t be stressed if the people of Keystone turned against the Flash after the whole robbery thing even without Spin’s influence. People are easily manipulated.

 

The Flash (Volume 2) #240
Written by Tom Peyer
Art by Freddie E. Williams II

Spin turns Keystone City into a living newscast in this issue. This is a really creative plot and I recommend people check it out. Peyer is definitely a good writer. The kids are kidnapped by the Dark Side Club, tying into Final Crisis. And it looks like Iris has aged to an adult. Grodd is one pissed off gorilla.

The Flash (Volume 2) #241
Written by Tom Peyer
Art by Freddie E. Williams II

While it didn’t seem like it, a lot did happen this issue. Spin reveals his origin, and Grodd and the Dark Side Club are defeated. Iris is not aged (yet Williams draws her face as being exactly the same, because he can’t really draw that many faces.) To top it off, Wally has to save Inertia from the burning Flash Museum. I almost forgot Wally put him there, what a perfect punishment that was.

 

The Flash (Volume 2) #242
Written by Tom Peyer
Art by Freddie E. Williams II

Wow, did that just happen? Did Iris just age and die? They were so close to saving her? Something tells me there is still hope. Her aging would be so much better if Williams knew how to draw different ages, she basically looks the same the whole issue but is talking as if she is aging more and more. It really distracted from the story. Williams does draw a cute Nzame though. I will give him that. The whole Edwar Martinez thing was really sad, and the murder plague is creepy. Good stuff.

The Flash (Volume 2) #243
Written by Tom Peyer
Art by Freddie E. Williams II

In this excellent conclusion to Peyer’s story arc, Iris and Jai are finally cured after Wally removes the black aspect of the speed force from them? Ya it’s kind’ve a weird way of saving them, but it works. I was hoping there powers would be gone so they wouldn’t were those hideous costumes anymore but they are still there. Peyer’s arc was really good and I hope he comes and does more stuff for DC in the future.

The Flash (Volume 2) #244
Written by Alan Burnett
Art by Paco Diaz

I am not sure how I feel about this issue. It makes me sad that this arc is just depowering Wally so that Barry can come back and be the best Flash or some shit like that. Fuck you Didio and you’re let’s revert the DCU to 1984 attitude. Anyways, at least he can hit the speed of sound, which I believe is what Jay can do. The art and writing is good though. I am glad that Williams is gone, I was so sick of his art.

The Flash (Volume 2) #245
Written by Alan Burnett
Art by Carlo Barberi

Okay If Linda is dead I am going to be really fucking pissed off. I doubt it but if she is that is so ridiculous. I am not one that freaks out every time they kill someone in a comic, but Linda’s death would so unnecessary. I am not sure what Black Lightning was talking about in the end with the spy thing. I did really enjoy the flashbacks to Wally’s time with the Titans though.

The Flash (Volume 2) #246
Written by Alan Burnett
Art by Carlo Barberi

Okay like I said if she is actually dead I am going to really fucking pissed and she didn’t get any better this issue. In fact, the Spectre even says she is going to die. I am hoping Wally will figure out a cure soon. Death by bee stings, I mean come on! Besides this, Burnett clearly knows his Wally West history as there are lots of flashbacks to his relationship with Linda and his time as the Flash. Good retrospective but I am worried about Linda.

I Will Miss You Bart

The Flash: Fastest Man Alive #13
Written by Mark Guggenheim
Art by Tony Daniel

Normally I would be like oh no why did they kill such a great character. But Guggenheim writes such an amazing final issue for the Fastest Man Alive that all thoughts like that were thrown out the door. I was honest-to-god sad seeing Bart die. His time as the Flash was tragically short, and as bad as this series was at first it has become really good lately. The rogues are certainly going to pay for what they have done. Bart was loved by a lot of heroes. Seeing Robin’s reaction to hearing the news is what got me the most. Tim has endured so much lately and the way that Daniel draws his reaction is just perfect. While I think the character was just annoying as Impulse, DC has done a great job of making Bart a great hero these last few years and I was so happy to see him honored the way he was over in Countdown. He got one of the best comic book funerals ever there. I am glad to have Wally back but I will miss you Bart. Rest in Peace.

