Wally is enjoying a (very adventurous) vacation in Skartaris with his family. Meanwhile, Wally is…waitaminute…ALSO in the Watchtower? That’s where we left off last issue. Don’t worry, all will be explained, although it will more than slightly blow your mind. There are all sorts of dangers for both Wally and…Wally in this issue, and there are still plenty of mysteries to be explored. Wanna know more? Follow us after the jump!
SPOILERS AHEAD!
JUST A NOTE AS WE BEGIN:
In the waning days of the Silver Age (and yes, I’m called SilverAged Ed for a reason), one of the complaints about Superman was that he was SO overpowered. Need a planet moved? No problem. Super-hypnosis needed? Got that covered, too. Super-ventriloquism? Yep, that also. There was a time in the Bronze Age when they purposely decreased Supe’s powers just to make him more relatable (see “Kryptonite No More”, beginning in SUPERMAN #233 in 1971). I know, I know…WHY am I bringing this up in a FLASH review?
That seems to be where we are with Wally West right now. I get it – some people lost their powers (Barry), others gained powers, and others had their powers change. That seems to be happening throughout the FLASH family, but wow has Wally upgraded! He can now split into two – not a remnant, not an illusion by running back and forth quickly, but literally split into two different people! And that appears to be just the beginning.
The new suit (cool suit, BTW), I’m a fan) is part of this, appears intended to help Wally contain all the possibilities of his new power set. And no, I’m not missing the fact that just about EVERYONE in the Flash family seems to have some new powers…
All this is to say that, while the story IS interesting and I AM on board, I worry a bit. I’m hoping we don’t end up with a Wally who has absolutely no limits to his powers.
Okay, enough of that, let’s get to the review:
REVIEW:
The Watchtower-Wally (got to separate them somehow) is working with the Justice League on a worldwide phenomenon. Psychic signals circling the globe are creating intense rage, pitting people against each other in deadly fights. Watchtower-Wally is almost caught up in that before Irey shakes him out of the influence of that signal.
Irey is NOT happy that Wally has split in two – and she goes back to Skartaris to tell off Skartaris-Wally…who had no idea what was going on as Watchtower-Wally and Inspector Pilgrim/Wade “tweaked his memory”. But no chance to explore that as…
The Flash family is attacked! They fend off the attack, but not before a LOT of strange things happen (you’ll have to read that for yourself).
Skartaris-Wally investigates more and finds a place where his powers…vanish! Is it “togetherness” of the Flash Family that makes a difference? Or is is that dog that Wally didn’t remember having that is hanging around now? That is something we’ll have to find out more about next issue.
NOTES:
Great script by Si Spurrier. The plot may be wild, but it remains easy to follow – and I love the interactions between Wally and Irey (see below).
Irey continues to shine in this story. It’s not just her speed or the hyper way she does things – she also sees the connections between things (better than Wally? possibly) and contributes well to the storyline.
I continue to love the new uniform – well done, design team!
The artwork overall is excellent once again – thanks to Vasco Georgiev, Matt Herms, and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou.
ONE MORE NOTE: Yes, the phenomena each Wally is facing are likely connected. We just don’t know how yet…
SUMMARY:
Still hoping Wally won’t be too overpowered…but this issue is still a 9/10. At least, that’s my opinion – what do YOU think? Leave your comments below!
– Ed Garrett. The post “So Below” Review of THE FLASH #15 appeared first on Speed Force.
Original:
https://speedforce.org/2024/11/so-below-review-of-the-flash-15/
DC has posted several preview pages from next week’s issue of The Flash, and you can see them at Adventures In Poor Taste. The preview features things going haywire on Earth and the Sun, and it may be connected to what’s going on in Skartaris…time will tell. Check it out at the link!
THE FLASH #15
Written by SIMON SPURRIER
Art by VASCO GEORGIEV
Cover by MIKE DEL MUNDO
Variant covers by DIKE RUAN and OZGUR YILDIRIM
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 11/27/24
As the Flash moves between his new role on the Watchtower and the family vacation, he comes across an old foe in a surprising place! Also, Irey West has a hunch her father is sneaking off during the trip, and she’s going to find out just where he’s going…
– Lia. The post Flash #15 Preview appeared first on Speed Force.
