Review – The Flash #1 (DC Comics)

Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: Joshua Williamson
Artist: Carmine Di Giandomenico
Release Date: 22nd June 2016

Much like Barry Allen was pivotal in DC’s last universe-changing event, 2011’s Flashpoint, The Flash this time is front and centre for Rebirth, with the difference being his involvement is after the fact and not fuelling the whole shebang.

Saying that, unlike the previous issue, this new number one shifts the focus away from the big picture and instead focuses on re-establishing The Flash and his world and does so perfectly.

Joshua Williamson and Carmine Di Giandomenico feel like a natural fit for the series, setting things up nicely without overegging it, or dropping lots of hints to the future at the expense of the story itself.

Here again we see Barry Allen, the police scientist who despite being the fastest man alive, isn’t fast enough to save everyone, no matter how much he tries. Flashbacks show us the night his mother died and also the night he received his powers in a storm, a fateful event that is called back to later on in the issue.

With two Wally Wests running around the DCU now, there’s an argument that the New 52 version could be surplus to requirements, but Williamson shoots that one down in only a few panels, ensuring the character has just that: character.

It’s not all re-establishing though. New elements are slotted in neatly, like Barry’s CCPD colleagues Kristen (a new love interest?) and the cop August, an old friend of Allen’s who looks to have some interesting times ahead of him.

The excellent scripting would be nothing without Di Giandomenico’s stunning art though. Beautiful, clean lines and dynamic storytelling make him a prefect choice for the kinetic world of The Flash and he’s equally at home with the talking head scenes as he is with the action.

Ivan Plasencia’s colouring really draws out the best on the art too. Every panel just *pops* and the scenes where lightning is bursting out across the page are a joy to look at.

This is a team that absolutely gel together, so hopefully this is the start of a long, long run.

Basically everything you need to know about The Flash is in here, so even if you’ve never read it before, just seen the TV show, or are an old follower of the Speed Force, you need The Flash in your life.

Rating: 5/5.

PREVIEW ARTWORK
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