Teen Titans 44 – 46

Teen Titans (Volume 3) #44
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Tony S. Daniel

I am psyched! Seeing one of my all-time favorite characters, Batgirl, redeemed like she is in this issue was sooo damn awesome! The final page was great and I have to give kudos to Tony Daniel for it. Everything else this issue is perfect and spot on. I loved every moment of it.

Teen Titans (Volume 3) #45
Written by Geoff Johns and Adam Beechen
Art by Al Barrionuevo

If anyone want to see a kickass cliffhanger ending, then look to this issue. Seeing the older Titans tell the Titans East and Deathstroke to “GET THE HELL OFF OUR ISLAND” gave me goosebumps and I actually screamed a hell ya out loud while reading. If this is what Adam Beechen’s run is going to be like, I am down for the ride.

Teen Titans (Volume 3) #46
Written by Geoff Johns and Adam Beechen
Art by Al Barrionuevo

While I liked the conclusion to this arc. I liked Donna saying that they are going to make Titans Island theirs again and Deathstroke giving his children a “real family” but I am disappointed to see that there really isn’t any closure to the Batgirl thing. She seems still willing to kill and then just disappears? What the hell! Oh well, you can’t have your cake and eat it too I guess. Sadly, this is Johns’s last issue with the title. I am going to miss you, Geoff, you made this title one of my favorites for forty-six issues.

Ten Atomic Bombs!

The Flash: Fastest Man Alive #12
Written by Marc Guggenheim
Art by Tony Daniel

Guggenheim writes the most suspenseful issue of this series yet. The ticking clock on this cover is symbolic of its pages inside. MY heart raced (no pun intended) for Bart this issue. I don’t know much about the Black Flash or what this means for Bart and I don’t know how Iris and Valerie are going to solve the problem of ten atomic bombs possibly hitting Los Angeles (Or the power of ten atomic bombs) but I am hoping they deal with it. The Rogues have absolutely fucked up this time. I am liking how this series and Teen Titans have really upped Inertia, not that I knew anything about the character before, but it seems now he has become this Flash’s archenemy. He is a pain in the Flash’s side constantly and I hate him, and to hate a villain means he is a great villain. Albeit, it doesn’t look like Inertia is going to be around much longer considering he is holding the power of ten atomic bombs inside of him.

Flash 9 – 11

The Flash: Fastest Man Alive #9
Written by Mark Guggenheim
Art by Ron Adrian and Art Thibert

New writer Mark Guggenheim begins his run on the Flash this issue and it is a total 180 from this title’s first run. From the get go, Guggenheim shows that his run is going to be good. Now, I have accepted Bart as the Flash for a while now, but for those who haven’t, I think Guggenheim will open their mind to Bart. This issue relected a lot on Bart’s past but at the same time moved the character forward and was a great jumping on point for readers. Bart decided not to join the titans nor the Justice League until he is ready and I think that was a good idea. Great issue.

The Flash: Fastest Man Alive #10
Written by Mark Guggenheim
Art by Ron Adrian and Art Thibert

Well, this was another great issue by Guggenheim, who seems to be redeeming this series to its former greatness. I really enjoyed this. Bart in Police Academy is really fun and cool. I loved his detective work on this issue as well. The last issue was pretty surprising, particularly if you are familiar with the character of Iris Allen. And it is soooo nice to see the Rogues again.

The Flash: Fastest Man Alive #11
Written by Mark Guggenheim
Art by Ron Adrian and Art Thibert

So Inertia is gathering the rogue’s together to destroy the Flash and to build a machine time? It may not seem like the greatest plot but Guggenheim handles it very well and makes it pretty exciting. Especially the last page, which is pretty shocking but not totally surprising. The Flashes have a history of revealing their identities to the public, but I wonder if this time it will stick or if it will go the way of Wally West’s secret identity? Who knows? All I know is that this story looks like it is going to be a roller coaster ride of fun.

PRAISE THE LORD!!!

Teen Titans (Volume 3) #43
Written by Geoff Johns
Art by Tony Daniel and Jonathan Glapion

Man, I just love you Geoff Johns. You are the best! This issue single-handedly restored my faith in DC. Batgirl is fixed! Cassandra Cain went rogue because she was being drugged, not on her own free will (if she did, it would be totally out of character). PRAISE THE LORD!!!!! I am so happy lol. I did a happy dance after reading this issue. Now even ignoring the whole Batgirl thing, this issue was still amazing. It was filled with action and so many great moments. Johns introduces us to the new Titans East with a bam. Everyone of them is interesting. Kid Crusader, Match, Risk, Sun Girl, Batgirl, Riddler’s Daughter, and Intertia, Joker’s Daughter. I am dying to find out more about this team and their kickass new headquarters. Oh and the art was damn near perfect. This arc is well-worth they hype so far.