Original:
https://speedforce.org/2024/11/flash-15-preview-2/
DC recently announced an alternate universe sub-line called Absolute as part of their current All In push, which will feature re-imaginings of various heroes as underdogs.
Absolute Flash, by Jeff Lemire and Nick Robles, is one of the new titles, and it will be about a teenage Wally West getting his powers for the first time. We’ve had a brief glimpse of the upcoming book before, but a better look was released this week at New York Comic Con, including a look at Wally in action and several re-imagined Rogues.
Check out the full preview at Adventures In Poor Taste, along with some other Absolute titles.
– Lia. The post First Look At Absolute Flash appeared first on Speed Force.
Original:
https://speedforce.org/2024/10/first-look-at-absolute-flash/
DC has posted three preview pages from next week’s issue of The Flash, and you can see them at Adventures In Poor Taste. The preview features the West family going on vacation — but unbeknownst to them, the Weather Wizard went there first. Check it out at the link!
THE FLASH #14
Written by SIMON SPURRIER
Art by VASCO GEORGIEV
Cover by MIKE DEODATO JR.
Variant covers by DIKE RUAN and IAN BERTRAM
All In foil variant by DANIEL SAMPERE ($6.99)
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 10/23/24
Wally, Linda, and the kids come together in the wake of the losses suffered to heal as a family and figure out their new abilities. While this family trip has a unique destination — Skartaris, in the center of the Earth — Wally’s begun an evolution into a new form, and he’s not ready to share that with the rest of the family!
– Lia. The post Flash #14 Preview appeared first on Speed Force.
Original:
https://speedforce.org/2024/10/flash-14-preview-2/
The first arc of the Si Spurrier era of THE FLASH comes to an end here – so it’s a good time to talk about the story overall…and the ending. What will become of the Speed Force? What will happen to time itself? Will Wally fully reunite with the Flash family? And what about…aw, let’s get to the story already, okay? Wanna know more? Follow us after the jump!
SPOILERS AHEAD
Wally and Barry have successfully excised the poison from the Speed Force, but the battle is far from over. The Arc Angles are not through trying to kill time itself. As Barry runs off with the poison, Wally has to face one of the biggest internal battles of his life. The Arc Angles make one major mistake, though.
They threaten Wally’s family.
That’s when they learn just how fast Wally can be, and how he can use that sideways jump ability we’ve seen in this storyline. After saving his family, they in turn save the Speed Force…
…and in this issue we find that the Speed Force is alive…and ready to give birth!
In the end, we see a tremendous burst of power from Jai (you’ll need to read that to believe it), and everything turns back to (sort of) normal.
But – there is a new status quo.
Barry can no longer feel the multiverse.
Wally can see a future…and another Wally…and the two don’t trust each other
And are we about to see a dog with superspeed? Just asking…
Just my guess here – the “other” Wally may be the Absolute Flash that we will meet soon, so stay tuned…
NOTES:
Okay, let’s talk about the arc and where this title is going so far. Si Spurrier has been given the freedom to significantly change the tone of THE FLASH, taking Wally into a cosmic horror genre that is unlike anything we’ve seen, at least in this title.
In this arc, Spurrier basically told everything that was normal in the world of THE FLASH to get bent. Reality in the DC world, even time itself, was fractured and twisted into something very strange and new. The only caveat is that even major changes came at us so fast that we needed Wally’s speed to keep up. That wasn’t always easy in this arc, though things did pull together well as the storyline moved toward its conclusion.
I think it will take a little time (no pun intended) to get settled into some of the VERY significant changes to the world of our favorite speedsters. The Speed Force works differently now with different people, and even Wally has additional abilities that we could have never imagined before. I like the possibilities here, and as we see these changes in powers develop we may find a new life injected into the series.
SUMMARY
This is not your parent’s FLASH series – not even your older siblings’ version of THE FLASH. I don’t know how to compare this arc to previous creative teams – and perhaps that’s for the best. I’m still wrapping my brain around some elements – but I’m still in for the long haul. I’ll give the arc overall an 8/10 – but of course that’s just my opinion. what do YOU think? Leave your comments below!
– Ed Garrett. The post “And Everything After” – Review of THE FLASH #13 appeared first on Speed Force.
Original:
https://speedforce.org/2024/09/and-everything-after-review-of-the-flash-13/
DC has posted several preview pages from next week’s issue of The Flash, and you can see them at Adventures In Poor Taste. The preview features Wally’s last-ditch effort to save the Speed Force — and consequently all of time and reality — from the poison injected by the Arc Angles. Check it out at the link!
