One man CAN do it all! Francis Manapul, in the same manner as Tony Daniel, proves that it IS possible for one man to author the writing and artistic duties of one book and make it good!
With the world assuming Barry Allen to be dead, he takes refuge in an unfamiliar city, keeping his eyes and ears open to his enemy’s movements. Desperately trying to learn from the Batman’s playbook, Barry is unclear of where to begin. In need of a drink, he finds a dive bar looking for help, and decides to apply for the job.
Of course, why wouldn’t both Captain Cold and Heatwave make an appearance? What’s a good Flash comic without a little hot and cold pressure right? Apparently Heatwave blames Cap’n Cold for something that happened to the Rouges, and Cold disagrees. Now the Flash has to try and save the city, and more importantly….his job.
The whole brawl takes place in one tiny location – a bar. But it doesn’t stop the super powers within using all their gifts at full force. It’s amazing how epic and exciting a comic can be despite its limited space.
There’s also a nice little chemical knowledge that Barry bestows on Captain Cold’s drink. See, science is important!!
Patty Spivot has a nice little moment of angst as her boss reprimands her for overstepping her bounds on a case. In turn, however, David inserts his foot into his mouth by reminding her he’s “down one man.” OUCH! Nice slap in the face there David! We’ll see if this comes back to haunt the big boss in later issues.
Mr. Elias had a few course words to say about the whole supervigilante epidemic, mostly focusing in on the Flash. Giving the “power back to the people” also came with a very deliberate smile, alluding of terrible things to come. Was this a warning to someone in particular or simply an unknown foreshadowing?
There’s so many new questions coming out of this book without bringing the story down. The books end shows a very familiar face (if you followed the Flash prior to the reboot) which raises the question, is someone rounding up the Rouges? And if so, why?
Manapul, with help from Buccellato, brings everything to the table, and then some. The only issue I have is with Marcus To’s pencils. It’s all very good, but Manapul’s “sketched out” look is much more appealing to my eye. However, I’m not knocking To’s work, simply voicing my opinion of the differences.
This issue is a lot of fun and will make you yearn for more. More to come in 30!