The Flash 7 and 8

The Flash: Fastest Man Alive #7 Written by Danny Bilson and Paul DeMeo
Art by Ron Adrian and Rob Lea

This is the penultimate issue of Bilson and Demeo’s run and it looks like they are just getting good when they have to leave. That is sad but it’s how the comic business works. Anyways, this is a good issue and stuff. Bart moving to L.A. seems like a good idea, for now, but I hope he will return to Keystone City eventually because well, that is where the Flash belongs.

The Flash: Fastest Man Alive #8
Written by Danny Bilson and Paul DeMeo
Art by Ron Adrian and Art Thibert

The writing team may have started out horribly, but they are going out greatly. This was the best issue of the series to date. It was full of action and yet managed to move the character forward as well. It looks like the new writers will be continuing the Inertia storyline as well as they sort of set that up at the end of this issue. I am starting to get used to Bart as the Flash, finally. I love Wally but he will be back some day. I think it is time to let Bart ride the lightning.

Best Issue Of Series To Date

The Flash: Fastest Man Alive #6
Written by Danny Bilson and Paul DeMeo
Art and Cover by Ken Lashley

This series isn’t as bad as everyone said it was, and this issue proves that. Wally’s fate is finally acknoledged! This is the moment Flash fans have been waiting for. Was it satisfying? I guess, I mean it seemed kind of force when Wally and Jay basically give Bart their blessing but it works. It is kind of sad that Bilson and DeMeo are leaving this book so soon, at the same time I think they aren’t the best writers this series could have. I am glad to see that Griffin finally defeated, but I am not all that intrested in Inertia either. Bring on the real Flash Rogues! I liked the stuff about how Keystone is so happy to have the Flash back. It add a positive touch to this book. Other than the ending, I guess it was a mediocre comic, but definitely the best issue of this series to date.

The Flash 2 – 5

The Flash: Fastest Man Alive #2
Written by Danny Bilson and Paul Demeo
Art by Ken Lashley

Okay I still say the whole Bart Allen equals the new flash seems too soon. I feel like Wally had a lot more stories to tell. At the same time, maybe it was time for Wally to move on, I am not sure. This issue was better than the last though. At least I could tell what is going on in this issue. It still feels, I don’t know…unnatural to have a Flash series starring Bart Allen.

The Flash: Fastest Man Alive #3
Written by Danny Bilson and Paul Demeo
Art by Karl Kerscl

I liked the art in this issue a lot. Too bad it is only a guest artist. I already do not like the Griffin. Which probably means that Bilson and Demeo are creating a good villain. The romantic relationship between Valerie and Bart is another thing in this book that seems forced. Plus, how long ago could Valerie have been in high school that she would have been saved by Bart as Kid Flash. Bart was kid flash a year ago and was probably only Kid Flash for the most two years. It seems like that doesn’t make sense timeline wise but I guess it is not that important, maybe I am just being a continuity cop.

The Flash: Fastest Man Alive #4
Written by Danny Bilson and Paul DeMeo
Art and Cover by Ken Lashley

I am happy to say that I actually enjoyed this issue. Valerie and Bart don’t seem quite as forced anymore and it was cool to find out that the souls of Wally, Barry, and Max now live within Bart. It puts a new spin on the concept of a “legacy” character. I even dug the art. What a turn around for this series.

The Flash: Fastest Man Alive #5
Written by Danny Bilson and Paul DeMeo
Art and cover by Ken Lashley

This series has done a complete 180. I am loving it. The issue was a perfect blend of drama and super hero action. I am surprised to even say that I am starting to like Bart as the Flash. I don’t think I have read any series that has turned around so quickly. I hope Bart rescues both Jay and Valerie, but I have the feeling that they are setting it up for Jay to either die or lose his powers. While I love Jay, I understand that it is time for him to move on. I think there should only be one Flash in the DCU for now.