THE FLASH #13
Written by SIMON SPURRIER
Art and cover by RAMÓN PÉREZ
Variant covers by OZGUR YILDIRIM and MIKE DEODATO JR.
Artist spotlight variant cover by NICOLA SCOTT
ON SALE 9/25/24
Barry Allen has been to the ends of the Multiverse and back. Now, he runs into a danger unlike any he’s ever encountered, as the fate of not only the Speed Force, but all heroes, hangs in the balance. Barry’s Life Story flashes before his eyes as he begins his most important race ever.
– Lia. The post Flash #13 Preview appeared first on Speed Force.
Original:
https://speedforce.org/2024/09/flash-13-preview/
SO much going on in this issue! The tide is starting to turn…but has it turned too late? The poison that is set to stop time itself is heading to its target. The Fastest Flash has had his memories wiped, and his mentor has been forced to deliver the poison! The battle for reality is reaching its peak, and the only hope lies with the combined efforts of…The Flash Family! Wanna know more? Follow us after the jump!
SPOILERS AHEAD!
First an apology for the late review. Family medical issues – but don’t worry about us, things are going to work out okay. Now to the review!
As noted above, there is SO much going on in this issue! Barry has delivered the poison to its target and time itself is now in danger of ending. Wally is still mind-wiped and unable to help…at least at the start of the issue. By issue’s end, Barry and Wally are combining for a last-ditch effort to save reality, leaving the result for next issue. But, rather than go plot-point by plot-point, let’s talk about the exceptionally good things in this issue:
THE FLASH FAMILY IS BACK! All your favorites are here, including Max and Jay and Jesse. I’m a HUGE fan of these speedsters, and to see them back in action just warmed my heart. They make a difference – not just in the battle but in giving Wally the extra push he needs to get to Barry.
Jai and Irey continue to shine in their new roles. Irey in particular pulls a stunt that brings the Rogues back into play – but don’t worry, it’s for a good reason. She may turn out to be the smartest speedster in the DCU before long (she’s already well on her way).
Speaking of which, the Rogues are brought back into play, this time on the side of the good guys. They realize that they were tricked – and they help to fight back. There is a convenient plot point that will wipe their memory of this battle, but they provide an important distraction that helps the Flash Family in the battle.
And finally, Linda is STILL Wally’s lightning rod – and it matters more than ever in this issue! She is somehow able to psychically reach Wally and restore his memories. Abra Kadabra may have messed with her mind for a while, but Linda and Wally’s love still conquers all. Glad to see this restored in the storyline.
One note that will likely be debated among Flash fans. Evan McCulloch has been erased from history. He is not only dead – he never existed. I realize that his abilities had been SO increased that he was almost unbeatable, but it’s still an odd feeling to see one of the Rogues simply taken out of the timeline. (NOTE: as this arc has not ended, we’ll see if this status is permanent or not).
NOTE:
I’m glad to see that we are coming close to a resolution to this arc (at least it appears that way). This has been an excellent arc, with solid (if trippy) writing and amazing (if also very trippy) art. It’s just been a dichotomy I didn’t expect – I love horror titles, and I absolutely love stories centering on The Flash. I just never expected they would be combined into a cosmic horror title. It was difficult at first to adjust to the significant change in the title…but more recent issues have drawn me back in. This issue in particular was outstanding. I’m still in for the long run – hope you are as well.
SUMMARY:
An excellent issue that throws everything but the kitchen sink and somehow makes it work. I’ll give this issue a 9.5 out of 10. Of course, that’s just my opinion – what do YOU think? Leave your comments below!
– Ed Garrett. The post “Until Time Stands Still” Review of THE FLASH #12 appeared first on Speed Force.
Original:
https://speedforce.org/2024/09/until-time-stands-still-review-of-the-flash-12/
DC has posted several preview pages from next week’s issue of Absolute Power: Task Force VII, and you can see them at Adventures In Poor Taste. The preview features the turmoil of the Amazo speedster’s chase of Barry Allen throughout Central City, and it’s not without consequences for ordinary citizens. Check it out at the link!
