Although the cover teases the first appearance of the New 52 version of the Reverse-Flash, which we only get in final couple of panels, most of The Flash #19 deals with Barry Allen stopping the prison break of the Trickster and several other prisoners caused by the Outlander Nation.
Once again Francis Manapul is back to do the issue’s cover, but the art inside the book by Marcio Takara, which isn’t bad, is certainly a step down from what we were getting before. The storyline of Barry working without his powers, which is never properly explained here to anyone not reading Dial H for Hero, works all right, and by the end of the issue the Flash has his powers back and things are back to normal.
That is until the comic introduces the new version of the Reverse-Flash (whose awesome original costume has been thrown away for yet another lackluster New 52 redesign). It will be interesting to see what version of the character has made it into the New 52 and what exactly his plans are for the Scarlet Speedster. For fans.
Scheduled for release on June 30th, here’s a behind-the-scenes look at DC Animation’s latest straight-to-DVD animated film, Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox. Based on the events of Flashpoint, the six-month mini-series that helped launch DC Comics New 52 Universe, the story centers around the Flash (Justin Chambers) fracturing reality in his attempt to change the past and finding himself trapped in an alternate timeline where the Justice League doesn’t exist (but other version of classic DC heroes and villains do). Inside you can find the full press release as well as the first pics from the film.
Things are going pretty well for Barry Allen. He’s in a committed relationship with a woman who knows his secret, the Flash is back in the good graces of Central City, and he’s working to get his old job as a police scientist back. However, there are still issues for the Scarlet Speedster to solve including helping repair the damage of the the ape attack, looking into who might be framing the Trickster for murder, and watching out for a pair of would-be super-heroes enhanced by their time trapped in the Speed Force.
Brian Buccellato takes over the sole writing duties for this issue and Marcio Takara steps in to do the artwork for a missing Francis Manapul giving the comic a sleeker look. The art is good, but the layered panels that flow into each other, which the comic is known for, don’t quite have the same zip.
Even with Manapul’s abscence the comic works pretty well, although I’m less sure of the storyline that unfolds concerning the Outlander Nation or Barry Allen inexplicably suddenly loosing his powers (I’m also less than pleased I have to read the next issue of Dial H to apparently find out the cause). Worth a look.
Although the storyline has overstayed its welcome by at least one issue (and maybe two), “Gorilla Warfare” comes to a satisfactory end here as the Flash battles Groddinside the Speed Force, Iris and the other victims trapped inside finally make it home, the Rogues‘ heroic stand comes to an end, and Barry Allen officially returns to the land of the living (using a similar ruse to bring back Clark Kent after the Death of Superman storyline).
Co-writer/artist Francis Manapul gives us plenty of action for the finale and manages to wrap up quite a few lingering threads in the process. He also foreshadows what’s coming next for the fastest man alive which includes more trouble with Dr. Elias and the first appearance since Flashpoint of the Reverse-Flash (who sadly, like nearly every other DC character, has gotten a thoroughly awful makeover).
The Flash #17 is a good conclusion to an arc that I enjoyed much of but am happy to see end. I’m interested to see what version of the Reverse Flash we’ll be getting, but I can’t be anything other than disappointed by another unnecessary redesign of a classically cool costume. Worth a look.
I’ll be honest, I haven’t looked at the current Supergirl title since the first days of the New 52 and I haven’t been keeping up with Superman, either. That means I felt a little lost at the beginning of this “He’l on Earth” tie-in, but what I really picked up the issue for, Supergirl going one-on-one with the Flash, the comic delivered.
From what I could understand there’s an alien named He’l who wants to travel back in time to save Krypton. A somewhat smitten Kara is in favor, while Superman is not. While the Man of Steel and (apparently) the Justice League are busy with He’l this issue focuses on the Flash fighting, and trying to talk some sense into, Superman’s stubborn cousin.
There’s plenty of action along with a couple humorous surprises for the Scarlet Speedster as his discovers that Superman not only has a zoo in the Fortress of Solitude but also a dog. The story does a good job explaining how the Flash can keep up with Kara by choosing to focus on how the hero thinks and moves faster than everyone, even Kryptonians.
As Grodd and his gorilla army continue their assault on Central City the Rogues continue to do their best to fight back and Patty Spivot discovers the truth about Barry Allen.
