The Flash (2012) Vol. 1 HC
Artist/Co-Author: Manapul, Francis.
Publisher: DC Comics,
Pub date: 2012
OVERVIEW
Struck by a bolt of lightning and doused in chemicals,
Central City Police scientist Barry Allen was transformed into the fastest man
alive.
Tapping into the energy field called The Speed Force, he applies a
tenacious sense of justice to protect and serve the world as The Flash! The
Fastest Man Alive returns to his own series.
REVIEW
One of the few outstanding bright spots in the DC New52
re-launch, the paring of previous Flash series artist, Manapul and colorist Brian
Buccellato now mashed together as co-authors as well. The rebooted Flash keeps
the legacy grounded with the silver age Barry Allen assuming the role of The
Flash from the very beginning, ousting the use of former series hero, Wally
West who is nowhere seen in this series. The original Flash, Jay Garrick kicks
off his own New 52 series in Earth2, this time as a younger version of himself.
The art is gorgeous with Francis Manpul’s layouts structured
in very daunting comic-bookish ways that stands out along with the initial Batwoman
series by J.H. Williams. The colors are watercolor-like in presentation and
again makes it stand out from other overtly computer-colored comics on the
stand.
The storyline though is a bit convoluted with a new protagonist
named Mob Deep, who’s initial story line and mystery doesn't really rev up the
series and sputters near the end of the arc. The re-imagined Captain Cold
though stood out, and hopefully the introduction of the new Rogues will
continue the upward spiral of this series.
RATING
3 out of 5 MONSTERS