ABSOLUTE POWER: TASK FORCE VII #5
Written by ALEX PAKNADEL
Art and Cover by PETE WOODS
Variant covers by SALVADOR LARROCA, TAURIN CLARKE, and STEPHEN PLATT
Connecting Variant Cover (8 of 12) by JOHN TIMMS
Foil cover by DAN MORA ($6.99 US)
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 8/28/24
Barry Allen is the lone speedster to still have his powers, staying barely a step ahead of the Flash-themed Amazo, VELOCITY, now powered by the speed of the rest of the Flash Family. While Barry must keep moving to avoid capture, he’s also working as a one-man communications network for the remaining free heroes. Can Barry continue to aid the Resistance, or has time run out for the Flash?
– Lia. The post Absolute Power: Task Force VII #5 Preview appeared first on Speed Force.
Original:
https://speedforce.org/2024/08/absolute-power-task-force-vii-5-preview/
DC has posted several preview pages from next week’s issue of The Flash, and you can see them at Adventures In Poor Taste. The preview features the deployment of the Arc Angles’ weapon to kill Time itself — at the expense of Wally West — while the rest of the Flash Family makes plans for action. Check it out at the link!
THE FLASH #12
Written by SIMON SPURRIER
Art and cover by RAMÓN PÉREZ
Variant covers by RAFAEL GRASSETTI and MATT TAYLOR
DC Super Powers variant cover by JASON GEYER and ALEX SAVIUK
Swimsuit variant cover by MIRKA ANDOLFO
$3.99 US | 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock)
ON SALE 8/28/24
The Arc Angles have gathered their forces and are ready to bring forth the new age they seek. But the Flash Family is gathered for a final stand while still dealing with public unrest and Waller’s forces. Will it be enough to stop the Arc Angles’ will? Well, the Resident and Linda have come to an epiphany, and have to risk everything to get to Wally…
– Lia. The post Flash #12 Preview appeared first on Speed Force.
Original:
https://speedforce.org/2024/08/flash-12-preview-2/
After some pieces of ABSOLUTE POWER came into last issue, we are back on track with the main storyline of this run of THE FLASH. Wally West has been systematically hollowed out. He is a shell of himself mentally, with almost no memory of who he is or who he loves. And, he’s being set up to do the bidding of the Arc Angles, while the rest of the Flash Family tries to figure out just what in the universe is going on. What is Wally’s ultimate mission? And, will he be stopped in time from changing…everything? Wanna know more? Follow us after the jump!
SPOILERS AHEAD!
The Arc Angles explain to Wally what they believe is the ultimate horror – change, or rather time itself! With time comes change, and with change comes the opportunity for pain and war and everything else that is bad. Are the Arc Angles completely missing the point? Probably – but they have immense power. And now, they have a plan. Get Wally up to maximum speed and then use the Crown of Thawnes to…kill time itself!
Barry Allen and the other speedsters are discovering that all the forces – Speed, Still, Sage Strength…all of them are made of time. And, the source of all of that is alive!
The Arc Angles explain to Wally that a being outside…everything…the “Deep Change” has been “dreaming” time into our universe, Creating the power of change. To the Arc Angles, change must be stopped. This being, to them, must be stopped. And as they explain all this to Wally, they are sending him as their weapon – the means by which the Arc Angles plan to kill time itself.
The plan is coming together. Everything in this volume of THE FLASH has been pointing toward this moment. And as this issue ends, the weapon has been fired. There is almost a glimmer of hope in Linda’s eyes…but whether that’s enough to save reality is something we’ll have to wait for next issue to find out.
NOTES:
This is a unique villain exposition – usually, when the villain reveals their plans, it’s to a fully cognitive hero who is about to turn the tables and save the day. No real purpose other than to brag. Not here – In this case, it’s a story with a purpose – to drive Wally into becoming the weapon that ends time. It’s a nice twist on an old trope.
The artwork continues to boggle the mind – it’s outstanding as always.
We are close to finishing this arc – I can’t wait to see how this resolves, and whatever may be coming next.
SUMMARY:
It’s all coming together in this issue – and I’ll give this issue an 8/10. Of course, that’s just my opinion. What do YOU think? Leave your comments below!
– Ed Garrett. The post “Cutting the Pie” Review of THE FLASH #11 appeared first on Speed Force.
Original:
https://speedforce.org/2024/07/cutting-the-pie-review-of-the-flash-11/