I wouldn’t call the third issue of “Gorilla Warfare” filler, but does feel like The Flash is taking a bit of a breather before setting up the rest of the arc. The Flash spends nearly the entire comic comatose, his mind racing through the Speed Force showing him glimpses of the past and possible futures.
The art of these future-glimpsing splash pages is great, as we’ve come to expect from writer/artist Francis Manapul, but it does mean we get a little less content than usual. By the final panel of the comic our hero finally awakens, with the knowledge of the only way he can save his home is to turn himself over to Grodd.
With two issues left in the arc our hero is back on his feet with an impeding conversation with Patty, and a gorilla army to stop. Oh yeah, and Iris is still lost in time. Worth a look.
It appears Domo Toys has made an agreement with DC Comics to craft a line of 4in. Domo-ized DC heroes including Green Lantern, Superman, Flash and Batman as well as a collection of 2in. Blind Box figures which include Captain Marvel and Two-Face. You can find more pics after the jump.
“Gorilla Warfare” continues as the Rogues battle Grodd‘s invading gorilla army the Flash races a Speed Force-enhanced Gorilla Grodd around Central City who is determined to kill the Flash and claim the Speed Force for his own. Meanwhile, Turbine enlists the help of Patty Spivot and Solovar to help save both the scarlet speedster and Central City.
Once again writer/artist Francis Manapul delivers some great, and beautifully drawn, action that showcases Barry’s intelligence as well as his speed. It’s interesting to note that the first super-speed villain the New 52 sends against the Flash isn’t the Reverse-Flash (who we’ve yet to see) but a sped-up Grodd.
I’m not all to pleased with Patty discovering Barry’s secret identity, as I’d like to see the character phased-out of the New 52 as soon as possible, as this likely means she’ll be around awhile (or killed off rather quickly). However, I am glad to see the introduction of Solovar here as well as the idea that Barry’s super-suit doesn’t offer him the same protection while fighting other speedsters. Worth a look.
The Flash #13 begins the comic’s new arc “Gorilla Warfare.” With the newly reformed Rogues about to claim their first victory over the Flash all hell breaks loose as Central City is invaded by Grodd and his army of super-gorillas from Gorilla City. The scarlet speedster’s enemies have no choice but to team-up with the Flash or see their entire city laid to rubble (with them under the pile).
Part One of “Gorilla Warfare” is a hell of a lot of fun with tons of action as Central City’s hero and a collection of its most notorious enemies fight an army of attacking super-apes. The dialogue does a good job showcasing the incredulity of everyone involved with the situation they find themselves in, and once again the comic’s art by writer/artist Francis Manapul is terrific.
I don’t know if I’m ready to see the Flash battle Grodd for the next three months, but this issue certainly helps sell me on the idea of the multi-issue arc involving Grodd, the Rogues, and my favorite speedster. Worth a look.
Although not all DC’s Zero Issues have been actual origin tales (which is weird, because I thought that was the point?), Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato deliver just that in this retelling of the Flash‘s origin, the accident that gifted a police scientist with super-speed, and Barry’s Allen’s first adventure as the Scarlet Speedster.
For those familiar with Barry Allen, especially writer Geoff Johns‘ recent retelling his origin which introduces the idea of the unsolved murder of his mother which drove Barry to become a cop, there’s no much new. However, the use of Barry’s father as the man, innocent or not, convicted of her murder is worth noting. As is Barry’s obsession with proving his innocence.
Flash #0 also gives us the lighting strike which gifted Barry with his super-speed (thankfully the New 52 doesn’t figure out a way to “improve” the classic retelling the way they screwed up Captain Marvel), Barry’s creation of the suit which fits in his ring, and his first action all clad in red and yellow. Worth a look.
Although the cover teases the first appearance of the New 52 version of the Reverse-Flash, which we only get in final couple of panels, most of The Flash #19 deals with Barry Allen stopping the prison break of the Trickster and several other prisoners caused by the Outlander Nation.
As 
“Gorilla Warfare” continues as the 
The Flash #13 begins the comic’s new arc “Gorilla Warfare.” With the newly reformed 
Although not all DC’s Zero Issues have been actual origin tales (which is weird, because I thought that was the point?), Francis Manapul and Brian Buccellato deliver just that in this retelling of 
